The document provides guidance on how to structure an effective essay. It discusses the key components of an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. For the introduction, it recommends including a neutral sentence, context sentence, argument sentence, and summary sentence. For body paragraphs, it advises using the PREC structure - point, reason, example, and concluding sentence. Finally, it suggests that the conclusion should restate the argument, outline how it was demonstrated, include a thoughtful analysis, and end with a strong concluding statement. The document also includes examples and tips for writing introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions according to this structure.

1. Essays which work
A guide by Ms Robertson (using Dr. Ian
Hunter’s Write that Essay)

2. What is an Essay?
An essay is an argument. You are presenting a case
to convince someone of something.
An essay has structure. It is expected that you will
have an introduction, body paragraphs and
conclusions.

3. Essays have more
than one answer
All essays have more than one
possible answer.
Essays are arguments based in
evidence. They are NOT detective
stories but rather you are a lawyer.

4. How many words do the
average year 13 students
write over a year? Tip
It is more than you
think...

5. 55,000-77000 words
In the first year of university, students
write 24000 words.
Many students don’t know
how to write well or concisely.
Tip
Stick to the word limit. It
will teach you how to
communicate what is
truly important about
your topic.

6. By learning how to
structure and write an
essay well, you will write
less and also get higher
marks.
Tip
Give the argument in the
opening and then build
your case.

7. What do word
limits mean?
Year 10/11 400 words 1
½ pages
500 Words 1 ⅔ pages
Year 12 600 Words 2 pages
Year 13 800 Words 2 ½ pages

8. Meet Alberto.
He recently moved from Spain to
Kings College
He loves soccer, but thinks he can’t
write a great essay. Or even an OK
one...
Tip
If you find it hard,
practice!
Sports and essays
are better if you
practice often.

9. But what is in an essay?
Alberto found it helpful if he split the
work up to more
achievable goals.
Tip
If a job seems big, split it up and
set a timer.
Yes this works for homework, too!
Introduction Body Conclusion
400 Words 60 words
(3-4 Sentences)
260 Words
(3 short
paragraphs)
80 words
(4 sentences)
500 Words 60 words
(3-4 sentences)
340 Words
(4 paragraphs)
100 Words
(5 Sentences)
600 Words 60 words
(3-4 sentences)
440 Words
(5 paragraphs)
100 Words
(5 Sentences)
800 Words 60 words
(3-4 sentences)
640 Words
(6 paragraphs)
100 Words
(5 Sentences)

10. Alberto wanted to know what
should be in each part of his
essay.
Then he could write one part at a
time. Tip
Before you can
write one part
of your essay,
you need to
have a PLAN!

11. Alberto read ‘Write that Essay’ then
asked his teacher.
He did not start gaming and
procrastinate until it was too late.
His teacher explained to him that while he was
on the right track, each part of an essay had a
specific structure.
Once he knew the structure, essays would be
easy.

12. Introduction
An introduction has four sentences.
Neutral Sentence
Context Sentence
Argument Sentence
Summary Sentence
Tip
If you know your point of
view and what your
main points are, you can
write an introduction
quickly and change it
later if you need to.

13. Neutral Sentence
The first sentence in your
essay.
The facts should be agreed
and not open to dispute.
The aim of this sentence is
to begin your essay in an
informative way.
For Example….
In Billy Elliot, directed by Stephen Salary an important
relationship is between Billy and his father, Jacky.
In New Zealand, teenagers playing sports may receive
serious head injuries and concussions.
Teenagers today are often stressed.

14. Context Sentence
This sentence shows the person
reading it that you know
something about the topic.
It should give the context, or
background of your essay.
If it is an essay about a specific
text, you should name the text
and the creator.
In ‘Billy Elliot’ directed by Stephen Daldry the
challenges faced by miners and their families is shown
through the characters of….
While New Zealanders love their sports, they often don’t
know how to best recognise the signs of a serious head
injury.
In New Zealand today, many teenagers do not know
how to cope with all the pressure that is put on them.

15. Argument Sentence
This sentence tells your reader what
your point of view is
It also outlines the main points you will
make
You can use sentence starters like…
This essay will show….
This essay will argue…
Examples
Jacky and Billy have a complicated relationship because
Jacky has traditional values, he is under a lot of stress and
he struggles to accept change while Billy discovers he is
talented in Ballet.
This essay will show that understanding the dangers of
head injuries, being aware of the signs and symptoms ,
and knowing how to look after people with suspected head
injuries, many long term consequences would be avoided.
Teenagers face more pressure than ever before because
of high expectations at school, in extra-curricular activities
and from peer pressure.

16. Summary Sentence
The last sentence sums up your
essay.
It drives home the importance of
your topic.
You can make a strong statement
or
use words like…
Overall… to sum up…
Examples
The relstionbetween Billy and Jacky is important because it
helps Billy to achieve his dream.
By taking concussions seriously, we can all enjoy sports
without worrying about our long term health.
Overall, we need to decide what is really worthwhile for
teenager to be spending their time on.

17. From outsider to star
Alberto scored 30 goals in 21 games. He is now
being scouted by several professional clubs in
the Premier League. And he’s a favorite of the
other boys on the team.
He was also in the top 10% of students in his year
12 exams. He now knows if you work at writing, it
becomes easier!
Tip
You can be good at
more than one thing!

18. Pro tips for
introductions...
➔ You are presenting an argument,
not telling them a story. Making
your word choice decisive
pushes you up to M/E grades.
➔ Your introduction should give
your opinion and express it
strongly using decisive language
➔ Read the following two
exemplars to decide which one
works best.

19. In Gattaca, directed by Andrew
Niccols, ideas about genetic
engineering are explored.
Niccols used techniques such
as symbolism, use of close ups
and dialogue to show the
audience the negative
consequences of using genetic
engineering. Human nature is
to use any difference, like
genetic engineering to
discriminate against people.
Gattaca is a film about how
much harm science can do in
the wrong hands.
William Gaylin said that “II not only think we will tamper
with Mother Nature. I think Mother wants us to."
Andrew Niccols explores the idea of how much we can
really tamper with humanity in the 1997 film ‘Gattaca’
He uses the character of Vincent and his desire to
push beyond the limits of his ‘potential’ in the dystopic
world of Gattaca to show the best and worst of a
society that has tampered with our own DNA. Genetic
engineering may change our genes but ultimately it
doesn’t change human nature . Niccols questions the
nature of human identity and potential in a world
where everything is measured.

20. The body paragraph is where you
use evidence to convince the
reader your argument is strong.
Tip
All the
paragraph
structures are
really the
same….

21. What is Evidence?
1, facts and figures
names, places, dates, names
of techniques….
2, Case examples
An example to illustrate a
main point or one event
which shows a character trait.
Tip
Evidence should be explained to
show it is relevant to your argument.
3. Expert Opinion (quotes)
This can be quotes from
the text or from scholars.
EXPLAIN what this quote
means and HOW it relates
to your argument/point.

22. PREC
These are PARTs to your paragraph, not sentences!
➔ Point
First sentence should say what the point that you are making is
➔ Reason
Why is this point significant to the question?
➔ Example
Spend 2-3 sentences giving an example (or more than one) to
prove your point.
➔ Concluding Sentence
Finish with a concluding sentence then move onto the next
point.

23. Example for Gattaca
The first scene in Gattaca establishes the setting and main themes of the film. Niccols
does this by establishing the audience’s expectation of Jerome as being a perfect,
privileged person in the world of Gattaca, the space programme headquarters and then
breaking the expectations. Niccols begins this scene with a close-up of
Jerome/Vincent testing his blood and the green light flashing, showing the acceptance
of his DNA. this is followed by a low angle shot of Vincent going up the escalator
showing the desire of his character to climb to the stars and his rise in status.
Costuming is used to show the conformity of his character and personal appearance to
the surrounding characters as he is also dressed in a conservative, immaculate gray
suit, and looks as if he has every right to be there. Niccols then used dialogue to list
the advantages that the character on screen has had in life before we see the discovery
of a body in the pristine, modernist headquarters and hear the lines ‘except I am not
Jerome Morrow’, undercutting the audience’s expectations and establishing a mystery
to keep us watching. It also establishes the theme of appearance and identity as it asks
the question ‘who is this character? And ‘why does he hide his identity?’

24. P
R
E
C
Class Example

25. Pro Tips
Use short quotes
Marks come from explaining the quote, not memorising
it
Tell us what the quote means
ALWAYS tell the reader what the quote means, Do this
immediately after the quote. If you don’t say they will
assume you don’t know.
You can include words like ‘meaning… this quote
suggests….this quote tells us….
Always analyse your quote
Always tell the marker how it applies to your
point/argument/question and why.

26. Conclusions
Some people have conclusions which weaken
their essay. But this is an opportunity to push
your essay up to the next level. It is the last
part your marker reads.
Quick and simple conclusions:
Sentence 1:Restate your argument
Sentence 2: Tell how you demonstrated your
argument
Sentence 3: Thoughtful Analysis
Sentence 4 Strong Statement
In conclusion, ‘Gattaca’ leads us to see that our
identity is more than the sum of our DNA, but is
something we can shape and control.
Niccols uses techniques like motifs and lighting,
as well as the relationships between Vincent and
Eugene to develop this idea .
Through Vincent, the audience is shown that our
beginnings should not define us and through
overcoming hardships, we can create our own
identity.
And as we enter a new age where the world of
Gattaca seems closer than ever, hopefully we will
change the way we think about difference.

27. 1.restate
In conclusion, ‘Gattaca’ leads us to see that our
identity is more than the sum of our DNA, but is
something we can shape and control.
overcoming hardships, we can create our own
identity.
And as we enter a new age where the world of
Gattaca seems closer than ever, hopefully we will
change the way we think about difference.
Restate your Argument
- Read your
introduction again to
check what it was.
- Rewrite in a slightly
more interesting way.

28. 2. Outline
argument
Niccols uses techniques like motifs and lighting,
as well as the relationships between Vincent and
Eugene to develop this idea .
Tell how you demonstrated
your Argument
-What did you discuss?
(Main paragraph points)

29. 3. Thoughtful
Analysis
Through Vincent, the audience is shown that our
beginnings should not define us and through
overcoming hardships, we can create our own
identity.
Thoughtful Analysis could
be….
- Your most significant
point and why
- New insight
- Personal reflection
- What we learn from
this
- Future implications

30. 4. Strong
Statement
As we enter a new age where the world of
Gattaca seems closer than ever, hopefully we will
change the way we think about difference. Summarise the key message from
your essay in one sentence.

31. restate
demonstrate
Analysis
Strong Statement
Write your own:

32. Language of Essays
Define Present the meaning of the term, generally in a formalised way. Including an example will enhance
your definition.
Describe Present a detailed and accurate picture of the event or phenomenon.
SummarisePresent a brief overview of the major points with commentary about why they are important.
Analyse Describe the main ideas and their relationships, assumptions and significance
Compare Show the pros and cons or the similarities and differences
Contrast Compare by focusing upon the differences.
Justify Present the background for a particular event or phenomenon and why you think it is so. You will
be expected to present evidence to support your views and conclusions.
Criticise Present your considered opinion based upon the pros and cons. Criticising does not necessarily
mean condemning the idea. It is best to present a balanced argument showing both the positive
and negative points.
Review Present a summary of the important aspects or parts and comment critically where appropriate.
Evaluate Weigh up or give your assessment of the relevant matter, citing positive and negative features,
advantages and disadvantages, and so on. Interpret Present the meaning, using examples and
presenting your opinion.
Discuss Describe the event or phenomenon, but give the positive and negative aspects. At university level,
it would be fair to expect a critical discussion, citing the significance of the topic and any
assumptions, if relevant.

33. What people are saying
Learning how to
write an essay
has inspired to
take Level 3
English next
year.
With this essay
structure, I got
an E for my
internal!
I actually
passed an
assessment
the first time.
Wow!
Quotes for illustration purposes only

34. Milestones
Day 1 Week 1 Week 2
Plan
Choose a topic, a genre and
write a statement of intent.
Prepare
Do any research that you
need, and draw an
outline/brainstorm of your
topic.
Draft
Write your first draft of
your writing
Check your draft
for errors.
Use google docs spell check
and grammarly to check your
own work for spelling and
grammar.

36. Good luck!