Elena Velikaya, National Research University-Higher School of Economics

Essay Writing in English

(practical tips)

IELTS exam type of essay

Text structure

Introduction:

1. Topic sentence – introduces the subject, why it is important

2. Scope of answer

Main part

1. First main idea, argument, example

2. Second main idea, argument, example

3. Third main idea, argument, example

Conclusion

1. Summary

2. Personal viewpoint

Practice (Essay title)

‘There are many different types of music in

the world today. Why do we need music? Is

traditional music of a country more

important than international music that is

heard everywhere nowadays?’

You should write at least 250 words.

Practice (Essay title)

‘Evaluate the main arguments for and against

the censorship of films or TV programmes for

children’.

You should write at least 250 words.

An essay in Economics (an issue in Macroeconomics)

Main part:

1. Economic reasons, effects, examples

2. Political reasons, effects, examples

3. Psychological reasons, effects, examples

Number of marriages and divorces in the USA, 1970-2000

Global water by sector

Average weekly expenditure

Average distance in miles travelled per person per year, by mode of travel

1985 2000

Walking 255 237

Bicycle 51 41

Car 3,199 4,806

Local bus 429 274

Long distance bus 54 124

Train 289 366

Taxi 13 42

Other 450 585

All modes 4,740 6,475