6 Secrets to have a Great Writing Essay
![ielts logo](/v3/images/homepage/desktop/ielts_material_logo.png)
![ielts img](/v3/images/article/cta-assets/cta-3-img-mob.webp)
Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!
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.
[do_widget id=custom_html-25]
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.
Explore IELTS Writing
![ielts logo](/v3/images/homepage/desktop/ielts_material_logo.png)
![ielts img](/v3/images/article/cta-assets/cta-2-img-mob.webp)
Start Preparing for IELTS: Get Your 10-Day Study Plan Today!
Explore other Writing Articles
![21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score](https://ieltsmaterial.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Raajdeeps-Cover-Image-2024-03-12T165554.018.png)
Raajdeep Saha
![101 Important Synonyms for IELTS 2024](https://ieltsmaterial.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Neha-New-Reading-Blog-Template-2.png)
Nehasri Ravishenbagam
![How to Improve IELTS Writing Score from 6.5 to 7?](https://ieltsmaterial.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/How-to-Improve-IELTS-Writing-Score-from-6.5-to-7.webp)
Whitney Houston
Recent Articles
![101 Important Synonyms for IELTS 2024](https://ieltsmaterial.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Neha-New-Reading-Blog-Template-2.png)
Nehasri Ravishenbagam
![How to Improve IELTS Writing Score from 6.5 to 7?](https://ieltsmaterial.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/How-to-Improve-IELTS-Writing-Score-from-6.5-to-7.webp)
Whitney Houston
![21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score](https://ieltsmaterial.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Raajdeeps-Cover-Image-2024-03-12T165554.018.png)
Raajdeep Saha
Post your Comments