Essay Structure: Study skills for essays that boost your marks effectively
Markers read fast. Make every paragraph easy to follow and you’ll pick up marks you’re currently losing.
Paragraphs that score
Most essays lose marks not because the ideas are weak, but because the marker can’t find them quickly.
One paragraph, one point
Open each paragraph with a sentence that states its point plainly. Then give evidence, explain it, and link back to the question.
If I can read only your first sentences and follow your argument, the essay works.Margin note from Aisha
Free download: Essay paragraph checklistUse it alongside this article. We’ll email it to you.
Use evidence, then explain it
A quote on its own earns little. Two sentences explaining why it matters earn the marks.
Stuck on this? Aisha Mohamed can help.One-to-one lessons in English. First lesson free with most tutors.
Book a lessonFor further reading, see this external resource.
You can also explore more resources on our website.
Was this article helpful?