ESSAY: Introduction

HOW TO WRITE AN ESSAY  

INTRODUCTION 
In the introduction, state the topic clearly, give a brief outline of the issue, saying why it is important or why people have different opinions about it.
- DO NOT express you opinion at the beginning of your essay (develop you essay in such a way that it guides the reader to the conclusion).

PARAGRAPHS
- Structure your argument. - Each new paragraph has one main idea, stated in a topic sentence.
- Include relevant details to support the main idea: these might include examples, rhetorical questions, controversial or surprising statements. 

CONCLUSION
- State your point of view or personal opinion and remember that your conclusion should be connected with the ideas stated in the Introduction 

GENERAL
- DO NOT use contractions or direct questions
- DO use a relatively formal language and an objective tone. Do not be too emotional.
- Remember to use linking words/phrases to organize your ideas and to make it easy for the reader to follow your argument.
- In the exam, allow yourself time to check your grammar, spelling and punctuation thoroughly.
- Use connectors to link your ideas

To express personal opinions: In my opinion, I believe (that) / I feel (that) / it seems to me / in my view /as I see it / I think / personally
To show purpose: to / in order to / so as to / so that
To list ideas: Firstly / secondly / finally / In the first place / Lastly
To contrast ideas: However / although / in contrast / whereas / but / nevertheless / in spite of / despite
To describe a cause: Because / since / as / due to
To show a sequence: First of all / then / after that / eventually / in the end / finally
To add information: In addition / moreover / what is more / besides / too / furthermore / and
To describe a consequence: Consequently / as a result / therefore / so / thus / for this reason / that is why
To conclude the topic: In conclusion / to sum up / in short / all in all/ To conclude