How to approach English Language Essays?

[bumbecca]

Hi!

Sorry if this has been posted already or it's easily searchable, however I'm just in a bit of a slump with essay writing for English Language.

I've been trying to write some practice essays in preparation for the exam, but whenever I try to start, I get so overwhelmed and panicky... I just don't know how to begin!

Sometimes I do have ideas for each body paragraph, however when I actually try and write them, I just don't know how to start it, or how to integrate my examples/quotes into it.

What advice would you give in approaching English Language essays?

[dmitridr]

Hi there! This is the structure I generally use:

Introduction
1. Write a general sentence on the topic of the essay question – not necessarily answering the essay question, just providing a statement on the essay topic.
2. The topic sentence of the first body paragraph
3. The topic sentence of the second body paragraph
4. The topic sentence of the third body paragraph
5. Contention (your viewpoint on the topic): do you agree with the essay question, or not?

Body Paragraph 1 (BP1)
1. The TOPIC SENTENCE of the body paragraph (try not to copy the introduction topic sentence). This can be up to 2-3 sentences.
2. P: Give a POINT and/or feature
3. E: Backup with point with EVIDENCE and/or EXAMPLES.
4. E: ELABORATE on the evidence/example and how it relates to the topic of the body paragraph.
5. L: LINK back the paragraph’s point to the essay topic.

Body Paragraph 2 (BP2)
1. The TOPIC SENTENCE of the body paragraph (try not to copy the introduction topic sentence). This can be up to 2-3 sentences.
2. P: Give a POINT and/or feature
3. E: Backup with point with EVIDENCE and/or EXAMPLES.
4. E: ELABORATE on the evidence/example and how it relates to the topic of the body paragraph.
5. L: LINK back the paragraph’s point to the essay topic.

Body Paragraph 3 (BP3)
1. The TOPIC SENTENCE of the body paragraph (try not to copy the introduction topic sentence). This can be up to 2-3 sentences.
2. P: Give a POINT and/or feature
3. E: Backup with point with EVIDENCE and/or EXAMPLES.
4. E: ELABORATE on the evidence/example and how it relates to the topic of the body paragraph.
5. L: LINK back the paragraph’s point to the essay topic.

Conclusion
1. Repeat your contention that you mentioned in your introduction
2. Repeat your topic sentence from BP1 (preferably in other words)
3. Repeat your topic sentence from BP2 (preferably in other words)
4. Repeat your topic sentence from BP3 (preferably in other words)

Notes: Always use linking words when starting new paragraphs especially for BP2 and BP3. For example: furthermore, moreover, however, in contrast, on the other hand.