FCE Writing part

great essay:

6 points to remember when writing a

In your introduction
1. Start with a general statement.
2. Introduce the topic in the first paragraph, giving the whole picture and an introduction to both sides of
the argument.
In your 2nd , 3rd and 4th paragraph.
3. Explain the topic, giving specific examples.
4.Have a separate paragraph for the other side of the argument.
5.Use linking words to show the sequence of your ideas and when you are making an extra point.
In your conclusion.
6. Summarise your view using different words from the introduction. You might want to add some further
comment.
Heres a bit of practice before your initial writing:
Mark the correct phrase in each pair.
1 Flatmates often dont get on very well at first. In addition / In fact, they can have a lot of arguments.
2 Flats in my city are very expensive for one person. In addition / In other words, I like sharing.
3 Most people share household tasks. For instance / That is to say, they take it in turns to wash up.
4 I havent got room for a flatmate. Moreover / For example, I like living on my own.
5 I think that house would be too expensive. Similarly / Besides, its a long way from the centre.
6 Hes a nice guy to live with. Nevertheless / Whats more, he needs to help out more.
7 The flats on the fifth floor, and theres no lift. Because of this / Even so, we decided to rent it.
8 Its not very big. Even so / On the other hand, its right in the centre.
Key elements and tactics of a great introduction:
1. Your introduction has to be clear and concise (2-3 sentences)
2. Sentence 1-2 Write a sentence introducing the topic and giving some
background facts about it
3. Sentence 2-3 Write your opinion only if asked (give your answer/opinion in
the introduction and not just the conclusion) or write a rhetorical questions that
will link your introduction with main body
When looking at the topic you should underline key words in order to understand the question better and
to find synonyms or brainstorm ideas- this will help you come up with ideas to write about.
Your introduction identifies the subject the essay will discuss- you should indicate in your introduction
what question youll be answering.
Paraphrase structure of the topic sentence, use synonyms different words with a similar meaning and
move the order of the sentence around, dont copy exact words from the topic!
You must not start answering the question in the introduction you write this in the main body.
Avoid In this essay I will discuss

Essay question 1:
Many people believe that education is the single most important factor in the
development of a country. Do you agree?
2nd step- find synonyms of the underlined words
education- educational system, teaching, learning many people our society, citizens
development- growth, evolution, growing
important factor significant element
country- state, nation
agree- In my opinion, I think, myself included
3rd step- write the first sentence that deals with the general point of view.
Example:
There are numerous factors contributing to the prosperous economy of any nation ( this sentence looks at
the main topic from a general point of view).
4th step paraphrase the topic sentence and if possible include your opinion provided the
topic asks you to do it.
Some teachers and instructors argue that you shouldnt state your opinion in the introduction. However, in
order for the essay to be coherent its advisable to write what your opinion is in the introduction. If your
opinion is not stated in the introduction you have to make sure its in the conclusion, this only applies to
Yes/No or Opinion essays.
Avoid copying phrases from the topic question. Use your own words.
Example:
Nevertheless, our society, myself included, strongly considers academic knowledge as the most
significant element of the advance progression of the countrys life. (2nd sentence is actually the
paraphrased topic sentence + opinion).
Look at the essay question: Many people believe that education is the single most
important factor in the development of a country. Do you agree?
Vs
example: Nevertheless, our society, myself included, strongly considers academic
knowledge as the most significant element of the advance progression of the countrys life.
How has the essay question been paraphrase, what synonyms have been used?
Many people- our society
believe -considers
knowledge
most important factor- the most significant element
country -countrys life

education- academic
development -advance progression

Key element in this stage of the writing process is to find synonyms, as these will help you enormously to
write a great introduction.
5th step- Rhetorical question that allows you to list the reasons in the main body later on.
This question creates a great link between the 1st and 2nd paragraph plus it provides an intro to the
paragraphs in the main body
Example:
So on what grounds do many people base their opinion?
whole introduction:

Heres the topic question and

Education is the single most important factor in the development of a country. Do

you agree?
There are numerous factors contributing to the prosperous economy of any nation. Nevertheless, our
society, myself included, strongly considers academic knowledge as the most significant element of the
advance progression of the countrys life. So on what grounds so many people base their opinion?

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140- 190 words in an appropriate
style .You have recently had a class project on animal welfare and vegetarianism. Now your
teacher has asked you to write a composition, giving your opinions on the following
statement:
Some people believe that humans should not eat meat. Do you agree?
Write about:
- meat as a main ingredient of our diet
- vegetarians
- (your own idea)
Sample answer:
Most people think, myself included, that since animals eat other animals, it is
natural for humans to eat meat. However, some disagree, and a growing number
of people are choosing to become vegetarians. So what rationalism stays behind
these two beliefs.
You start with Paragraph 1- Introduction
Here you include:
A general statement/rhetorical question (its already given on the topic, your task is to
paraphrase it- use different words or grammar structures). In the sample answer weve used
most instead of some, believe was changed to think etc.
Qualify the argument
Explain further and maybe try to show several sides of the issue, consider it from different
angles, thinking, This part is right if This is true, except when This might work if The
reason this happens is because The underlying issues are
First of all I would like to say that humans have always hunted and eaten animals.
Maybe it is our natural instinct inherited by ancestors that forces us to seek this
type of food, however, it is undeniable, that meat is rich in vitamins and protein,
which help to build muscles and bones.
Paragraph 2:
Introduction = topic sentence which states the general idea discussed in this paragraph
Advantage 1 Reason Advantage 1 - Specific example 1
Your Advantage 1- is the point mentioned in the task. In our sample answer includes the
point about meat being the main source of energy
Make sure you use the following phrases when writing paragraph 2:
Introducing the topic
First of all I would like to say that
The first point I would like to make is
I would like to begin by
Many people think that
Some people say/claim
Why do some people believe ?
However, if that is the case, then why ?
Advantages
In the first place
The main advantage is that you are free to
There is no one else to
Then there is
Whats more
Another advantage is that

Another point worth mentioning is the fact it is difficult to have a balanced diet
without this crucial ingredient. In order to avoid some health problems such as
lack of energy or splitting nails we should make lean meat a part of our meal.
Paragraph 3:
Introduction = topic sentence which states the general idea discussed in this paragraph
Advantage 2 Reason Advantage 2 - Specific example 2
Your Advantage 2- is actually the point that hasnt been given in the task. However, its the last point- your own
idea. and because I believe that meat is good for you, I included this point just after the 2nd paragraph- which is
also in favour of eating meat.
Make sure you use the following phrases when writing paragraph 3:
Introducing the topic
Second of all I would like to say that
The next point I would like to make is
I would like to add
Many people think that
Some people say/claim
Why do some people believe ?
However, if that is the case, then why ?
Advantages
In the second place
The other advantage is that you are free to
There is no one else to
Then there is
Whats more
Another advantage is that

On the other hand, many vegetarians believe that eating meat is not only
unnecessary but also unhealthy. We can easily grow plants that give us all we
need in our diet, moreover there are numerous shops which provide supplements
that substitute meat.
Paragraph 4:
Introduction -use topic sentence
Disadvantage 1 Reason Disadvantage 1 - Specific example 1
Make sure you include the other point mentioned in the topic and add your own idea + the
following phrases when writing paragraph 3:
Disadvantages
On the other hand
Secondly,
Another disadvantage is
Last but not least, . .
Linking words- essential practice when
writing an essay
In my view, there are strong health reasons for not eating meat. However, if we
become vegetarians for moral reasons, I think we should also not wear fur or
leather.
Paragraph 5- Conclusion
Summarise your view using different words from the introduction. You might want to add
some further comment.
Summarising phrases you have to use:
In conclusion (I believe that)
To sum up, there are arguments
However, in my view .
Once you have written the essay do check if
you have the following:
1. I have answered the question.
2. The sentences and organisation are clear and logical.
3. Arguments are followed by reasons and examples.

4. Both sides of the argument are given equal treatment.

5. It is clear what I think by the end.

6. The style is consistent and neutral.

7. I have checked: length, grammar, spelling,

punctuation and linking expressions.