6 Secrets to have a Great Writing Essay

Why does the word “essay” strike terror into the hearts of students? Maybe because a blank page can seem like the size of Antarctica when you’re not sure how to fill it.

We share some essay writing secrets with you…

Tip 1: Open with a hook

You’ve created a great title – now what? Well, ideally you want your first sentence to be equally great. Good openings include:

• A question.
• A quote.
• A bold or controversial statement (that you’ll attempt to either prove or refute).
• An attention grabbing statistic or piece of information.
• An anecdote – the perfect opening anecdote should be relevant, interesting and illuminating. For inspiration, read the work of Malcolm Gladwell – he’s a master at using them.

Tip 2: Begin with the end in mind

This will give your work direction. Trying to write an essay without this is like the difference between getting on a horse that gallops straight towards its destination and wandering around aimlessly without a map. Yes, you might find your way eventually but it’ll take a lot longer. Know where you’re going and make that clear to the reader from the outset.

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Tip 3: Give it a striking title

Try to avoid giving your essay the same title as everyone else in your class. For instance, if your essay is about the causes of World War 2 then 90% of your classmates will probably call their essay “The Causes of World War 2”. But you’re more original than that, so prove it – for instance, you could use a relevant quote about your topic or create a startling image that pulls the reader in. George Orwell’s famous essay, Shooting an Elephant, does the latter.

Also check :

• IELTS Writing tips
• IELTS Writing recent actual test
• IELTS Writing Answer sheet
• IELTS map vocabulary
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors

Tip 4: Don’t let the reader go to sleep!

Remember – your teacher is marking dozens of essays so if you keep your work interesting they’ll love you for it. Try:

• Linking from paragraph to paragraph to create flow.
• Including well-chosen quotes.
• Addressing questions to the reader.
• Using appropriate humour – satire and irony can be very effective in an academic essay. Use both sparingly though.
• Experimenting with misdirection – create an expectation that you’re making a particular argument then turn things on their head midway through.
• Including short, relevant anecdotes.

Tip 5: Omit unnecessary words

This will tighten your work and give it flow. Don’t be tempted to pad.

Tip 6: End it well 

Ever seen a brilliant movie with a rubbish ending? Didn’t it spoil the whole film with you? Exactly. Don’t do the same for the essay you’ve spent hours slaving over. Effective endings include:

• Linking back to your opening sentence.
• Finding a quote that sums up your argument.
• Using a strong piece of concluding imagery.
• Asking a final question (which can be rhetorical).

Remember – your essay is a journey that you’re taking the reader on. Make it as enjoyable as possible so that when they reach their destination, they feel that it’s all been worthwhile.