Writing Skills
Essay structure
Foundation

Essay structure

A reliable four-paragraph shape that works for every Task 2 question.

¶1
Introduction

Paraphrase the question and signal your direction.

Two sentences is enough: background + thesis.
¶2
Body paragraph 1

Develop your first main idea with TSEEC.

¶3
Body paragraph 2

Develop your second main idea with TSEEC.

¶4
Conclusion

Restate your position and summarise your two main ideas.

No new information here.
Introduction template
  1. Sentence 1 — Paraphrase
    Rewrite the question in your own words.
  2. Sentence 2 — Thesis
    State your position or what you will discuss.
  3. Optional — Overview
    Briefly preview your two main ideas.
Conclusion template
  1. Sentence 1 — Restate
    Re-express your thesis in different words.
  2. Sentence 2 — Summarise
    Summarise your two main reasons or ideas.
  3. Optional — Implication
    Add a brief consequence or recommendation.

Thesis statement

A thesis answers the question directly. Examiners look for it in the introduction and again in the conclusion.

  1. 1Answer the question — do not summarise it.
  2. 2Take a clear position (agree / disagree / partly agree).
  3. 3Use 'I' for opinion essays. It is allowed and expected.
  4. 4Keep it to one sentence.

Body paragraph organisation

Two body paragraphs, each developing one idea. Plan before you write.

  1. 1Choose your two strongest ideas, not all of them.
  2. 2Give each paragraph its own topic sentence.
  3. 3Use one developed example per paragraph.
  4. 4Link paragraphs with a transition word or phrase.
Teacher notesShow

Discourage 5-paragraph essays under exam conditions. Two well-developed body paragraphs score higher than three rushed ones.