2.1 Essay Writing
Learn to write well-structured essays with clear arguments and evidence.
55 min
3 oppgaver
Five-paragraph essayThesis statementPEEL structureTransitions
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The Five-Paragraph Essay
The five-paragraph essay is a classic structure for argumentative and expository writing.
It consists of:
1. Introduction with thesis statement
2. Body paragraph 1
3. Body paragraph 2
4. Body paragraph 3
5. Conclusion
This structure helps you organize your ideas clearly and logically.
The Introduction
A good introduction has three parts:
Hook: Grab the reader's attention
- Start with a surprising fact, question, or quote
Background: Give context
- Provide information the reader needs
Thesis statement: Your main argument
- States your position clearly
- Usually the last sentence of the introduction
- Example: "Social media has more negative effects on teenagers than positive ones."
Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph should follow the PEEL structure:
P - Point: State your argument in one sentence
- "First, social media increases anxiety among teens."
E - Evidence: Support with facts, examples, or quotes
- "According to a 2023 study, 67% of teens report feeling anxious after using Instagram."
E - Explanation: Explain how the evidence supports your point
- "This shows that the constant comparison to others' highlight reels damages mental health."
L - Link: Connect back to your thesis or to the next paragraph
- "This anxiety is just one of the negative effects of social media."
The Conclusion
A strong conclusion does NOT just repeat the introduction.
What to include:
- Restate your thesis in different words
- Summarize your main points briefly
- End with a final thought (prediction, call to action, or broader implication)
What to avoid:
- "In conclusion..." or "To summarize..." (too obvious)
- Introducing new arguments
- Apologizing for your opinion ("This is just my view...")
Transition Words
To add ideas:
- Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Additionally
- Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Additionally
To contrast:
- However, On the other hand, Nevertheless, Although
To give examples:
- For example, For instance, Specifically, Such as
To show cause/effect:
- Therefore, Consequently, As a result, Because
To conclude:
- In summary, Overall, Ultimately, To conclude
✏️Example Introduction
Write an introduction for an essay about school uniforms.
Hook:
Every morning, millions of students around the world face the same question: "What should I wear today?"
Every morning, millions of students around the world face the same question: "What should I wear today?"
Background:
The debate over school uniforms has been ongoing for decades, with strong opinions on both sides. Some argue uniforms promote equality, while others believe they suppress individuality.
Thesis statement:
School uniforms should be mandatory in public schools because they reduce bullying, improve focus on learning, and decrease financial pressure on families.
Why this works:
- The hook is relatable and engaging
- The background acknowledges different views
- The thesis is clear and previews three arguments
📝Oppgave 1
Write a thesis statement for each topic:
a
Should schools ban phones during class?
b
Is homework helpful or harmful?
📝Oppgave 2
Write a body paragraph using the PEEL structure about this topic: "Video games can be educational."
a
Point - State your argument
b
Evidence - Provide a specific example or fact
c
Explanation - Explain the connection
d
Link - Connect to your main argument
📝Oppgave 3
Write a complete five-paragraph essay (400-500 words) on one of these topics:
a
"Should the voting age be lowered to 16?"
b
"Are zoos good or bad for animals?"
c
"Should junk food be banned in schools?"