Mastering Essay and Letter Formats: Structure and Tips
Opinion Essay Structure
In an opinion essay, you present your views on a subject, writing exclusively from one point of view.
Paragraph Structure
- Introduction: Explain the background of the situation and clearly state your opinion (thesis).
- Main Idea: Present your primary supporting argument.
- Supporting Idea: Present a secondary idea that supports your opinion.
- Conclusion: Restate your opinion and summarize your main points. Do not introduce new information.
Key Writing Tips
- Give specific reasons to support your opinions.
- Use simple facts and examples to support your ideas.
- Avoid discussing advantages and disadvantages or points for and against (this is for argumentative essays).
For and Against Essay (Argumentative)
A “for and against” essay focuses on a controversial issue. You must present both sides of the argument objectively before concluding with your own stance.
Paragraph Structure
- Introduction: Introduce the topic and state that there are arguments both for and against the idea. You may conclude with a rhetorical question.
- Arguments For: Provide two arguments supporting one side. Support at least one argument with a fact or example.
- Arguments Against: Provide two arguments supporting the opposite side. Use connectors of contrast to introduce the opposing viewpoint.
- Conclusion: Summarize the arguments presented and clearly state your own opinion.
Key Writing Tips
- Use connectors of contrast (e.g., However, Although, On the other hand).
- Ensure the arguments in the body paragraphs are objective.
- Use examples to support your arguments.
- Do not give your personal opinion (avoid phrases like “I think…”) until the conclusion (Paragraph 4).
Narrative Essay Writing
A narrative essay is a story written in the past tense. It can be real or imaginary and must have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Narratives often center around an unexpected event, which may be frightening or funny.
Structure and Content
- Title: Should be engaging and relevant to the story.
- Paragraph 1 (Introduction): Introduce the setting, background, and characters.
- Paragraphs 2 & 3 (Body): Describe the main event or sequence of events.
- Paragraph 4 (Conclusion): Explain the resolution or the end of the story.
Stylistic Requirements
- Use past tenses consistently.
- Use time expressions and sequence words (e.g., First, Then, Finally) to clarify the order of events.
- Use vivid adjectives and adverbs to make your story interesting.
- Describe your thoughts and feelings to engage the reader.
Descriptive Writing (Objects, People, Places)
The objective of descriptive writing is to give a clear picture of the subject (place, person, or thing) so that the reader can visualize the entire situation.
Structure
- Title: The name of the object, person, or place being described.
- Paragraph 1 (Introduction): Introduce the subject. Use a strong opening sentence to capture the reader’s attention.
- Paragraphs 2 & 3 (Body): Provide the detailed description in an ordered manner (e.g., moving from general to specific, or spatially).
- Paragraph 4 (Conclusion): Summarize the main points and provide a final impression.
Descriptive Techniques
- Use a variety of adjectives.
- Engage the senses: describe sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing, or emotions, depending on the subject.
Writing a Review (Book, Film, Product)
The main purpose of a review is to describe and express a personal opinion about something the writer has experienced (e.g., a film, a holiday, a product, a website). It should give the reader a clear impression of the item discussed.
Structure
- Title: The name of the item being reviewed.
- Paragraph 1 (Introduction): Identify what you are reviewing (author, location, etc.). Engage the reader, perhaps using a rhetorical question.
- Paragraphs 2 & 3 (Body): Elaborate on the details. Explain why you liked or disliked it. Include specific details (e.g., plot points, service quality, opening hours if reviewing a restaurant).
- Paragraph 4 (Conclusion): State whether you recommend it and provide a final justification.
Key Tip
- Adjust your language and tone depending on the target audience (e.g., a formal magazine vs. an informal letter to a friend).
Informal Letter or Email Format
In an informal email or letter, you typically respond to a friend or share personal news.
Greeting
- Hi… / Hello… / Hi there…
Paragraph 1: Opening Lines
1. Ask about your friend:
- How are you? / How are things? / How have you been? / How is life treating you? / I hope you are doing well.
2. Reference their last email or apologize for delay:
- Thanks for your last email. / It is nice to hear from you. / Sorry for not writing earlier. / Sorry that I haven’t been in touch for a while.
3. Respond to news:
- I’m glad to hear about… / I’m so pleased to hear about… / I’m sorry to hear that…
Paragraphs 2 & 3: Body
Introduce the reason for writing, answer your friend’s questions, give advice, or share news.
Introducing the reason:
- Anyway, the reason I’m writing is to/because… / I’m writing to let you know that…. / I was wondering if…
Giving news:
- Do you know what happened to me? / You won’t believe what… / You’ll never guess what… / Isn’t that great?
Ending the Email
Closing lines:
- Well, that’s all for now. / I hope I can see you soon. / I’m looking forward to seeing you/hearing from you soon. / Give my regards to…
Asking about your friend:
- What about you? How are you getting on? / What have you been doing/up to? / It’d be great to hear your news…
Signature
- Regards, / Love, / Lots of love, / All the best, / Best, / Cheers,
Formal Letter or Email Format
Greeting
- Dear Mr. Surname, / Dear Ms. Surname, / Dear Sir or Madam,
Paragraph 1: Reason for Writing
State the precise purpose of your communication.
Useful phrases:
- I am writing to enquire/complain about…
- I am writing in reference to…
- I am writing in connection with…
- I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction at…
For Complaints:
Provide details (when and where the incident happened) and clearly state what your complaint is:
- I wish to complain about…
- We were extremely disappointed with…
Paragraphs 2 & 3: Body
Use one paragraph for each specific point you wish to address (complaint, request, or inquiry).
For Inquiries/Requests:
- I would be grateful if you could give me some information about/could tell me…
- I would appreciate it if you could tell me…
- I would like to know…
- I was wondering if you could tell me…
For Complaints:
Contrast the information you were given with your actual experience:
- I realized that… / I noticed that…
- Your brochure stated that… However…
- The advert said that… / We were told that…
Closing Line
Standard Closings:
- I look forward to hearing from you.
- I look forward to receiving the requested information.
- I would appreciate it if you could answer my questions as soon as possible.
For Complaints (Stating desired action):
- I insist that you give me a refund to compensate for this terrible service.
- I expect a full refund.
- I hope you will take the necessary steps to…
- I feel that you should…
Signature
- Yours sincerely: (If you know the name of the person you are writing to, e.g., Dear Mr. Surname)
- Yours faithfully: (If you started with “Dear Sir or Madam”)
Formal Writing Requirements
- Maintain a formal tone and avoid contractions (e.g., I am, do not) and phrasal verbs.
- Ensure the writing is grammatically correct and professional, especially in a test setting.