Effective Writing Structures: Essays, Letters & Biographies
1. Narrative Essay Structure
A narrative essay tells a story. Follow these steps to craft a compelling one:
Paragraph Structure
- P.1: Introduce the characters and explain the background.
- P.2: Describe the main event.
- P.3: Explain what happened in the end.
Useful Expressions for Narrative Essays
Time Expressions
- At first
- By the time
- Eventually (suddenly/all at once)
- Finally
- After a while
- Afterwards
- Before
- As soon as
- When
Adverbs
- Angrily
- Sadly
- Suddenly
- Possibly
- Probably
- Absolutely
- Pretty
- Quite
- Really
2. Informal Letter & Email Writing
When writing an informal letter or email, keep it friendly and personal.
Key Sections
Greeting
Begin with a suitable greeting, such as Hi Ana!
Example Greetings
- Hi, [Name]
- Dear [Name]
Opening Paragraph
Explain why you are writing and/or respond to the recipient’s news.
Thinking of You Phrases
- Hope all’s well.
- How are you?
- How are things?
- How’s life?
- I haven’t heard from you in ages.
Responding Phrases
- Thanks for your letter/email.
- You asked me about/if…
- It was great to hear from you.
Apologizing Phrases
- I’m sorry I haven’t written for ages/a while, but…
Middle Paragraphs
Give information and/or ask questions. Use a new paragraph for each new topic.
Giving News Phrases
- You won’t/you’ll never believe this, but…
- Did I tell you that…?
Closing
Finish your letter or email and say goodbye. Remember to write your name at the end.
Closing Phrases
- Lots of love,
- I’d better go.
- Keep in touch.
- Looking forward to hearing from you…
3. Crafting a Discussion Essay
A discussion essay presents different viewpoints on a topic before concluding with your own opinion.
Paragraph Structure
- P.1: Think of a general statement for your introduction.
- P.2: Give two arguments which support your opinion.
- P.3: Give two arguments which support the opposite opinion.
- P.4: Summarize and give your opinion.
Useful Expressions for Discussion Essays
Giving Arguments
- One of the main advantages is that…
- Moreover,
- Another argument in favor of/against…is…
- Furthermore,
Adding Arguments
- Firstly, first of all,
- Secondly,
- Thirdly,
- Finally, last of all…
Giving Evidence
- For example,
- According to,
- It is clear that,
- Research has shown that.
Linkers of Contrast
- Although,
- Despite,
- Even though,
- However,
- In spite of,
- On the one hand…on the other hand.
4. Formal Letter Writing Essentials
Formal letters require a respectful and structured approach.
Key Sections
Greeting
Begin with a formal greeting.
Example Greetings
- Dear Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms. [Surname]
- Dear Sir or Madam
First Paragraph
Explain why you are writing.
Explaining Purpose Phrases
- I’m writing because…
- In response to…
- In order to…
- To enquire (ask) about…
- To apply for…
- To complain about…
Middle Paragraphs
Give information and ask questions. Use a new paragraph for each new topic.
Sequencing Ideas
- Firstly,
- Secondly,
- Thirdly,
- Finally,
- Also,
- In addition…
Making Enquiries
- I would be interested to know…
- I wonder if you could send me…
- Would it be possible to tell me more about…?
Closing
Finish your letter with a suitable closing expression.
Closing Letter & Goodbye Phrases
- I look forward to your response.
- I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
- Thank you for your help with this matter.
5. Writing a Biography
A biography tells the story of a person’s life, highlighting key events and achievements.
Paragraph Structure
- P.1: Introduction and early life.
- P.2: Main events.
- P.3: Conclusion.
Useful Language for Biographies
Describing People
- Positive Traits: Ambitious, brilliant, brave, creative, famous, generous, idealistic, intelligent.
- Negative Traits: Aggressive, arrogant, lazy, rude, selfish, vain.
Life Stages & Events
- Become
- Was born in
- Die
- Discover
- As a child
- At the age of
- Succeed in…
Time Expressions
- The following year
- Four years later
- At first
- Later on
- In the end
Highlighting Importance
- What I most admire about…is…
- …has influenced…
- One of…greatest achievements is…
- …has changed the way we think about…
6. Structuring a Topic Essay
A topic essay presents a focused argument or discussion on a specific subject.
Paragraph Structure
- P.1: Explain the background to the situation and state your opinion.
- P.2: Give your main opinion.
- P.3: Give another opinion (supporting or contrasting).
- P.4: Summarize your opinion and give a conclusion.
Useful Expressions for Topic Essays
Giving Opinion
- Personally, I think…
- I strongly feel…
- I agree with…
- As I see it…
Sequencing Ideas
- Firstly, first of all,
- Secondly,
- Thirdly,
- Finally, last of all…
Adding Arguments
- Also,
- As well,
- Besides,
- Too,
- What is more,
- Another reason is…
Giving Evidence
- According to,
- It is clear that,
- Research has shown that,
- It has been proven that…
Summing Up & Concluding
- On balance, I would say that…
- To sum up,
- All in all,
- In conclusion,
- To conclude…