Essay Types & Structure
Opinion, discussion, problem-solution
Type 1 โ Opinion Essay
- 1Question signals: "To what extent do you agree or disagree?", "Do you agree or disagree?"
- 2Your position: Choose ONE side and defend it strongly throughout.
- 3Structure: Intro (thesis) โ Body 1 (main reason) โ Body 2 (second reason) โ Conclusion.
- 4You MAY mention the opposing view in Body 2 and then counter it (concede + refute).
- 5DO NOT flip your opinion between paragraphs โ consistency is essential.
Introduction
Background sentence + Paraphrase + Clear thesis: "This essay argues that..."
Body 1
Strongest reason + explanation + real-world example
Body 2
Second reason OR acknowledge opposing view and counter it
Conclusion
Restate thesis in new words + summarise reasoning
Type 2 โ Discussion Essay
- 1Question signals: "Discuss both views and give your own opinion."
- 2Your position: Present BOTH sides fairly, then state YOUR view in the conclusion.
- 3Structure: Intro (paraphrase + thesis) โ Body 1 (View A) โ Body 2 (View B) โ Conclusion (your opinion).
- 4CRITICAL: Your own opinion must appear in the introduction AND conclusion.
- 5Be careful not to write too much on the side you agree with โ balance is assessed.
Introduction
Background + "While some believe X, others argue Y. This essay will examine both views, though I believe Z."
Body 1
Arguments FOR View A + explanation + example
Body 2
Arguments FOR View B + explanation + example
Conclusion
State your own view clearly + brief summary
Type 3 โ Problem & Solution
- 1Question signals: "What are the causes of this problem? What solutions can you suggest?"
- 2Your position: No strong personal opinion needed โ explain causes/problems + propose solutions.
- 3Structure: Intro โ Body 1 (causes/problems) โ Body 2 (solutions) โ Conclusion.
- 4Each body paragraph should have 2 points, not just 1.
- 5Solutions must logically address the problems you raised โ they must match.
Introduction
Background + "This essay will examine the main causes of X and propose potential solutions."
Body 1
Cause/Problem 1 + explanation, Cause/Problem 2 + explanation
Body 2
Solution to Cause 1 + explanation, Solution to Cause 2 + explanation
Conclusion
Summarise causes and solutions without introducing new points
Type 4 โ Two-Part Question
- 1Question signals: "Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development?"
- 2Your position: Answer BOTH questions fully โ one question per body paragraph.
- 3Structure: Intro (paraphrase both questions) โ Body 1 (Q1) โ Body 2 (Q2) โ Conclusion.
- 4CRITICAL: Students often only answer one question fully. Both must be equally developed.
- 5Your opinion goes in Body 2 and the conclusion.
Introduction
Background + paraphrase of both questions + indicate you will answer both
Body 1
Full answer to Question 1 with explanation and example
Body 2
Full answer to Question 2 with your view and reasons
Conclusion
Brief summary of your answers to both questions
Identify the Essay Type Fast
- 1"To what extent do you agree?" โ Opinion Essay
- 2"Discuss both views and give your opinion." โ Discussion Essay
- 3"What are the causes? What solutions?" โ Problem-Solution Essay
- 4"Why is this? Is this positive or negative?" โ Two-Part Question
- 5"What are the advantages and disadvantages?" โ Advantage-Disadvantage Essay (same structure as Discussion)
- 6If unclear: read again and underline the TASK WORDS (discuss, explain, to what extent, etc.)
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