how to write a good descriptive essay igcse

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Descriptive essays.

In descriptive essays, you have to describe a person, place or thing. If the question states “describe a person that helped you in the time of need”, don’t just go on about how the person helped you, you have to describe the person and his attributes as well.

Describing people:

• Add the characteristics of the person such as “tall, well built, shiny black hair, etc.”. Remember to describe the height, age, build, face, eyes, hair and clothing of the person.
• Describe the attributes and hobbies of the person and why he/she inspires/motivates you.

Example(s):

• When he laughed, he revealed a set of horribly discoloured teeth.
• Everybody stared at her. She had beautiful dark hair piled high on her head, a delicately shaped face, large soft eyes and the most dazzling smile I had ever seen.

Describing places:

• State where and what the place is (For example Lulu Island in Abu Dhabi).
• Describe how far the place is from your house (how you got there) and why do you like the place.
• Describe the unique features of the place and what is so good about it. Describe the weather and how it felt “hot” or “cold” when you were there.
• Would you recommend the place to others (for vacations, etc.)? If yes, then why?

She strolled to the back of the house by herself, and she saw the most beautiful backdrop. Trees were everywhere and sunlight was trying its best to penetrate the thick lush greenery. Right at the very middle of the trees was a small lake. Danielle leaned against the fence and admired the scene before her with awe.

Describing things:

• Name the thing and what type of gadget/thing it is (For example your 24-carrot Rolex WATCH 😛 )
• Describe the appearance of the thing, remember to be precise in mentioning the color, shape and size of the object.
• Describe the features of the object and why it is so special to you.

Starting Descriptives; start by naming the person/place/thing. For person, describe if he’s popular or not. For places, describe it’s location and popularity. For things, name the brand and how the people world – wide adore it.

Main body; go into further detail on the topic.

• If you’re describing a person then go in detail of the appearance, characteristics and qualities of the person (in separate paragraphs).
• If you’re describing a place, go in depth about the wonders of the place, the key features and leisure facilities, the weather (decide paragraphing accordingly).
• If you’re describing things, most preferably two paragraphs in detail of its appearance and how its features and background make it an important object for you.

Ending your essay; conclude your essay by summarizing all you’ve described and recommending (in case of place) or wishing best of luck (in case of people such as teachers/sportsmen) or admiring the object that you hold so dear.

Key point; in descriptive, VOCABULARY is very important because you want the reader to imagine what you’re describing! Nobody just likes to read a description of a person or place or object. With appropriate vocabulary you have to make it an interesting read.

Vocabulary for Describing People’s outlook

Vocabulary for Describing types of People

Here are a few links to help you build your vocabulary: Link 1 Link 2 Link 3 Link 4

IGCSE Examiner Tips for Descriptive Writing:

• It is difficult to write interesting descriptions, so this type of composition should not be attempted unless you have had practice and success at this type of writing. To write a strong descriptive answer you will need to use a wide range of vocabulary and even use imagery to engage reader interest. Unless the reader can see the picture they will not be able to relate to the experience.
• You will need to use a variety of sentence structures. All forms of repetition should be avoided – unless you are deliberately using it carefully for effect.
• You will need to evoke all five senses to create an environment and atmosphere, as well as details of size, shape and colour. Make colour precise, e.g. ‘scarlet’, ‘azure’, ‘off-white’, ‘bluish-grey’.
• Try to avoid common, overused, vague, short and childish vocabulary, such as ‘nice’, ‘big’, ‘little’, ‘a lot of’, ‘good’, and ‘bad’.
• Each noun probably needs one or more adjectives in front of it to give sufficient detail.
• Don’t let your description become static – give structure and progression to your description e.g. moving towards or through something, such as a street market or busy shoppingmall, or going through a period of time, an hour or a day for instance, and recording the changes.

IGCSE First Language English – How to Write a Descriptive Story

Home » Blog Microsite » IGCSE First Language English – How to Write a Descriptive Story

  3248 Reads     Updated on: February 17, 2023

IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) offers up to 70 subjects to its students, including more than 30 languages. Students can take them in any combination. The groups under which the subjects are ordered are

• Group 1 – Languages
• Group 2 – Humanities and Social Sciences
• Group 3 – Sciences
• Group 4 – Mathematics and Business
• Group 5 – Creative and Professional and Vocational

THIS BLOG INCLUDES:

1. Assessments of EFL and ESL – Writing 2. What is Descriptive Writing and How to Plan it?

There are two options for the language English – English as the first language (EFL) and English as the second language (ESL)

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (EFL) is curated for students whose first language is English. The course enables the students to

• Enhance their speaking and writing skills
• Expand their vocabulary, and use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Develop a personal style
• Develop an awareness of the audience being addressed

Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English (ESL) is curated for students whose native language is not English but who have a working knowledge. The course enables the students to

• Understand and use English in a range of situations
• Enhance the awareness of the four language-learning skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking
• Focus on the use of the language in everyday communication
• Learn to complement the other areas of the curriculum by developing the transferable skills

Thus, the students improve their communication abilities in this language, increasing their opportunities for further studies or for a planned career.

To choose the right option, consider two major parameters

• How comfortable and fluent are you in the English language
• What are your future goals – either academic or career are

Table of Contents

Assessments of EFL and ESL – Writing

Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the EFL require the students to respond to texts provided in the examination.

Paper 1 – Extended response to reading – requires the students to respond in 250-350 words to one of the following text types – speech, letter, report, journal, interview, and article Paper 2 – Directed Writing – two questions

• Evaluate the information in the text to write a 250-350 worded discursive/argumentative/persuasive speech, letter, or article
• Descriptive or Narrative 350-450 worded composition

Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the ESL require the students to attempt the followingly. Students need to

• Make brief notes related to a text printed on the paper
• Write an 80-word summary related to a text printed on the paper
• Write 100-150 words of continuous prose in response to a picture and short prompts printed on the paper
• Write a 100-150 review, report, or article in response to a picture and shore prompts printed in the paper

Let us learn more about the descriptive writing question which is part of Paper 2 of English as the first language (EFL). This question tests the following assessment objectives:

• Articulate experience and express what is thought, felt, and imagined
• Arrange and structure ideas and opinions for calculated effect
• Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures related to the context
• Make accurate use of spelling, punctuation, and grammar
• Vary the usage as per the context

What is Descriptive Writing and How to Plan it?

Descriptive writing describes a person, place, or thing in a way that enables the reader to actually visualize and feel it.

• The student is presented with a question paper booklet with two questions for descriptive writing
• He has to choose one and plan his writing accordingly.
• Beginning with the sensory detailing is considered to be easy

Sensory Details 

Sight, Smell, Touch, Hear, Taste

Begin with Sight

Talking vividly about what he sees and what emotions that action evokes in him.

At nine o’clock in the morning, Global Computer Graphics was already bustling with activity. There were eight modular cubicles, occupied by computer whizzes, all young and busily building websites. The employees in their crisp uniforms were walking up and down. This hustle and bustle were slowly building into my monotonous morning.

Hear Clearly

Now the student can add on the sounds he hears and write how it impacts him.

Ashley Patterson was taking a hurried shower, late for work, when she heard a sound. A door opening? Closing? She turned off the shower, listening, her heart pounding. A shiver ran through her wet body. Was it a burglar?

The element highlighted here – is fear.

Let Us Move to the Smell Sensory

Smell always has the power to link us to the past and familiar smells can trigger our memories and emotions. This is referred to as olfactory imagery. The student can elaborate on the smell sensory to recreate a past memory.

The sweet fragrance of the honeysuckle always reminded Jenny of her mother’s perfume. He woke up to the smell of burnt toast and all he wanted now was a hot cup of coffee.

The element highlighted in both the above examples is memory – but first, a pleasant one and in the second, an unpleasant one.

Look at This Example

The kid took a bite at the red juicy apple and smiled as sweet as the sweet, soft fruit filled her mouth and the juice ran down her chin. The reader already would be feeling hungry and want to bite into an apple now.

Finally, the Tactile Imagery

The masseuse rubbed the lightly fragranced warm lavender oil across her stress-riddled shoulders. The gentle rubs felt so comfortable and made her sleep.

The reader can feel the effect of a good massage.

Writers must do their best to lure the readers into the story. And that is the reason, we love a good novel or script. We can step out of our everyday lives and walk into the descriptive fantasies of the stories with new adventures. And as such, writers should be doing more than describing a green grassy hillock or mentioning the sound of the crashing waves on the rocks in rough weather. There are many ways to develop a sense of imagery. Apart from the sensory imagery discussed above, more ways are:

• Precise language – Tulip instead of a flower, mansion instead of home
• Comparisons – As lazy as a snail: She walks in beauty, like the night
• Strong verbs – She slammed the door on his face
• Hyperbole – I am dying of thirst; I love you to the moon and back

After the student has done planning out the response using the sensory imagery, he needs to choose an apt title. If the title is already mentioned, he needs to use it. He has to make sure that the title he chooses is relevant to the themes of the descriptive.

It is not necessary that all 5 sensory imagery needs to be used. In fact, sometimes there may be no need for the imagery at all. So, the student needs to plan the story carefully.

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How do you write a descriptive essay in IGCSE English?

Comparable to discussing a photo or a video clip is descriptive writing. When someone reads your description, they should be able to virtually exactly recreate the vision you described in their minds. Like telepathy, in a way. It’s crucial to be specific, so keep that in mind.

What is the structure of descriptive writing?

A descriptive essay typically comprises three body paragraphs, a conclusion, and a strong thesis statement at the end of the introduction. Yet, a description need not follow a set pattern.

What is the format of the descriptive paragraph?

A statement that introduces the subject and briefly discusses its importance. supporting phrases that use the specifics you listed during brainstorming to explain the topic in clear, vivid terms. a short summary that links back to the relevance of the subject.

What is the difference between narrative and descriptive writing in IGCSE?

A descriptive essay is supposed to provide a detailed description of a certain place, item, or concept, whereas a narrative essay is intended to present a whole story.

What are the 3 types of descriptive writing?

The three types of descriptive writing are:

• Writing about an object
• Writing about a person
• Writing about a place

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• Knowledge Base
• How to write a descriptive essay | Example & tips

How to Write a Descriptive Essay | Example & Tips

Published on July 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.

A descriptive essay gives a vivid, detailed description of something—generally a place or object, but possibly something more abstract like an emotion. This type of essay , like the narrative essay , is more creative than most academic writing .

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Table of contents

Descriptive essay topics, tips for writing descriptively, descriptive essay example, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about descriptive essays.

When you are assigned a descriptive essay, you’ll normally be given a specific prompt or choice of prompts. They will often ask you to describe something from your own experience.

• Describe a place you love to spend time in.
• Describe an object that has sentimental value for you.

You might also be asked to describe something outside your own experience, in which case you’ll have to use your imagination.

• Describe the experience of a soldier in the trenches of World War I.
• Describe what it might be like to live on another planet.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to describe something more abstract, like an emotion.

If you’re not given a specific prompt, try to think of something you feel confident describing in detail. Think of objects and places you know well, that provoke specific feelings or sensations, and that you can describe in an interesting way.

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The key to writing an effective descriptive essay is to find ways of bringing your subject to life for the reader. You’re not limited to providing a literal description as you would be in more formal essay types.

Make use of figurative language, sensory details, and strong word choices to create a memorable description.

Use figurative language

Figurative language consists of devices like metaphor and simile that use words in non-literal ways to create a memorable effect. This is essential in a descriptive essay; it’s what gives your writing its creative edge and makes your description unique.

Take the following description of a park.

This tells us something about the place, but it’s a bit too literal and not likely to be memorable.

If we want to make the description more likely to stick in the reader’s mind, we can use some figurative language.

Here we have used a simile to compare the park to a face and the trees to facial hair. This is memorable because it’s not what the reader expects; it makes them look at the park from a different angle.

You don’t have to fill every sentence with figurative language, but using these devices in an original way at various points throughout your essay will keep the reader engaged and convey your unique perspective on your subject.

Use your senses

Another key aspect of descriptive writing is the use of sensory details. This means referring not only to what something looks like, but also to smell, sound, touch, and taste.

Obviously not all senses will apply to every subject, but it’s always a good idea to explore what’s interesting about your subject beyond just what it looks like.

Even when your subject is more abstract, you might find a way to incorporate the senses more metaphorically, as in this descriptive essay about fear.

Choose the right words

Writing descriptively involves choosing your words carefully. The use of effective adjectives is important, but so is your choice of adverbs , verbs , and even nouns.

It’s easy to end up using clichéd phrases—“cold as ice,” “free as a bird”—but try to reflect further and make more precise, original word choices. Clichés provide conventional ways of describing things, but they don’t tell the reader anything about your unique perspective on what you’re describing.

Try looking over your sentences to find places where a different word would convey your impression more precisely or vividly. Using a thesaurus can help you find alternative word choices.

• My cat runs across the garden quickly and jumps onto the fence to watch it from above.
• My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above.

However, exercise care in your choices; don’t just look for the most impressive-looking synonym you can find for every word. Overuse of a thesaurus can result in ridiculous sentences like this one:

• My feline perambulates the allotment proficiently and capers atop the palisade to regard it from aloft.

An example of a short descriptive essay, written in response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” is shown below.

Hover over different parts of the text to see how a descriptive essay works.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

If you’re not given a specific prompt for your descriptive essay , think about places and objects you know well, that you can think of interesting ways to describe, or that have strong personal significance for you.

The best kind of object for a descriptive essay is one specific enough that you can describe its particular features in detail—don’t choose something too vague or general.

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IGCSE English Language: Writing Techniques for Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays are an essential part of the IGCSE English Language exam. They require you to vividly describe a person, place, object, or experience using sensory details and figurative language. Here are some techniques to help you write effective descriptive essays for the IGCSE exam:

 1. Utilize Sensory Language

- Appeal to the Senses: Use vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch) to create a sensory-rich experience for the reader.

- Create Vivid Imagery: Use specific and concrete nouns, strong adjectives, and active verbs to paint a clear picture in the reader's mind. 

- Use Figurative Language: Incorporate similes, metaphors, and personification to add depth and creativity to your descriptions.

 2. Create a Clear Structure

- Introduction: Begin with a compelling opening sentence or hook that sets the scene and captures the reader's attention. Provide a brief overview of what you will be describing.

- Body Paragraphs: Organize your essay into paragraphs, each focusing on a different aspect of your subject. Use descriptive details and sensory language to describe each aspect in detail.

- Conclusion: Summarize your main points and leave the reader with a lasting impression of your subject.

 3. Use a Variety of Sentence Types

- Simple Sentences: Use simple sentences to convey straightforward information.

- Compound Sentences: Use compound sentences to link related ideas or actions.

- Complex Sentences: Use complex sentences to show causation, contrast, or conditions.

 4. Focus on Detail

- Be Specific: Use specific and detailed descriptions to convey a clear and vivid picture of your subject.

- Avoid Generalizations: Avoid using vague or general language. Instead, provide concrete and specific details that paint a clear picture for the reader.

 5. Include Dialogue and Conversation

- Add Dialogue: Use dialogue to bring your subject to life. Use quotation marks to indicate when someone is speaking.

- Use Conversations: Include conversations or interactions between characters to add depth and realism to your descriptions.

 6. Employ Punctuation for Effect

- Emphasize with Punctuation: Use punctuation marks such as exclamation points, ellipses, and dashes to add emphasis and drama to your descriptions.

- Control the Pace: Use commas and periods to control the pace of your writing and guide the reader through your descriptions.

 7. Show, Don't Tell

- Use Action Verbs: Use action verbs to show the subject in motion and convey a sense of movement.

- Avoid Passive Voice: Avoid using the passive voice, as it can make your writing less dynamic and engaging.

- Be Descriptive: Use adjectives and adverbs to describe the subject in detail.

 8. Revise and Edit

- Review Your Work: Take the time to review and revise your essay. Look for areas where you can add more detail or improve the flow of your descriptions.

- Edit for Grammar and Punctuation: Check your essay for grammar and punctuation errors. Make sure your sentences are clear and concise.

- Seek Feedback: Ask a teacher, friend, or family member to read your essay and provide feedback. Use their suggestions to improve your writing.

By incorporating these techniques into your descriptive essays, you can create vivid and engaging descriptions that will captivate your reader and earn you high marks in the IGCSE English Language exam. Remember to practice regularly and seek feedback to improve your writing skills. Good luck!

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How to Score High for Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing is one of those tasks where the instructions sound simple.

For example:

Describe a little village.

The question is too simple. Already, you may start picturing a ‘little village’. And then it dawns upon you - this is for 40 marks ! What do I DO?

Suddenly it feels like you are going round in circles - you have already described the little houses and the sunset. You have described the trees and maybe a farm somewhere, and a church. What now? You are deciding whether you should mention a pond. And maybe the houses again?

This is the descriptive writing trap.

You run out of things to describe.

There are some things we can do to avoid this. One thing we can do before we start writing is thinking - Okay I will mention the mountains near the little village, the sun lavishly rising up from beyond them, and the general feel of the village.

There are 2 main methods to describe things vividly, and also not run out of things to say:

1) Use adjectives and provide details

There was a farm a bit far away.

This is not a bad sentence by any means. However, we can instantly liven up the sentence by adding a few adjectives:

There was a pleasant old farm at the very edge of the village, from where the grasslands began.

By mentioning the farm as 'a pleasant old farm', there is an understanding about the farm itself now, which was not clear in the previous sentence.

Also, by replacing ‘a bit far away’ with a bunch of details concerning the distance, there is now a bit more of a visualisation available in your writing!

If you are not getting ideas, resort to your favourite books or movies to gain inspiration from, and get an insight from. This is something you need a lot of guidance in, but with some patience, you might figure out a way!

As another example, let us try to describe something that has nothing to do with a village. We will try to describe something completely fictional, so brace yourselves:

It was a large dog with three heads - it also had three eyes, three noses and three mouths!

Here, I am trying to describe a creature which belongs only in stories - only within the imagination. In my mind, I had a clear visualisation, of a creature which is quite scary and foreboding. My visualisation looked something very similar to this:

Remember this scary dog from the Harry Potter movies?

This is the image I had in mind while I was describing the fictional creature. It is actually the image of Cerberus - the hound of Hades, the three-headed monstrosity which is prevalent in Greek mythology.

Describing something fictional is harder than describing something that is not - because you are describing something that only you are understanding! Such a dog does not exist of course, so you have to help your reader understand what you are imagining.

In the Harry Potter books , this is how the description of the creature goes:

… straight into the eyes of a monstrous dog, a dog that filled the whole space between ceiling and floor. J. K Rowling, Chapter 10, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

The use of the adjective, ‘monstrous’, immediately has us realizing that the creature is not pleasant, and is in fact, dangerous. This, as well as the size of the dog, were necessary details that was missing in my own description above.

And the quote continues:

… It had three heads. Three pairs of rolling, mad eyes ; three noses, twitching and quivering in their direction ; three drooling mouths, saliva hanging in slippery ropes from yellowish fangs.

Here, there is detail being added to each visual.

• The eyes are rolling, and mad.
• The noses are twitching, quivering in an upward motion.
• The mouths are drooling, with sticky saliva dropping from yellow fangs.

Do you not think this is descriptive?

The adjectives and the details are giving life to the description. You may think details are hard to think of, but all it takes is a bit of practice and guidance - and keep an eye out for descriptions of anything.

2) Focus on the setting and atmosphere

If the setting is something smaller, like just a room - you are limited in your description of the landscape. However, the setting is now the room, so only the scope of your description has changed, and not the description itself.

You can now describe all the intricate details you are noticing in a fascinating room - if you are spending a lot of time describing a room, why not make it an interesting one?

How many windows does the room have? What are the windows made of, and what is their shape? Can you imagine how the windows would let the light enter the room on a bright sunny day? What is the view from the window? Can you see the landscape from the window?

Here, we have an extract by Charlotte Bronte in Jane Eyre, as she is describing a garden inside a school compound:

The garden was a wide enclosure, surrounded with walls so high as to exclude every glimpse of prospect; a covered verandah ran down one side, and broad walks bordered a middle space divided into scores of little beds: these beds were assigned as gardens for the pupils to cultivate, and each bed had an owner. Chapter 5

Here, the garden is surrounded by an enclosure, so the outside world is excluded - you now have to describe everything within the wall. Would you do the same when you write, by intentionally leaving out the landscape by cutting the character’s access to it?

Here, she is continuing with the description of the garden:

When full of flowers they would doubtless look pretty; but now, at the latter end of January, all was wintry blight and brown decay. I shuddered as I stood and looked round me: it was an inclement day for outdoor exercise; not positively rainy, but darkened by a drizzling yellow fog; all under foot was still soaking wet with the floods of yesterday.

Here, with the limited landscape, she is now looking at the sky, and then at the wet ground under her feet, while musing about the rain from the previous day.

What else will she describe now?

The stronger among the girls ran about and engaged in active games, but sundry pale and thin ones herded together for shelter and warmth in the verandah; and amongst these, as the dense mist penetrated to their shivering frames, I heard frequently the sound of a hollow cough.

Her lines here are describing the people present in the garden! This is enough visual imagery for a setting, because right after this, she speaks about her thoughts and feelings while she is in that setting.

How can the description move forward? She can surely visit another section of the school? She can notice something important in the garden, which will carry things forward, and add more meaning to the scene? The possibilities are endless.

Descriptive writing is easier and more effective than writing a story, especiallly in IGCSE English, with a limited wordcount. If you will like a little bit of guidance, we can make sure you score well for your exams. Click here to get equipped with tools for your English skills.

Whatisdescriptivewriting?

Descriptive writing can be hard to write. It is not a story and it has no plot line. You are imagining closing your eyes and seeing a picture. Yet, you are inside the picture and can sense smell, sounds and feelings. It is often written in the third person.

Effective description works because it helps a reader feel a part of the scene being described. If you look closely at how this kind of writing is created, you’ll find many references to one or more of the senses such as what can be seen or heard. This is called sensory description. This use of the senses allows the reader to enter the scene more effectively by involving them directly and by evoking a more emotional response. It works because it creates imagery in the mind.

Languagetechniques

Imagery is a very important feature of descriptive writing. The most common way by which a writer can create imagery is through the use of figurative language, typically through the use of metaphor, simile and personification.

A simile is the comparison of one item with another. Usually the words ‘as’ or ‘like’ are used to bring the two ideas together.

For example:

The temperature was hot.

could become,

The temperature was hot like the sun.

However, be careful. You must make your simile effective. How could you make ‘The temperature was hot like the sun’ effective? Think about when the sun is at its hottest: the desert, midday, summer etc. Now, change the simile:

The temperature was hot like the midday, desert sun in midsummer.

A metaphor is a comparison in which something is said to be something else:

• The man was a cheetah racing down the track.
• The sound drummed on her head.
• The vultures tore through the school canteen.

Why use a metaphor?

• You can make the ordinary strange and interesting, making your writing more exciting to read.
• Your reader is forced to think and interpret when you show them something through the use of imagery, rather than telling them literally.

This is when the word sounds like the word that it is representing. Sound is the key sense that is described with onomatopoeia. Think about: bang, crash and whoosh. With each of these words, you can hear that sound.

Alliteration is repetition of a sound at the beginning of a group of words. An example might be:

The fierce fox fixated on the field mouse.

With alliteration, you must consider the hard sounds and the soft sounds in English. Consider the sound produced:

Lovely vs collided

The ‘l’ sound is soft and gentle whereas the ‘c’ sound is harsh and abrupt. You must consider the tone that you are attempting to create.

Personification is providing an inanimate object with animate features.

Consider a tree moving in the wind:

• The leaves dancing
• The trunk stood still and upright
• The flowers waving

All of these are characteristics of humans, rather than of trees. They provide interesting imagery.

Exampletext

Look at the example text. What language techniques can you spot within the paragraph?

The creature buzzed loudly through the air, its delicate wings fluttering in the sparkling sun. Although feared, the contrast of the sunshine yellow and jet black stripes over its plump body made the creature beautiful. However, its sting hovered down, warning those who bravely dared to go near that it was dangerous.

Createyourownwritingandassess

Within the exam, you might be provided with a picture as a stimulus. You can use the picture in whatever way is useful; however, do not be afraid to steer away from the stimulus material.

Complete one of the following questions:

• Describe an important event in your life.
• Describe a train journey.
• Describe your favourite holiday destination.

Do not forget to self-assess for descriptive language features.

How to Write an Outstanding IGCSE English Essay?

• Author: Litera Centre
• Updated: November 27, 2023
• Language: English

Writing an outstanding IGCSE English essay is a skill that can elevate your academic performance and equip you with invaluable communication abilities. Whether you’re a student aiming to excel in your IGCSE examinations or an aspiring writer looking to hone your craft, mastering the art of essay composition is essential. 

In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of crafting exceptional IGCSE English essays. From understanding the essay prompt and organizing your thoughts to perfecting your writing style and enhancing your argumentation, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this academic endeavor with confidence and finesse. 

Let’s dig deeper to unlock the secrets of impressive essay writing.

The Significance of IGCSE English Essay!

Before giving you the tips to ace the IGCSE English essay writing, let’s know the significance of this section first: 

Global Recognition & Standardization: 

The IGCSE English Essay holds immense significance due to its global recognition and standardization. It is administered by Cambridge Assessment International Education, which is respected worldwide for its rigorous curriculum and assessments. This means that when a student completes the IGCSE English Essay, their achievement is recognized and respected by educational institutions and employers around the world.

Enhanced Language Proficiency: 

The IGCSE English Essay plays a pivotal role in enhancing a student’s language proficiency. It encourages students to engage with diverse texts, fostering their reading, writing, and comprehension skills. As a result, students become more adept at expressing their ideas and thoughts clearly and effectively, a crucial skill in both academic and professional settings.

Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills:

Another significant aspect of the IGCSE English Essay is its emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills. Through analyzing literary texts, students develop the ability to dissect complex ideas, interpret themes, and make persuasive arguments. These skills are not only essential for success in the English subject but are transferable to various fields, including law, journalism, and research.

Cultural Awareness & Empathy: 

The IGCSE English Essay often includes a variety of literary works from different cultures and periods. This exposure fosters cultural awareness and empathy in students as they explore the perspectives and experiences of characters from diverse backgrounds. Such awareness is vital in today’s interconnected world, promoting tolerance and understanding.

Preparation for Advanced Study and Careers: 

Beyond its academic benefits, the IGCSE English Essay serves as a crucial stepping stone for students planning to pursue further education or careers that require strong communication and writing skills. It provides a solid foundation for more advanced English courses, including A-levels and university-level studies. Additionally, in a professional context, effective writing and communication skills are highly valued and can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities.

In conclusion, the IGCSE English Essay holds great significance in a student’s educational journey. It offers a standardized platform for language development, fosters critical thinking, promotes cultural awareness, and equips students with skills that are valuable both in academia and the professional world. Its benefits extend far beyond the classroom, making it a valuable and worthwhile component of a student’s education.

Step-to-Step Process to Write an Excellent IGCSE English Essay: 

Here are seven steps you must follow to write an outstanding IGCSE English essay: 

Step 1: Understand the Essay Prompt: 

This step involves dissecting the essay question meticulously. In simpler words, you need to identify essential keywords as well as directives, such as “analyze,” “discuss,” or “compare.” 

By carefully deconstructing the prompt, you gain a clear understanding of what the essay requires. This initial comprehension is vital, as it forms the basis for your essay’s direction and structure. It ensures that you don’t deviate from the essay’s core purpose and helps you focus on addressing the specific elements the prompt intends to evaluate, setting the stage for a well-structured and on-point essay.

Step 2: Brainstorm and Plan: 

Here, you take time to gather your thoughts and devise a strategic approach. Start by brainstorming ideas related to the essay prompt, considering potential arguments, themes, and examples. This brainstorming helps clarify your thoughts and allows you to identify the most compelling points to include in your essay. 

Subsequently, create an outline or a mind map that organizes these ideas into a coherent structure. This plan serves as a roadmap for your essay, ensuring that your arguments flow logically and are well-organized. 

By investing time in this step, you set yourself up for a more organized and effective essay.

Step 3: Introduction with a Strong Thesis Statement: 

Needless to say, the introduction serves as the gateway to your essay, and it should be engaging to capture the reader’s attention. It begins with a hook, which can be a quote, a question, or a compelling statement relevant to the topic. 

Following the hook, you must present a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the central argument or purpose of your essay. 

The thesis statement is the essay’s backbone, providing a roadmap for what the reader can expect. It sets the tone and direction for the entire essay and is essential for a well-structured and coherent piece of writing.

Step 4: Body Paragraphs with Evidence and Analysis:

Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence, summarizing the main point of that specific paragraph. Following this, you should provide supporting evidence, which may include quotes from the text, examples, or references to literary elements. 

Once the evidence is presented, you need to engage in in-depth analysis. This means interpreting and explaining the significance of the evidence in your thesis statement. 

The combination of evidence and analysis reinforces your arguments and ensures that your essay is not just a summary, but a critical exploration of the topic, fostering a deeper understanding of the text and its themes.

Step 6: Transition Smoothly Between Paragraphs: 

To maintain the coherence and flow of your essay, you should use transitional words and phrases effectively. These transitions connect your ideas, guide the reader through your argument, and establish logical relationships between paragraphs. 

Common transitional words and phrases include “furthermore,” “however,” “in contrast,” and “conversely.” 

By implementing these transitions, you create a seamless narrative that allows the reader to follow your essay’s progression effortlessly. This step is essential for making your IGCSE English Essay more comprehensible and ensuring that your arguments are presented in a clear and interconnected manner.

Step 7: Conclusion and Final Thoughts: 

In this stage, you need to summarize the key points you’ve made in the body of your essay, restate your thesis statement using different wording, and provide a sense of closure to your argument. 

Your conclusion should offer a concise reflection on the main themes and arguments, reinforcing their significance and relevance. It should leave a lasting impression on the reader, helping them understand the broader implications of your analysis. 

A strong conclusion ties up your essay neatly, leaving a lasting impact and ensuring that your message resonates with the reader.

Step 8: Proofread and Edit: 

This step involves a comprehensive review of your work to eliminate grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation issues. In addition to basic mechanics, you should also assess the clarity and coherence of your writing. 

Ensure that your arguments and ideas are logically presented and that your essay is well-structured. Reading your essay aloud can help identify awkward phrasing or convoluted sentences. 

Editing is a critical step that polishes your work, ensuring it is clear, concise, and free from distractions. It guarantees that your message is communicated effectively and leaves a lasting positive impression on the reader.

How Can Litera Centre Help You? 

So, are you preparing for the IGCSE English examination, with a specific focus on essay writing? Look no further, as Litera Centre is here to provide you with the expert guidance, valuable resources, and personalized coaching you need to excel in your IGCSE journey.

At Litera Centre, we understand the importance of excelling in the IGCSE English Essay examination, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve your academic goals. Our team of experienced educators and English language experts are here to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to tackle the essay writing component of the exam with confidence and precision.

With our tailored coaching, you’ll receive personalized attention and support, ensuring that you fully grasp the intricacies of essay writing, including structure, argument development, and grammar. 

Don’t leave your IGCSE English success to chance. Let Litera Centre be your partner in achieving excellence in your examinations. Join us today and take a step closer to taking your IGCSE English examination.

References:

https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/how-to-write-brilliant-essays/

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Sunday, June 16, 2013

Writing a* composition for igcse or as - descriptive writing.

•   pre-write - read the question carefully, 
• do a quick plan (Nerdvark did a spider diagram to make sure he was mentioning all five senses in his descriptive piece, and using a very short time span. You'll notice that he also paid attention to atmosphere, and has a switch part way through, from a pleasant atmosphere of a welcoming island where he feels relieved to be safe, to a dangerous island where he is under attack, but there is a bit of foreshadowing in the diction at the beginning of the passage. All this comes from planning .), 
• draft (Nerdvark wrote like crazy for about 45 minutes without stopping - he knew what he was aiming for because he read the question carefully and did a good plan, and he knew he'd have time to revise and edit before handing in his paper.)
• revise (Nerdvark ended up with too many words at first, in other words he was wordy, and had to revise it to be more succinct and more clear. He also tends to be a bit repetitive. You'll notice that the marking guide specifically mentions not to be repetitive. Don't be repetitive. Nerdvark crossed out the repeated bits when he revised the piece.), 
• and a final edit for errors (in the marking guide it says "linguistically strong and accurate"; i.e. no errors.)

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Exercise 6: Writing an essay for examination from 2024 (Ultimate Guide)

Exercise 6 of the Reading and Writing paper of the IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) exam (0510/0511/0991/0993) is always a formal or semi-formal writing. It can be an article, an essay, a report, or a review.

In this article, you will discover how to write an almost-perfect essay that impresses the examiner and gets you the highest band. So, are you ready? Let’s dive in!

So, what is an essay?

An essay is a short piece of writing on a particular subject. The purpose of an essay is to present an argument or point of view about a particular topic and give examples or reasons to support it. The topic will be a question or an issue which people generally have different opinions about.

The essay could present both sides of the argument, or just one, depending on the instructions given in the task. So, if the instructions ask you to give your opinion, you can address just this one point of view, or you can discuss the arguments for and against. But if the task instructions state that arguments for and against should be included, then you should address both points of view.

The Tone and Register of an Essay

In the exam, the essay is usually for your teacher, so the tone and register should be formal or semi-formal . Therefore, it should avoid language that is too idiomatic and colloquial.

Now, before diving into the details of how to write a successful essay, let’s first explore a few differences between articles and essays.

Differences between an article and an essay

An essay is very similar to an article with only a few key differences.

An article is usually published in a newspaper or a magazine, so as far as the exam is concerned, the audience is often students at your school (school magazine article), or sometimes your teacher or the local newspaper.

The audience of an essay is often your teacher (who requested the essay in the first place).

An article is generally written to inform and persuade the reader that a certain viewpoint is correct.

An essay is generally written as a response to a question or a proposition (often by your teacher). It presents an argument or point of view about a particular topic and gives examples or reasons to support it.

Tone and style:

Articles generally have a more objective tone and style, focusing on presenting information in a neutral or balanced manner.

Essays are generally subjective, reflecting the writer’s opinion and perspective.

An article may have a heading to grab the reader’s attention (though not compulsory in the exam).

An essay does not require a heading.

The format of a one-sided argument essay

A one-sided argument essay can have two formats, depending on whether you include a counterargument from the opposing viewpoint or not.

Paragraph 1:  Introduction (including your opinion)

Paragraph 2:  First point supporting your opinion with an explanation

Paragraph 3:  Second point supporting your opinion with an explanation

Paragraph 4:  State a counterargument (an idea from the opposing viewpoint) and counter the counterargument (i.e., explain why this counterargument is invalid). In other words, state a point made by people who have a different opinion from yours and explain why they are wrong.

Paragraph 5:  Conclusion (including your opinion again but in different words)

Paragraph 2:  One or two points supporting your opinion with an explanation

Paragraph 3:  One or two points (different from those of the previous paragraph) supporting your opinion with an explanation

Paragraph 4:  Conclusion (including your opinion again but in different words)

The format of a two-sided argument essay

Paragraph 1:  Introduction (without your opinion)

Paragraph 2:  One side of the argument

Paragraph 3:  The other side of the argument

Paragraph 4:  Conclusion (including your opinion)

Introduction

The purpose of the introduction is to  inform the reader  about the main point (topic) of the essay and  engage the reader  to make them interested in the topic. The main components of an effective introduction are:

• Topic sentence

Start your essay with a brief topic sentence that outlines the argument that the essay will discuss. Give  forceful statements  rather than “I think that”, “maybe” or “perhaps”. For example, “Teenagers love fast food.”, “Nowadays, music plays an indispensable role in our lives.”, etc.

To write an effective topic sentence, you might  use adverbial time phrases  and  generalizations . Here are some examples of each.

Adverbial time phrases

• Nowadays/these days/currently
• Every day/week/year
• Recently/for many years/decades
• In the past
• 10 years ago
• In the last (few/five) (days/weeks/months/years/decades)

Generalization

• A large number of / The vast majority (of)
• Several/some
• Not many/hardly any/ few
• In almost all cases
• In the majority of cases
• In a large number of cases
• In most cases
• In some cases
• On the whole/ Overall
• Rhetorical question(s)

Use rhetorical questions (questions that don’t require an answer but make your reader think) to get the reader interested in the topic and encourage them to read on. For example:

• How much longer do animals have to suffer?
• Could you live with yourself if you missed out on this opportunity?
• How could we possibly stand the …?
• What would happen if …?
• Could your conscience cope with …?
• Is it really worth …?
• Do you want to be part of …?
• Should students do sport at school?
• Should teenagers completely avoid fast food?
• We all love convenience food. But is it the best thing for our waistlines, our wallets and our world?
• Your opinion (if it is a one-sided argument essay)

If you are writing a two-sided argument essay,  DO NOT  give your opinion in the introduction.

If you are writing a one-sided argument essay, you MUST give your opinion (whether you support or oppose the viewpoint expressed in the statement).

Here are some opinion phrases to help you express your opinion.

• In my opinion/view
• From my perspective
• From my point of view
• I concur/agree
• I believe/think (that)
• It seems to me that
• I am in favour of
• I am against the idea of
• I am strongly opposed to
• I disagree/cannot accept

You may also kill two birds with one stone and begin your essay with a rhetorical question that introduces the topic to the reader, thus acting as a topic sentence. Here are some examples.

“Have you ever thought how school life would be if the school day started later? In my perspective, this will have countless benefits.”

“Should students do sport at school? This is a question which people have different opinions about.”

One-sided essay structure:

Body paragraph 1:  First idea supporting your opinion with an explanation

Body paragraph 2:  Second idea supporting your opinion with an explanation ( should be different from the first idea )

Body paragraph 3:  State a counterargument (an idea from the opposing viewpoint)  AND  counter the counterargument (i.e., explain why this counterargument is invalid). In other words, state a point made by people who have a different opinion from yours and explain why they are wrong.

Body Paragraph 1:  one or two points supporting your opinion with an explanation

Body Paragraph 2:  one or two points (different from those of the previous paragraph) supporting your opinion with an explanation

When introducing the counterargument in the 3 rd  body paragraph, use any of the following phrases.

• Opponents of this idea claim/assert/argue that …
• Those who disagree/are against these ideas may say/insist that …
• Some people allege/argue/contend that …
• Some people may suggest/point out that …
• A common counterargument is that …
• It can be argued that …

When countering the counterargument in the 3 rd  body paragraph, use any of the following phrases depending on the context.

• Although true to a certain extent, …
• While this may be true to some extent, …
• While it is true that …, it is important to consider…
• While some may believe that … recent studies have shown that …
• What this invalid argument misses is …
• What these people fail to notice/take note of is …
• The evidence, however, disproves this argument because …
• However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that …
• However, a closer analysis reveals that …
• However, this flawed argument overlooks the fact that …

Two-sided essay structure:

Body paragraph 1:  One side of the argument either in favour or against ( mention 2 different ideas )

Body paragraph 2:  The other side of the argument either in favour or against ( mention 2 different ideas )

General guidelines for both kinds of essays:

• Read the question carefully  and  draft a plan  for your essay in the blank space below the question using a pencil. Here are some steps to follow.
• Separate the blank space into two parts, one for and one against.
• Jot down any points that come to your mind in the correct part, along with any interesting vocabulary or expressions suitable for the task. Remember to write briefly and in bullet points.
• Decide whether you will write a one-sided essay or a two-sided essay. If the instructions in the question state that you must include arguments for and against, then choose the best 2 points supporting each side and write a two-sided essay. If it’s not mentioned that you must include arguments for and against, then the choice is yours.
• Consider how you will begin your essay and how you will engage the reader at the start. For example, write some variations of the topic sentence and rhetorical questions that you could use.
• Choose the most effective ones and begin writing. Remember to  spend no more than 5 minutes on the plan.
• Start your body paragraphs with a topic sentence rather than just jumping into the advantages or disadvantages (especially if you’re writing a two-sided essay). This helps to organize your writing and makes the purpose of the paragraph clear to the reader. For example, in an essay discussing the advantages and disadvantages of fast food, it is better to start your first body paragraph with a topic sentence like “There are some obvious advantages of fast food. Firstly, …” rather than just getting into the first point and writing, “To begin with, it’s quite tasty.”.
• You can use the few prompts given in the question, but it is better to  use your own ideas  if you want to get higher marks. If, however, you are out of ideas, use the ideas in the question and make sure to paraphrase them (write them in different words) and develop them well.
• Support your ideas with reasons, evidence, or examples . Keep in mind that the examiner knows the evidence or examples will be made up and doesn’t expect these to be correct. Yes, you can make up your own statistics! Just make sure it’s not overly unrealistic.
• Keep to the topic  (don’t wander away from the main subject of the essay). Remind yourself constantly by looking again at the question.
• Use a variety of linking words and cohesive devices  (mainly formal) to create a smooth and logical flow in your writing. Here are some examples.

When presenting the first point (used in the 1 st  body paragraph of both one-sided essays and two-sided essays)

• There are some obvious advantages of
• Those in support of … believe that …
• People who think … say that …
• The main argument in favour of/against is
• The main point/reason is
• The most important point/reason is
• The first point/reason is
• First of all
• First and foremost

When  adding  more points to the same side of the argument

• In addition,
• Furthermore,
• Additionally,
• Not only … but also…
• As well as.
• Another noteworthy point is …
• Apart from that
• What is more

When  contrasting  ideas (typically used to introduce the opposite viewpoint in the 2 nd  body paragraph of a two-sided essay

• Some people argue that …
• Nevertheless
• Even though
• In spite of
• On the other hand
• On the contrary
• By contrast

When giving examples

• For example
• For instance
• One clear example is
• To illustrate
• In other words

When reasoning:

• Results and consequences: as a result, consequently, therefore, thus, hence, for this reason, as a result (of), which means that, etc.
• Reasons and causes: owing to, because (of), on account of, due to, since, as, etc.   

When highlighting and stressing

• Particularly
• In particular
• Specifically

The purpose of the conclusion is to  sum up what you have said  and  express (or re-express) your opinion.

In the conclusion:

• Briefly summarize your main points using concluding phrases. Here are some examples.
• In conclusion
• To conclude
• To reiterate
• On the whole
• All things considered
• After weighing the benefits and drawbacks
• I believe that …
• Thus, I am of the opinion that …
• Given these points

Remember to use different words from those used to express the points in the body.

• Give your final opinion (regardless of whether it’s a one-sided or a two-sided essay) and any solution or suggestion if applicable.

The solution or suggestion might be part of your opinion if you’re writing a two-sided essay and want to take a balanced view on the issue rather than siding with one side. For example, “Overall, I believe eating fast food occasionally isn’t a problem, but fresh home-cooked food is best.” Use the opinion phrases stated earlier in the Introduction section to express your opinion, and if it’s a one-sided essay, make sure to use different words from those used in the introduction.

• End with a strong, impactful statement that leaves the reader with something to think about. This could be a rhetorical question or a statement that encourages the reader to decide what they think about the same viewpoint. For example:
• “To conclude, I wholeheartedly believe that everyone should pursue higher education. Why not embrace this invaluable opportunity to fast-track your career, build your confidence, and broaden your social circle?”
• “Overall, I believe eating fast food occasionally isn’t a problem, but fresh home-cooked food is best. Do you not think so?”
• “After weighing the benefits and the drawbacks, it is apparent that convenience food, while palatable, may negatively impact other areas of your life. Think about this before you reach for your next snack!”

It’s worth mentioning that this step is PREFERABLE . So don’t stress too much about ending your essay with an impactful statement or a rhetorical question. Just make sure that the conclusion reflects the argument presented in the main body of the essay and that your final opinion is clear to the reader.

Points to keep in mind

• Read the task carefully to make sure that the ideas and supporting information you include are relevant to the topic. Students often lose focus and write about wider, more general issues associated with the topic, which significantly affects their marks.
• Organize your essay into 4-5 paragraphs . Leave a line between paragraphs or indent the first line of each new paragraph. Don’t do both!
• Take care of spelling, punctuation, and grammar . This is important as the examiner will look at the accuracy of your language.
• Use a combination of simple, compound, and complex sentences . A series of long sentences will make your writing difficult to read, and a series of short simple sentences will make your writing boring to read. Balance is the key.
• Use a wide range of formal vocabulary, including some advanced and less commonly used ones .
• Include a range of topic-related vocabulary to show that you have a good understanding of the topic.
• Use a wide variety of formal linking words to link ideas in sentences and paragraphs.  Examples have been mentioned earlier.
• Use advanced punctuation sparingly  (1-3 in the whole essay), for example, colon (:) and semicolon (;).
• Include language appropriate for expressing opinions, agreeing, and disagreeing. In addition to mentioning your opinion in the introduction and/or conclusion, your viewpoint can also be included in the body paragraphs (whether it’s a one-sided or a two-sided essay) by:
• Mentioning personal examples or experiences (which implies that you agree with this point of view)
• Explicitly agreeing while presenting a point in the body paragraph. Here is an example: “People who think sports lessons are a good idea say that students need exercise, and I agree that doing sports helps to make you healthy and avoid getting overweight.”
• Aim to complete towards the maximum word limit  (approximately 160 words). Exceeding the word limit slightly (15-20 words) is fine as long as you write accurately and complete the task within the correct time. If you exceed the word limit by any number of words, be it even 100, no marks will be cut directly, but you increase your chances of making more mistakes and spending more time than required for this exercise, which may affect your mark indirectly. If you write towards the lower limit or below, you are highly unlikely to achieve the highest band for Content as your content is not well developed.
• Spend about 30 minutes on this exercise : the initial 5 minutes for planning and the last 2-3 minutes for checking your work for simple spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes.
• Write legibly

Don’ts

• Do not write a heading.
• Avoid colloquial or ‘chatty’ language (which includes informal vocabulary, abbreviations, or slang such as how r u, OMG, BTW, etc.).
• Avoid listing  (firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc.). There is no problem in writing “firstly”, but avoid writing “secondly” and “thirdly”.
• Avoid repetition of vocabulary and beginning your sentences with the same words . Sometimes, students write 3 or more sentences in a row starting with “The”!
• Avoid including too many different ideas in your essay. It is better to include fewer ideas and develop one or two in greater depth rather than writing many ideas which are not well-developed.
• Avoid writing an overlong introduction and conclusion. It would be more effective to utilize the limited word count to develop your ideas within the body of the essay. Also, avoid pre-learned language for these parts of the essay, as this may not be totally relevant or might sound unnatural.
• It’s preferable to avoid contractions , but they can be used as the essay can have a semi-formal tone and register. In both cases, remember to be consistent throughout. So, if you used contractions, use them throughout your whole essay, and if not, avoid them altogether.

Practice a lot of past papers and get feedback on your writing. We know that essay writing is newly added to the syllabus, but you can still practice writing essays in response to past years’ article writing questions as they are very similar.

Finally, don’t forget to check out our samples page and if you find this helpful, please share it with your friends.

Good luck! Go get that A*!

15 responses to “Exercise 6: Writing an essay for examination from 2024 (Ultimate Guide)”

Thank you so much for giving us the ideas how to write an essay. Specially, phrases how to begin sentences from each paragraph

You’re welcome 🙂 We’re glad it helped!

Wonderful materials for my students who are going to take the exam next May. Thank you so much

Thank you so much for your kind feedback! We’re glad our notes are benefiting your students! Good luck to them!

Thank you so much for your help! Could you also post some sample essays, it would be very helpful for us!!

Hi Sara, thank you for your comment! We will definitely consider adding them after completing the review writing notes which we are currently working on.

What do you mean by do not write a heading? Do you mean we shouldn’t have a title for the essay?

Yes, an essay doesn’t require a title. Trying to come up with one will use up your exam time unnecessarily.

Is there going to be direct deduction of marks if written?

yes no title in essay

Hello, I’m having my exam in 4 months and I can’t believe I didn’t know about this website before, seriously I wholeheartedly appreciate what you do, I heard there’s a service where you can correct or give feedback on pieces of writings and grade them, is it available?

Thank you so much for your nice comment! We really appreciate it! Our marking service was available, but unfortunately, it is now suspended as it requires a lot of time and effort, which we can’t provide at the moment. We apologize for this! And we wish you good luck with your exam!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR EFFORT AND TIME CREATING THESE SUPER AMAZING NOTES AND TIPS FOR WRITING EXERCISES

Thank you for your kind words! We’re really glad you found them helpful!

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