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Home LanguageGrade 1230 min

Writing a Powerful Essay

Thesis, PEEL paragraphs and formal language — how to write essays that earn top marks.

What makes a great essay?

A strong essay answers the question directly, argues one clear line of thought, and supports every claim with evidence.

The structure

  1. Introduction (±10%): hook, context, and your THESIS — the one sentence that states your position.
  2. Body paragraphs: one main idea per paragraph. Use PEEL: Point (topic sentence) → Evidence (quote/fact) → Explain (how it proves your point) → Link (to the next paragraph or back to the thesis).
  3. Conclusion (±10%): restate the thesis in fresh words, sum up your line of argument, end with insight — never new information.

Language that earns marks

  • Present tense for analysis: "The writer shows..."
  • Formal register: no slang, no "I think" (unless asked).
  • Varied sentence length; active voice.
  • Quote accurately and keep quotes short.

Planning saves time

Spend 5 minutes planning: thesis at the top, three body points, one piece of evidence each. Writing becomes filling in the plan.

Common pitfalls

Retelling the story instead of analysing; one-paragraph essays; forgetting to answer the actual question.

Watch the video for a lecturer's tips, then plan one essay using PEEL.

Follow along (device voice)

Listen and follow along as each word is spoken

What makes a great essay? A strong essay answers the question directly, argues one clear line of thought, and supports every claim with evidence. The structure 1. Introduction ±10% : hook, context, and your THESIS — the one sentence that states your position. 2. Body paragraphs : one main idea per paragraph. Use PEEL : Point topic sentence → Evidence quote/fact → Explain how it proves your point → Link to the next paragraph or back to the thesis . 3. Conclusion ±10% : restate the thesis in fresh words, sum up your line of argument, end with insight — never new information. Language that earns marks - Present tense for analysis: "The writer shows..." - Formal register: no slang, no "I think" unless asked . - Varied sentence length; active voice. - Quote accurately and keep quotes short. Planning saves time Spend 5 minutes planning: thesis at the top, three body points, one piece of evidence each. Writing becomes filling in the plan. Common pitfalls Retelling the story instead of analysing; one-paragraph essays; forgetting to answer the actual question. Watch the video for a lecturer's tips, then plan one essay using PEEL.