Thanks to Emmanuela for this great lesson summary:
SUMMARY OF LESSON Date: 16/10/17
Book for the students: “ENGLISH FILE” THIRD EDITION. Upper Intermediate
THE ESSAY
Learning how to write an essay.
Topic of the essay: It is unfair that English is the international language.
Before starting to write an essay:
Firstly, planning the essay
Finding your point of view about the topic: I agree with the topic/I don’t agree
What are the essay’s main points?
Introduction: using expressions for introducing the topic => Statistics say that…/ Most people think that…
Thesis: discussing about our point of view => I think that…/ In my opinion…
Different points of view: the arguments in favor or against the topic => Chinese is a more widely spoken language…
Evidence: finding evidence about our point of view, for example reporting quotations.
Conclusion: based on evidence of our opinion => Although there are different opinions…
In writing an essay, remember these rules:
Be focused
Pay attention to cohesion and organization of the text
Make your ideas developed
Check your ideas are substantiated (based on evidence) with reliable sources
Make sure it is well presented
Use appropriate language, for example with linking words (Although, despite, in addition, however etc.)
Pay attention to grammar and vocabulary.