Tips for 500-word Essays

500-words Essay writing tips

In O-level English paper 1, Composition section students are required to write a 500 words essay. Now writing a 500 word essay would seem a difficult task for students who lack practice and are not very well versed in English Language. Well, it is not that difficult a job if you understand a few technical ways of essay writing. Do not lose heart if you do not get immediate results. Good results will appear gradually with time, especially when learning a foreign language. You will need constant practice and read  through carefully some tips for writing 500 word essays.

How to write a 500-word Descriptive essay?

Like all other essays it is can be easily divided into three or four parts. Every part should aim to separately give a clear description of the objects, people, atmosphere or moods of the surroundings, personal emotions or events. Every paragraph should focus on one of the points mentioned above. The use of suitable metaphors or similes could further add detail explanation to the points under description.  To compare things associated to that particular point is a good way of adding variety to the description. Shift your focus.

How to write a 500-word Narrative essay?

Technically Narrative essays comprise of a beginning, complication, rise of the complication/climax and resolution. These are the basic components given in a simple way. Nevertheless, it is not necessary to follow the same sequence of the features as mentioned above in writing a narrative essay. However, if you are aware of these basic features then the division of the paragraphs and stretching it up the desired word count should not be a problem.

How to write a 500-word Discursive essay?

1. Your essay must have a strong introduction. There are many ways to begin your essay. You may begin with a famous quotation, or add some proverbs relevant to the topic or mention an incident from your personal experience, or even start by eliciting a question to draw the attention of the readers towards your thesis statement. Yes, whatever way you may choose to begin you must add a thesis statement.
2. A thesis statement is a short statement that actually summarizes the main point of your essay. The topic given in the examination is a very broad one, which means that many things could be written about it. So, think of as many possible sub topics you can and identify one thesis statement that you wish to discuss. Once you have decided your thesis statement keep only those sub topics that would support your thesis statement and eliminate the rest.
3. Body

• The body of your essay may have 3 or 4 main paragraphs. Each paragraph should discuss one main point beginning with a topic sentence in support of your thesis statement.
• Arouse emotions and feelings in the reader and share your experience about the topic being discussed.
• Give examples from newspaper reports, personal experience or statistical data that you have come across to validate your point.
• Always give a concluding statement/line to a paragraph that would reinforce your topic sentence. It can also touch upon some information coming up in the next paragraphs;

4.  Conclusion. Close your essay with a  60 or 50 words concluding paragraph. This must summarize and restate only the most notable ideas discussed in the body. Do not introduce a fresh point in the conclusion.

Follow these essay tips, read extensively different writing materials and practice. A good grade awaits on the way.