English Essay Writing

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📚 Part 1: Understanding Essay Structure

WALT: We Are Learning To identify the key parts of a well-structured essay.

Success criteria: I can identify a thesis, choose relevant evidence and explain the purpose of each paragraph.

Dyslexia-friendly option: Read each question aloud, use a ruler or coloured card to track the text, and circle key words before answering.

1. Which sentence is the strongest thesis for the topic “Should students wear school uniforms?”

School uniforms are clothes worn by students.

School uniforms should be compulsory because they promote equality and reduce distractions.

I do not really like uniforms.

2. What is the main purpose of an introduction?

To list every detail in the essay

To introduce the topic and present the main argument

To repeat the conclusion

3. Which piece of evidence best supports the claim that reading improves vocabulary?

Many people enjoy reading.

Research shows that regular readers encounter and learn more new words.

Books come in different sizes.

4. Select all the features of an effective body paragraph.

A clear topic sentence

Relevant evidence or examples

Explanation linking the evidence to the argument

Unrelated information

✏️ Part 2: Planning an Argument

WALT: We Are Learning To plan an analytical essay using clear ideas and supporting evidence.

Success criteria: I can write a position, organise three reasons and explain how evidence supports my ideas.

Differentiation: Use the sentence starters provided. You may plan with dot points, speak your ideas into a voice recorder or ask someone to scribe your responses.

5. Choose one topic: School uniforms, homework or social media use by teenagers. Write your topic.

6. Write your position or thesis. Try this sentence starter: “Although some people believe ..., I argue that ... because ...”

7. Plan three body paragraphs. For each paragraph, include a reason and a possible example or source of evidence.

Extension: Add a counterargument and explain why your position remains more convincing.

📝 Part 3: Writing and Editing

WALT: We Are Learning To write a cohesive persuasive paragraph and edit it for accuracy.

Success criteria: I use a topic sentence, evidence, explanation and linking words. I check spelling, punctuation and formal language.

8. Write one body paragraph based on your plan. Include a topic sentence, evidence, explanation and a linking sentence.

9. Improve this sentence by replacing informal language with formal language: “Kids should get less homework because it’s really annoying.”

10. Edit your paragraph using this checklist. Tick each box when complete.

I stated my main idea clearly.

I included relevant evidence or an example.

I explained how the evidence supports my argument.

I used formal language and linking words.

I checked spelling, punctuation and capital letters.

Extension activity: Add a second paragraph that presents a counterargument and a rebuttal using however, although or nevertheless.

English Essay Writing

English Essay Writing

📚 Part 1: Understanding Essay Structure

✏️ Part 2: Planning an Argument

📝 Part 3: Writing and Editing

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