Writing (4) - Guide to write an essay

Tips to write an essay

An informal letter describing a house for rent
Writing a story
A semi-formal trasanctional letter
An essay providing solutions to problems
A for and against essay
An opinion essay
An article describing a visit to a place
An assessment report
A letter to the editor
A formal transactional letter
A letter to apply for a job
A letter of complaint
News reports
Reviews


Writing is a post of this blog with some pieces of advice to learn and practice this skill.

Reviews

A review is a special type of article written for publication in a magazine, newspaper, etc giving a brief description and evaluation of a film, book, play, TV/radio programme, etc. It may be formal or semi-formal in style, depending on its intended readership, and is usually written using present tenses.

A successful review should consist of:

a) an introduction (paragraph 1) which mentions the title, the type of book/play/film/etc, the setting (when/where), the theme, the main characters, etc.

b) a main body of two more paragraphs containing the mian points of the plot (without revealing the ending), and evaluating such features as the acting, writing style, direction, characters, etc.

c) a conclusion (final paragraph) which includes an overall assessment of the work and/or a recommendation, usually with justification.

You may also be asked to give reasons why someone should see the film/play or read the book, how it has influenced you, etc. Note that the number and lenght of paragraphs varies depending on the topic.

Useful Language

To begin reviews

This well-written/informative/fascinating/thought-provoking book is...

The film/book/play/etc is set in.../is place is.../tells the story of.../is based on...

The film/play stars.../is directed by.../is the sequel to...

To end reviews

You should definitely see/read...

Don't miss it/You might enjoy...

All in all, it is well worth seeing/reading, since...

On the whole, I wouldn't recommend it, in view of the fact that...

It is a classic of its kind/It is sure to be a hit/best-seller...

To explain the plot

The plot revolves around.../involves.../focuses on.../has an unexpected twist.

The story begins with.../unfolds/reaches a dramatic climax with...

Evaluating various features

The play/film/series has a strong/star-studded/mediocre cast.

The acting is moving/powerful/excellent/weak/disappointing/unconvincing.

               |gripping/dramatic/fascinating/suspense-filled/fast-moving.

The cast is|

               |far-fetched/predictable/confusing/dull/unimaginative.

The script/dialogue is touching/witty/hilarious/boring/mundane.

It is beautifully/brilliantly/sensitively/written/directed.

Example: Write a film review.

Night at the museum

Night at the museum, a comedy directed by Shawn Levy, is set in New York and tells the story of Larry (Ben Stiller) who is divorced and has a son.

The film begins with Larry looking for a job. Very soon he begins to work in the Natural History Museum as a night guard. Everything at the museum (miniatures, stuffed animal and statues) gains life when night comes.

Although the plot is oversimplified, and predictable for some critics, it makes you forget your problems and have a good time. This film, which has been a box-office hit, has a star-studded cast: you can see famous actors such as Robin Williams and Owen Wilson among others as supporting actors. As regards Ben Stiller,he is not a magnificent actor and does not deserve an Oscar but he makes you laugh your head off.

Special effects are impressive because they seem so real when all the items of the museum gain life and behave as living creatures.

On the whole, I would recommend it for those who enjoy watching comedy films, in view of the fact that this film is enjoyable and amusing: you will not know what getting bored means.

News reports

A news reports is a brief piece of writing for publication in a newspaper, giving factual information concerning an important current event. It is formal and impersonal in style, presenting facts objectively and unemotionally.

A successful report should consist of:

a) a headline which is short and eye-catching, giving the reader an idea of the subject of the report.

b) an introductory paragraph (paragraph 1) which summarises the event, including information about the people involved, the place, the time, etc (what/who/where/when/how/why).

c) a main body (paragraphs 2-3-4) in which the relevant information is developed in detail, including an explanation of the cause(s) and/or result(s) of the event.

d) a conclusion (final paragraph) which mentions the significance of the event, future action to be taken, reactions/comments of a witness/spokesperson, etc.

Points to consider

Comments made by witnesses, victims, the police, etc may be given in direct or reported speech:

     "We won't give in." commented a workers' spokesman.

     The two boys later admitted that what they had done was wrong.

Passive voice and appropiate reporting verbs (e.g. confessed, protested, etc) are widely used in news reports, together with a range of linking words and time expressions.

Example: You can find hundreds of examples of news reports in all the newspapers which are in the "Prensa digital en ingles" section of this blog.

A letter of complaint

Introduction

First paragraph = state your complaint, including details of what has happened and where/when the incident took place.

      Mild

     I am writing in connection with.../to complain about...the terrible 

     behaviour/attitude/rudeness of...

     I am writing to draw your attention to...which...

      Strong

     I wish to bring to your attention a problem which arose due to your

     staff/inefficiency...

     I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction/unhappines at...

     I wish to express my dissatisfaction/unhappines with the 

     product/treatment I received from (your staff) on (September 22nd)

Main body

Second, third and fourth paragraph = present each of the specific points you are complaining about. You start a new paragraph for each point and justify theses points by giving examples and reasons.

Closing remarks

Last paragraph = explain what you expect to happen (to be given a refund/replacement/apology/etc)

      Mild

     I hope you will replace... 

     I feel/believe that I am entitled to a replacement/refund...

     I hope that this matter can be resolved/dealt with promptly.

      Strong

     I insist on/I demand a full refund/an immediate replacement or I shall be

     forced to take legal action/the matter further.

     I hope that I will not be forced to take further action. 

Example: You recently hired a car for a part of your holidays. However, there were several problems with the arrangements. Write a letter of complaint to the manager/manageress explaining the problems and requesting compensation.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the service I received when I rented one of your cars on 20th July.

Firstly, I had specially requested a four-door model. However, I was given a smaller two-door version which, apart from being too small for my needs, was clearly in need of extensive repair. Despite my objections, your employees informed me that it was the only car available and assured me that it was in perfect order. Having no other alternative, so I accepted the vehicle.

Contrary to what I had been told, there were, in fact, several things wrong with the car. Despite the fact that I had driven it for only one hour, I was forced to stop when the engine showed signs of overheating. Having added two litres of water to the radiator, I was able to continue, although during the course of my journey a knocking sound from the engine became increasingly persistent and the windscreen wipers stopped working.

My subsequent journey was most uncomfortable. Not only did I have the worry of driving a car which was not roadworthy, but I also had to stop on three occasions to refill the radiator. Finally, I had no choice but to leave the car at your Oxford branch and continue my journey using public transport.

I feel that your employees acted irresponsibly in issuing a car which was not safe to drive, and I believe I am entitled to compensation for the interruption to my holiday. I therefore request that you send me the sum of 200€ to cover the cost of my train ticket and compensate me after the distress I was forced to suffer as a result of your neglicence.

I insist that you give this matter your urgent attention, otherwise I will be forced to take legal action.

Yours faithfully,

Mr S. Mallison

A letter to apply for a job

A letter to apply for a job is also known as letters of application or cover letters. You can write to apply for a job or a course.

Introduction

First paragraph = opening remarks

     - Reason for writing

     - The name of the job/course, where and when you saw it advertised

Main body

Second, third and/or four paragraphs = you give details

     - Age, present job and/or studies

     - Qualifications

     - Experience

     - Skills and personal qualities that are suitable for the job/course

Conclusion

Last paragraph = closing remarks

     - When you are available for interview

     - Where and when you can be contracted

     - A remark that you hope that you application will be considered

Example of a letter to apply for a job:

                                                                                         18 Kings Road

                                                                               Birminghan, M24 6HD

                                                                                         June 16, 2003

Mr P Bradley

Trans Europe Tours,

17 Bridge Street,

Cambridge, SW12

Dear Mr. Bradley,

I am writing to apply apply for the position of travel courier, which I saw advertised in the February edition of Sunshine Holidays.

As outlined in my curriculum vitae, which I have enclosed, I have got a degree in Modern Languages from Bristol University. I have been working as a travel courier for the las two years.

I believed that I would be an ideal candidate for the position because I speak French, German and Spanish fluently and I have got a working knowledge of Greek. This makes me capable of dealing with people from different countries. Besides, I am outgoing, talkative and friendly, which are the perfect qualities for a travel courier. Apart from this, my time spent traveling around Europe gives me a valuable knowledge of several countries. Therefore, I would be good at showing people all those places.

I thank you for considering my application and am willing to attend an interview at any time.

Yours sincerely,

J. Henderson

A formal transactional letter

We usually write a formal transactional letter to respond to written information in the form of advertisements, letters, invitations, notes, etc

Introduction

First paragraph = we write our opening remarks and explain the reason for writing the letter.

Main body

Second and third paragraphs = we ask questions or give the information required. We always ask our questions in a formal indirect way.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = we write our closing remarks.

It is important to include all the facts provided in the rubric and the notes. However, we need to rewrite the information in our own words as much as possible. We do not use abbreviations, contracted types or colloquialisms for this type of transactional letter.

Example: You are an author and you have received the following invitation. Write a letter accepting the invitation and ask for details regarding the location, time and whether you can can bring any guests with you.

     Dear Mrs Stephens,

          We would be delighted if you would accept our invitation to present

     the awards at the Book Society's 5th annual awards dinner.

     Yours sincerely,

     Peter Van De Vere

Dear Mr Van De Vere,

Thank you for your kind invitation. I would be honoured to present the awards at the Book Society's 5th annual awards dinner. Unfortunately, you failed to mention a few important details.

Firstly, I would be grateful if you could let me know the exact date of the event, so that I can rearrange my schedule. I assume that you are holding the event at the Regency Hotel in London, as you did last year. However, I would be grateful if you could let me know if the location has changed. I also need to know what time the event starts.

In addition, I was wondering if it would be possible to bring my daughter as my guest. Finally, I would like to mention that I am a strict vegetarian, therefore I would be grateful if you could let me know whether there will be any vegetarian dishes on the menu.

Thank you again for choosing me to host such a worthwhile event. I am looking forward to it immensely.

Yours sincerely,

Jane Stephens

A letter to the editor

We usually write a letter to the editor when we want to express our opinion about a topic that is of interest to the general public, to agree or disagree with something that has been reported, or to discuss a problem and suggest solutions. We usually write a letter to the editor in a formal or semi-formal style.

We start our letter with Dear Sir/Madam,

Introduction

First paragraph = we present our reason for writing and our opinion about the topic.

Main body

Second and third paragraphs = we present our arguments/the problems, together with consequences/suggestions/results in separate paragraphs.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = we summarise our opinion or write it again using different words.

We end with Yours faithfully, and our full name.

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

To begin the letter: I am writing to express my support for/(dis)approval of...; I am writing with regard to...; I am writing about...; I have just read...; etc

To state an opinion: In my opinion,...; I (do not) feel/believe/think...; I am (totally) opposed to/in favour of...; I strongly (dis)agree with...; etc

To express the consequences/results: xThis will/would mean...; Then...; Therefore...; As a result,...; Consequently,...; If we/they do/did this,...; Obviously,...; Clearly,...; etc

To list ponts: Firstly,...; First of all,...; Secondly,...; Furthermore,...; What is more,...; FInally,...;

To end the letter: I hope my comments/suggestions/points will be taken into consideration; I hope the government/local council/we will...; I hope something will be done about this urgently; etc

Example: The local council has decided to build a new sports centre in your home town where an old factory used to be. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, expressing your support for the plan.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writign about the recent article in your newspaper regarding the decision to build a new sports centre in our town. In my opinion, this is an excellent idea which will have many advantages for our town.

To start with, the town has very few sports facilities. Many people do not get the chance to play sports when they want. A new sports centre will give more people the opportunity to play sports. It will also give children and teenagers access to better facilities tah they have at school, as well as somewhere to go at weekends. At the moment there is little for them to go.

Furthermore, the new sports centre will be in an excellent location. It is in the centre of town, near the railway station and several major bus routes. Consequently, it will be very easy to get to. What is more, the fact that it will be built on the site of the old factory means that the town's appearance will be improved.

All in all, I must state that I am in total agreement with the council's decision. I hope that the plan is put into effect as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully,

James Marshall

An assessment report

An assessment report is usually written for someone in authority such as your employer. It presents and evaluates the positive and negative qualities of a place, person, etc in order to make some kind of judgment or recommendation. Reports always contain factual information.

We always begin a report by saying who the report is for and their position, the writer's name and position and what the report is about.

Introduction
First paragraph = we present the purpose and content of the report.

Main body
Main body = we present each topic in detail under separate sub-headings.

Conclusion
Las paragraph = we summarise the information and state our general assessment or evaluation.

We usually write reports in a formal, impersonal style. We write short sentences containing factual language so that information can be understood easily. We normally use present tenses in assessment reports as well as the passive voice and full verbs forms.



Example: The editor of the magazine where you work as an assistant editor has asked you to write a report assessing the good and bad points of the Taj Mahal Indian restaurant. Write your report describing the restaurant's food, prices, service and atmosphere.

To..........: Mr. C. James, Editor
From......: Al Thompson, Assistan Editor
Subject...: Taj Mahal restaurant

Introduction
The purpose of this report is to assess the good and bad points of Taj Mahal restaurant.

Food and prices
The Taj Mahal offers a wide range of Indian cuisine, all of which is beautifully cooked and presented. What is more the meals are good value for money as the prices are quite reasonable.

Service
The waiters are very polite and friendly and they are able to make helpful suggestions about the menu. However, the service is a little slow, especially when the restaurant gets busy.

Atmosphere
The restaurant has a tasteful Eastern-style décor and thick carpets. In addition, the soft ethnic music helps to give the Taj Mahal a very pleasant atmosphere. Nevertheless, the lighting is poor, so it is difficultto read the menu.

Conclusion
In conclusion, although the service can be slow and the lighting poor, the Taj Mahal is a pleasant restaurant that offers excellent food at reasonable prices. Therefore, I would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Indian food.

An article describing a visit to a place

When we write an article describing a visit to a place we usually write four paragraphs.

Introduction

First paragraph = we write the name and location of the place as well as our reason(s) for choosing it.

Main body

Second paragraph = we usually write about what the place looks like.

Third paragraph = we describe the place in detail; we can include the things we can see, feel, hear, smell and taste.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = we write about our feelings and personal comments and/or our recommendation.

Narrative descriptions of places can be found in tourist magazines, letters, stories, etc. We normally use past tenses to describe our visit. However, we use present tenses to talk about the location. We can use a variety of adjectives and adverbs as wells as our senses to make our description more appealing to the reader.

An opinion essay

An opinion essay presents our personal opinion on a particular topic. We need to state our opinion clearly and support it with examples or reasons.

Introduction

First paragraph = we present the topic and state our opinion clearly.

Main body

Second and third paragraph = we present our viewpoints and give reasons/examples. We present each viewpoint, with reasons/examples, in a separate paragraph.

Fourth paragraph = we present the opposing viewpoint and give examples/reasons.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = we restate our opinion using different words.

We usually use present tenses in this kind of writing and avoid using informal language such as contractions (I've, she's) and colloquialisms (What's up?) etc. We can use phrases like In my opinion, I (strongly) believe that, It seems to me that to introduce our opinion. We can find opinion essays in newspapers and magazines as articles or letters to the editor, etc.

Example: Your local newspaper is asking readers to write an article giving their opinion on the following statement: Students should not be allowed to have mobile phones at school.

                             NO MOBILE PHONES AT SCHOOL

Nowadays more and more students bring their mobile phones to school. While I believe that students should carry mobile phones in case of an emergency, I am strongly opposed to these phones being used at school, particularly in the classroom.

Firstly, many students travel to and from school without their parents. Therefore, it is important for them to have a mobile phone in case they need help or have an accident on the way to school or home.

Furthermore, parents who work may need to contact their children. For example, if a parent has to work late, the student has to be told if arragangements have been made for a relative or neighbour to look after them.

On the other hand, nothing is more disruptive during a lesson than the sound of a mobile phone ringing or playing an annoying tune. Moreover, students who send and receive text messages in class are not paying attention to the lesson.

In conclusion, I feel that students should be allowed to take mobile phones to school for use in an emergency. However, all phones should certainly be turned off during lessons.

A for and against essay

We usually write a for and against essay in a formal style. When we write the essay, we need to discuss both sides of the argument to give a balanced view.

Introduction

First paragraph = we present the topic, but do not give our opinion.

Main body

Second paragraph = we give the arguments for the topic together with justifications and examples.

Third paragraph = we give the arguments against the topic.

We start each paragraph with appropiate topic sentences.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = we write a balanced personal opinion, or summarise the main arguments for and against.

We also need to use appropiate linkers to connect similar ideas and introduced opposing ideas.

Example: You have to write an article discussing the pros and cons of exercising to reduce stress.

                                  More exercise, less stress?

Do you know how dangerous stress can be? It affects us both physically and mentally, so reducing stress is something that we should all try to do. While many people feel that the best way to get rid of stress is some form of exercise, there are other ways which are just as effective.

The benefits of physical exercise are obvious. First of all, keeping fit helps your body stay strong and healthy. Therefore you are less likely to get sick or suffer form stress-related health problems such as heart attack and cancer. Furthermore, exercise is a good way to get rid of frustration and anger because after exercise the brain produces hormones called endorphines which make us feel good.

Moreover, if you are out of shape, exercise can be quite painful. You may pull a muscle or injure yourself. Furthermore, exercising may even cause more stress since it will add to your already hectic schedule.

In conclusion, the best way to combat stress in our lives is to live a healthy life. As James Freeman Clark says, "Never hurry. Take plenty of exercise. Always be cheerful. Take all the sleep you need. You may expect to be well."

An essay providing solutions to problems

Essays providing solutions to problems are pieces of writing in which we present a problem and its causes, then discuss our suggestions as well as their expected results.

Introduction

First paragraph = we present the problem and its causes.

Main body

Second, third and fourth paragraphs = we write our suggestions and their expected results.

We write each suggestion and its results in separate paragraphs. We should link our ideas using appropiate linking words.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = we summarize our opinion.

Such essays are normally written in semi-formal or formal style, depending on who is going to read them and where it is going to bepublished. They are usually found in magazines, newspapers, etc.

To make our piece of writing more interesting to the reader, we can use certain techniques to start or end it such as:

• addressing to reader directly: If you want to help the environment, there are lots of things that you can do.
• using a quotation (a sentence/phrase from a book, a play, etc), don't forget to mention the name of the person who said/write it: ...as American anthropologist Margaret Mead said "We have nowhere else to go...this is all we have."
• using a rhetorical question (a question that makes a statement rather than expecting an answer): Is it important to protect endangered species?

USEFUL VOCABULARY

To make suggestions:
It (would help if)/(be a good idea if)...;
A/Another useful suggestion would be to...;
The situation could be improved if/by...;
Steps/Measures should be taken in order to solve/deal with...

To present results and consequences:
In this way...;  This would...;  Then...;  If..., the result would be...;
The effect/consequence/result of...would be...



Example:

How can we make our planet a safer place for animals?

Is our planet a safe place for animals? Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like it. Thousands of species have become extinct and many more are now endangered. We need to do something fast before it is too late for them.

Firstly, measures need to be taken to protect our wildlife. The destruction of threatened animals' habitats should be illegal, with long prison sentences for people who break these laws. This would protect animals and the environments they live in.

Another solution is to promote education about endangered species. If people are aware of the problem, then they will buy fewer products made of materials such as ivory or fur.

Finally, we should create more national parks and conservation areas. This would allow animals to live and breed safely in their natural habitats. As a result, their numbers would increase and species would not die out.

In conclusion, there are many ways to make our world a better place for animals. We all need to do whatever we can. As Malcolm Bradbury said, "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem".

A semi-formal transactional letter

Example: You are a teacher and you are are taking a group of students on a skiing trip to France. You have made a preliminary booking at the hotel and now the assistant manager has contacted you for more details. Read part of the letter and the notes you have made, then write a letter answering her questions.

First of all, you have booked from the 16th to the 30th January. Can you confirm these dates, please? Also, I would like to know if you have the final numbers of boys and girls so we can assign the rooms to you.

     dates are the same

     20 students (12 boys - 8 girls) / 2 teachers (female)

Secondly, I will need to know if any of your students have any special needs.

     4 vegetarians

Finally, could you let me know your flight details so I can make arrangements for your transfer from the airport?

Yours sincerely,                  flight details: BA 257 arrives 16th 10:20 am

Maria Reeve

• Special discount price still applies?
• Can she arrange ski lift apsses in advance?

Possible answer:

Dear Maria,

Thank you for your letter. I have the information you requested and I also have a few questions.

Firstly, we haven't changed the dates. We shall be coming from the 16th January to the 30th. Also, our flight details are as follows, we will arrive on flight BA 257 at 10:20 am. Our party will consist of twelve boys and eight girls. There will also be two adults, myself and another female teacher. With regard to special requirements, there will be four vegetarians in our party.

Also, could you kindly inform me if the special discount price is still available? Finally, would it be possible for you to organise our ski lift passes in advance?

I hope this covers everything. I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
Yours truly,
Jennifer Taylor

Writing a story

To write a story we first decide on the type of story, the plot and the main characters. Our story can be a comedy, a spy story, a thriller, an adventure story, a detective story, a fairy tale, etc.

Introduction

First paragraph = We write when and where the event happened, who the people in the story were and what happened first.

Main body

Main body paragraphs = We describe the events in the order they happened, one of the events should be the climax event.
We can use so, because, and, also, etc. to join our sentences or ideas.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = We write what happened in the end and how the people in the story felt.




We can use a variety of adjectives or adverbs to make our story more interesting. We normally use past tenses in stories.

An informal letter describing a house for rent

We start our letter with Dear + our friend's first name.

Introduction

First paragraph = opening remarks and the reason for writing our letter.

Main body

Second paragraph = location of the house and details of the rent.

Third paragraph = exterior of the house (what is made of, graden, etc).

Fourth paragraph = interior of the house (e.g. floors, rooms, furniture, special features, etc).

We start each main-body paragraph with a topic sentence i.e. a sentence which introduces or summarises the paragraph.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = closing remarks, we sign off using Yours, Best wishes, etc + our first name.

Example

Dear Peter,

How are you? Hope everything's OK. I'm writing to let you know that I think I've found the perfect summer cottage for you.

It's in a really nice location. It's a quite area, but the best thing about it is that it is less than a kilometre from the sea. Also, the rent for the cottage is only 150€ a week.

The house is really charming outside. It's an old brick farm building which has been converted into a holiday cottage. It's got a patio and is surrounded by a beautiful garden.

Inside, the house is nice and comfortable. It has two floors.On the ground floor there is a cosy living room and a kitchen with all the modern equipment you would expect as well as a dining room and a WC. Upstairs there are two small bedrooms and a bathroom. The house is fully furnished so you don't need to worry about that.

Let me know if you like the sound of it. I can easily talk to the owner, Mr Smith, for you. I hope I'll see you here soon. I'll tell you all of my news then.

Yours,
Laura.