An essay is a type of text that develops an idea or tells a story. It contains three main parts: an introduction, development, and conclusion. The introduction should catch the reader's attention and introduce the topic. The development is the longest part where the writer organizes their ideas in a logical order depending on the type of essay. For example, a story essay uses chronological order. The conclusion summarizes the main ideas in a short paragraph. Connectors help make the essay cohesive by linking ideas. The essay should use consistent tenses and avoid repetitive vocabulary. Writers are advised to plan before writing and proofread after.

1. English DepartmentEnglish Department
Writing an EssayWriting an Essay CPI Tino GrandíoCPI Tino Grandío
What's an essay?
An essay is a type of text which develops an idea or tells a story. It's longer that a paragraph
and it usually contains three parts:
1. Introduction
2. Development
3. Conclusion
Part 1: Introduction
The introduction should be a short paragraph, maybe just a sentence. You should introduce
the topic and catch the reader's attention.
Part 2: Development
It's the most important and longest part of the essay. You should organize your ideas and put
them in order:
 If telling a story or describing an experience, chronological order and past tenses should be
your choice. (You may use past simple and occasionally other past tenses.)
 In an argumentative text try to mention both sides in a balanced way and give your reasons
when choosing one of the sides. You may even mention your personal experience to back
your opinion.
 When describing a process try to be organized and remember that passive structures are
the best.
Part 3: Conclusion
This is the last part of your essay and you should summarize your ideas in a short paragraph.
Try to leave a good final impression and link it to the introductory paragraph.
Connectors
Connectors are a very important element in your essay. They make your essay cohesive and
help you organize your ideas.
These are some very important ones:
• And, but, or, so, because
• First, first of all, next, then, later on, in addition, after that, finally
• Although, however, either ... or..., neither... nor..., whereas, despite, since, in order to,
therefore
• On the one hand... on the other hand... ,in contrast to... , in comparison to, more + adj +
than, (not) as... as, the same as, (just) like, not only... but also...
• In my opinion, I think that, I believe that
Language
• Be consistent with tenses. For instance, if you decide to write in the past simple, don't
use other tenses unless it's necessary; you may also need some past continuous or
past perfect forms as well.
• Don't repeat the same vocabulary all the time; try to use synonyms or equivalent
expressions. Reading the same words over and over again sounds too repetitive.
• Don't use contractions. Contractions are used in informal contexts.
Some advice
• Always read the instructions you are given: length, topic, time, etc.
• Spend a couple of minutes thinking before you write (you may even write an outline)
and another couple of minutes at the end to read and check for mistakes.