Essay writing : common mistakes

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

Study objectives:

I can 

• identify and correct mistakes commonly made in essay writing
  
• plan and write an argumentative essay
  
• use exam vocabulary in context

 

What is an argumentative essay?

Common mistakes in essay writing

Common mistakes in essay writing

Content  

• no thesis statement,  
  
• unclear structure/ arguments,  
  
• new arguments in conclusion 

You should be able to highlight your thesis statement and arguments in the text!!

Common mistakes in essay writing

Stylistic:

• informal language: kids, stuff 
  
• contracted forms: don’t – do not 

Common mistakes in essay writing

Spelling

• to / too: it will be too late - others may be hurt too 
  

go to the cinema - to be clear 

• of / off: switch something off – fall off  
  

    of course – plenty of time 

• there / their: there is much violence there (location) 
  

    they mind their own business (possessive) 

Common mistakes in essay writing

Grammar

• verb tenses (future),
• word order,
  
• incorrect references:

How life is like in 20 years.

Common mistakes in essay writing

Linking words:

• But, And, So, Because 
  

Don’t use these at the start of your sentences. Instead use cohesive devices from your reader:  However, Moreover, Therefore,  
At last, -> Finally, 
At first, -> First of all, / Firstly, / In the first place, 

Common mistakes in essay writing

Punctuation

Please remember to start your sentences with a capital letter and end them with a full stop, question mark or exclamation mark. 

Common mistakes in essay writing

Other

• no (original) title
  
• number of words (include a word count!),
  
• number of paragraphs

Which elements does
a good essay contain?