How to Write an Essay

The first and most crucial step is to fully understand the topic of your essay. Ensure you know what's required of you. Pay attention to keywords in the prompt like "analyse," "compare," "justify," or "describe," as these guide the direction you should take. Example topic: "Does technological advancement lead to the deterioration of human relationships? Justify your opinion."

In this case, you need to not only express your opinion on the impact of technology but also support it with well-reasoned arguments.

Planning is a key element of a well-written essay. It helps you organise your thoughts and ensures you don't lose track while writing. When creating a plan, divide your essay into three basic parts:

a) Introduction

• Introduce the topic.
• Outline the main thesis or question you intend to answer.

b) Body

• The main part of the essay.
• Present arguments or analyses.
• Support your arguments with examples, quotes, data.

c) Conclusion

• Summarise the key points.
• Answer the question posed in the introduction.
• Draw conclusions.

Writing the Introduction – How to Start Your Essay

The introduction is the first part your teacher reads, so it needs to be concise and engaging. Introduce the topic but don't go into too much detail. Your goal is to pique the reader's interest and outline the issue you'll be analysing.

How to Write a Good Introduction?

• Start with a general statement about the topic (e.g., the impact of technology on daily life).
• Present the thesis or question you intend to answer.
• Avoid too many details – save those for the body.

Example Introduction:

"The advancement of technology has changed the way people communicate and form relationships. While modern tools allow for easy long-distance contact, there are also concerns that excessive use of technology deteriorates the quality of human relationships. Is this truly the case? In this essay, I will attempt to answer this question by analysing both the positive and negative aspects of technology's impact."

Body – The Main Part of the Essay

The body is the most extensive part of the essay, where you present your arguments, examples, and evidence. It is important that each idea is expressed in a separate paragraph and logically linked to the overall essay.

How to Write the Body?

1. Divide the body into paragraphs – Each paragraph should develop one idea or argument. For example:

• The impact of technology on communication ease.
• The negative impact of technology on human bonds.
• How technology changes family relationships.

1. Support your arguments with examples – Use specific examples to back up your claims. These could be:

• Statistical data.
• Quotes from literature or academic articles.
• Personal experiences (if relevant).

1. Coherence and clarity – Remember to use logical transitions between paragraphs. Each argument should follow from the previous one and lead to the next.

Example Body:

"Technology undoubtedly facilitates communication. With tools like social media, instant messaging, and video calls, people can maintain contact with family and friends worldwide. An example is the WhatsApp app, which allows free calls with people living in other countries. However, studies show that frequent use of technology can weaken human bonds. According to a Pew Research Center report, 45% of respondents admit to often feeling a lack of direct contact with loved ones due to excessive use of mobile phones."

Conclusion – How to Close Your Essay?

The conclusion is where you must summarise your thoughts and answer the question posed in the introduction. Do not introduce new arguments, but focus on drawing conclusions from the information presented earlier.

How to Write a Conclusion?

• Summarise the main arguments.
• Answer the question in the topic.
• You can add a reflection that leaves the reader with a thought to ponder.

Example Conclusion:

"In conclusion, technology brings both benefits and threats to human relationships. It enables easier long-distance contact, yet excessive use of devices can lead to a sense of isolation. Ultimately, how we use technology is up to us. If we can wisely balance between online and offline life, technology can support our relationships rather than destroy them."