The Essay

Reference

The Essay — Exercises

Essay structure and register

Circle the correct answer.

1. Which sentence is best for the introduction? (Nowadays, many young people spend hours on their phones every day. / In conclusion, phones are bad. / Firstly, phones are distracting.)
2. Where should your clear opinion appear? (in the conclusion / only in the title / nowhere — essays are neutral)
3. Which sentence has the right register? (Many students find it difficult to concentrate. / Loads of kids can't focus, like, at all. / Students r distracted 24/7.)
4. Phones are distracting. _____, they can be useful learning tools. (On the other hand / Furthermore / As a result)
5. How many words must a B2 essay have? (140–190 / 50–80 / 250–300)
6. Which is a good topic sentence for a body paragraph? (Firstly, there is a strong argument for a ban. / Hello, my name is Ana. / This is the end of my essay.)

Complete with a linker

Write the missing word or words.

1.  , there is a strong argument for a ban.
2. In  , a ban might encourage students to talk.
3. On the other  , phones can be useful.
4.  , many parents want to contact their children.
5. In my  , a complete ban is not the answer.
6. To sum  , schools should set clear rules.

The Essay — Answer Key

Essay structure and register

1. Nowadays, many young people spend hours on their phones every day. — An introduction presents the topic.
2. in the conclusion — B2 essays need your opinion in the conclusion.
3. Many students find it difficult to concentrate. — Essays are neutral to formal: no slang, no contractions.
4. On the other hand — Introducing the opposite view → On the other hand.
5. 140–190 — B2 First Writing: 140–190 words.
6. Firstly, there is a strong argument for a ban. — A topic sentence states the main point of the paragraph.

Complete with a linker

1. Firstly
2. addition
3. hand
4. Furthermore
5. opinion
6. up