Structure, paragraphs, tone. Write something a native would read and not flinch at.
“Speaking and writing are two different skills. Many people who speak English well still write badly. Today we learn the structure and rules of writing that a native would respect.”
Every essay in the world, whether for school, business, or pleasure, can use this same five-paragraph structure.
Paragraph 1: Introduction. State your topic. End with your main argument (called the thesis).
Paragraph 2: First supporting point. Explain it. Give an example.
Paragraph 3: Second supporting point. Explain. Example.
Paragraph 4: Third supporting point. Explain. Example.
Paragraph 5: Conclusion. Restate your argument. Suggest what should happen next.
Once you master this skeleton, you can write any essay in 30 minutes.
Title (clear, specific). Then the five paragraphs.
Introduction: hook the reader with a fact, question, or short story. Then introduce your topic. End with your main argument.
Body paragraphs: each should focus on ONE point. Open with a topic sentence. Then 2 to 4 supporting sentences. Then an example. Close with a transition to the next idea.
Conclusion: do NOT add new information. Summarise. Restate. End with a thought-provoking sentence.
Subject line: short and specific. 'Meeting on Friday', not 'Hello!'
Greeting: 'Hi John' (informal). 'Dear Mr. Smith' (formal). 'Hello team' (group).
Opening: get to the point quickly. 'I am writing to ask about...' or 'Thank you for your email.'
Body: one main idea per paragraph. Use bullet points for lists.
Closing: 'Best regards', 'Kind regards', 'Sincerely' (formal). 'Thanks', 'Cheers' (informal).
Sign-off: your name. Position and contact if formal.
Mistake 1: too long sentences. Rule: if you cannot read it aloud without losing breath, break it up.
Mistake 2: repeated words. Use synonyms. 'Important' → essential, crucial, key, vital.
Mistake 3: weak verbs. 'I made a decision' → 'I decided'. 'I had a conversation with him' → 'I spoke with him'.
Mistake 4: too many adverbs (-ly words). 'She walked quickly' → 'She rushed'. Stronger verbs replace adverbs.
Mistake 5: passive when active is better. 'A decision was made' → 'We decided'. Active is usually clearer.
Mistake 6: starting with 'There is/are'. 'There are three reasons.' → 'Three reasons exist.' OR 'I have three reasons.'
Formal: 'I would like to inquire about...' Informal: 'I want to ask about...'
Formal: 'Could you please...' Informal: 'Can you...'
Formal: 'I apologise for the inconvenience.' Informal: 'Sorry about that.'
Match your register to your reader. Boss = formal. Friend = informal. Teacher you do not know = formal. Family = informal.
Click “Translate” below if you need any word in your own language.
Opening paragraph.
Write a strong introduction.
Closing paragraph.
End with a clear conclusion.
Your main argument.
State your thesis in the first paragraph.
Group of related sentences.
Each paragraph should have one main idea.
Level of formality.
Match the register to your reader.
Polite, professional.
Write a formal email to your boss.
Casual, friendly.
Send an informal message to your friend.
Word order matters more in writing than in speech. A sloppy sentence is forgiven when spoken. The same sentence is unforgivable when written. Read your writing aloud BEFORE sending. If it sounds wrong, it is wrong.
Try these on paper or out loud. Mr. Gee's rule: practice today, do not save it for tomorrow.
Essays: 5 paragraphs (intro, 3 points, conclusion). Emails: clear subject, polite greeting, one idea per paragraph, professional closing. Avoid weak verbs, too many adverbs, repeated words, and unnecessary passive voice.
Read aloud every day. Even if it sounds funny. Your tongue needs practice.
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