- tell the difference between a discursive essay (balanced, both sides) and an argumentative essay (one main view)
- plan the main points and the reasons or evidence for each
- keep a formal, organised style
Writing an essay
IGCSE English · Topic 8
8.1
Two kinds of essay
Syllabus
Source: Cambridge International syllabus
An essay 议论文 gives your ideas about a topic in an organised way.
Two essay shapes: discursive weighs both sides; argumentative argues one view
Discursive essays
- A discursive 论述的 essay looks at both sides of a topic.
- You give the points for and against, and perhaps your own view at the end.
Argumentative essays
- An argumentative 议论的 essay argues for one main view.
- You give strong reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Plan first
- Decide your main points and the reasons for each, before you write.
- A short plan keeps your essay organised.
Vocabulary
Train
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| essay | 议论文 | yì lùn wén |
| discursive | 论述的 | lùn shù de |
| argumentative | 议论的 | yì lùn de |
8.2
How to structure an essay
Syllabus
- introduce the topic and your approach in the introduction
- develop one main idea per paragraph in the body, with reasons and examples
- draw the ideas together in a clear conclusion
Source: Cambridge International syllabus
A clear shape makes your argument easy to follow.
Introduction
- The introduction 引言 names the topic and says how you will approach it.
- Keep it short — two or three sentences.
Body paragraphs
- Put one main idea in each body 主体 paragraph.
- Start the paragraph with the idea, then add reasons and examples.
A body paragraph: the idea first, then reasons, then an example
Conclusion
- The conclusion 结论 brings your ideas together.
- Do not add a new point here. Sum up your view clearly.
Useful language
Linking words 衔接词 signal your reader where the argument turns. They are the road signs of an essay.
- To add a point: Firstly… / In addition… / Another reason is…
- To show the other side: However… / On the other hand… / Some people argue that…
- To give an example: For example… / For instance… / such as…
- To conclude: In conclusion… / Overall… / Weighing both sides…
Use them at the start of a sentence, and do not overuse one. Two or three well-placed links are enough for a paragraph.
A model body paragraph
Watch the three moves: idea, then reason, then example.
Firstly, homework teaches students to work alone. In class, a teacher is always nearby to help. At home, a student must solve the problem by themselves — and that is where real learning happens. For example, a maths question that felt easy in the lesson can teach far more when you meet it again, alone, at your desk.
The first sentence is the idea. The next two explain why. The last one makes it real with an example. Every body paragraph can follow this simple shape.
Vocabulary
Train
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| introduction | 引言 | yǐn yán |
| body | 主体 | zhǔ tǐ |
| conclusion | 结论 | jié lùn |
| linking words | 衔接词 | xián jiē cí |
8.2
Exam tips
- Plan for three minutes before you write: your view, two reasons, one opposite view.
- First paragraph introduces the question; each middle paragraph carries exactly one argument.
- Signpost with linking words: First of all, However, On the other hand, In conclusion.
- Give the other side one fair paragraph, then answer it. Balance shows thinking and earns marks.
- The final paragraph states your opinion clearly. Do not sit on the fence.