How to Write an Essay – Example

Example Essay: Topic – Does Technology Make Our Lives Easier or More Difficult?

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Writing an essay is a skill that pupils and students develop at various stages of their education. Essays allow for the development of analytical thinking, the expression of personal opinions, and argumentation skills. Although it may seem challenging to many, there are proven methods to help write a good essay step by step. In this article, we will explore how to write an essay using an example, discussing its structure and key elements.

An essay is a written form aimed at presenting thoughts, conclusions, and opinions on a given topic. It can take various forms depending on its purpose, such as a discursive essay, a review, or a literary analysis. However, in all cases, clear thinking, logical argumentation, and the ability to express oneself clearly and precisely are crucial.


Example of an Essay: Topic – Does Technology Make Our Lives Easier or More Difficult?


Below is an example of an essay on the topic: "Does technology make our lives easier or more difficult?" This is a discursive essay in which we analyse arguments for and against, and then draw conclusions.


Introduction

In today's world, technology is with us at every step. From the morning when we check the weather forecast on our phones to the evening when we watch films on streaming platforms. For many, technology is an indispensable part of daily life. But does its development truly make our lives easier, or does it make us more dependent and less self-reliant? In this essay, I will attempt to answer this question by analysing both the benefits and drawbacks of widespread access to technology.


Main Body

Benefits of Technology

Firstly, technology significantly facilitates communication. Thanks to it, we can contact people on the other side of the world at any time. Mobile phones, social media, and online messaging platforms make information exchange quick and efficient. For those working remotely, technology is a tool that allows tasks to be completed without the need for physical presence in the office.

Another advantage of technology is easy access to information. The internet is a vast repository of knowledge accessible to everyone. It allows students to gain knowledge, watch lectures from top universities worldwide, and utilise various educational materials. It's also a tool that aids in career development – platforms like LinkedIn enable professional networking and job searching.

Drawbacks of Technology

On the other hand, technology also brings certain risks. Increasingly, there is talk of addiction to social media and electronic devices. Many people spend hours in front of screens, wasting time that could be spent on more productive activities. Technology addiction can also lead to health issues, such as sleep problems, back pain, or deteriorating eyesight.

Technology can also cause social alienation. Although it facilitates long-distance communication, it often makes interpersonal relationships superficial. People increasingly choose online contact over face-to-face meetings, leading to weakened human bonds.


Conclusion

In conclusion, technology is a tool that both eases and complicates our lives. On one hand, it provides access to knowledge, enables efficient communication, and simplifies daily tasks. On the other hand, it can lead to addiction, social alienation, and health problems. Ultimately, how we use technology is up to us. If we learn to use it wisely, it can become our ally rather than our enemy.

How to Avoid Mistakes When Writing an Essay?

Example Essay and Common Mistakes

How to Avoid Mistakes When Writing an Essay?


Writing an essay is a process that demands not only a good grasp of the topic but also the skill to express your thoughts clearly. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

  1. Lack of a Plan – Before you start writing, it's beneficial to create an outline for your essay. This helps organise your thoughts and prevent chaos in your text.
  2. Unclear Arguments – Your arguments should be specific and backed up with examples. Avoid vague statements and generalisations.
  3. Language Errors – Correct language usage is fundamental. Check for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammatical errors in your essay.
  4. Overly Long Sentences – Long, complex sentences can be hard to follow. Aim to express your ideas in a simple and clear manner.


Important Information

Common Questions About Essays

What are the most important elements of an essay?

The key elements are: introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should introduce the topic, the body should present the arguments, and the conclusion should summarise the entire piece.

Can I include my own opinions in an essay?

Yes, in many types of essays – such as a discursive essay or coursework – expressing your own opinion is encouraged. However, it should be well-argued.

What are the most common mistakes when writing essays?

The most common mistakes include: lack of a plan, unclear arguments, language errors, and overly long sentences.

Can I use quotes in an essay?

Yes, quotes can be a valuable part of an essay, provided they are well-chosen and appropriately integrated into the text.

Does an essay always need a clear thesis?

Not always. In some forms, like a discursive essay, you can present different viewpoints without necessarily committing to one.

How long should an essay be?

The length of an essay depends on the guidelines from your teacher or assignment requirements. For school essays, it's typically one to three pages, but an academic essay can be several pages long.

Example Essay Structure

What Structure Should an Essay Follow

Structure of an Essay

Every essay, regardless of its type, should follow a specific structure. Organising your thoughts and content effectively enables better understanding of the topic and a clear presentation of your arguments. Here's how the structure of an essay should look:


1. Introduction

The introduction is the first part of your essay, designed to engage the reader and introduce the topic. It should be brief yet informative. It's crucial to indicate, right from the start, what your essay will be about and present the main thesis.

  • How to write an introduction? Start with a general reflection on the issue to be discussed, then narrow it down to a specific topic. Consider posing a rhetorical question to provoke the reader's thoughts.


2. Main Body

The main body is the most comprehensive part of your essay, where you discuss arguments and evidence supporting your thesis in detail. Each argument should be backed by specific examples, quotes, or data.

  • How to write the main body? Ensure each paragraph focuses on a single main idea and is logically connected to the others. Use connectives and phrases to smoothly transition from one argument to the next. For example: “Firstly…”, “On the other hand…”, “Furthermore…”.


3. Conclusion

The conclusion is the final part of your essay, which should summarise the main points and revisit the thesis. This is where you draw final conclusions and end the text in a way that leaves the reader with something to ponder.

  • How to write a conclusion? Avoid introducing new arguments in the conclusion. Focus on summarising the discussions so far and answering the questions raised in the introduction.