Essay Writing Guide
IGCSE ESL — Writing 120–160 Words
Master the 4-paragraph format, word count strategies, and language features for IGCSE ESL opinion essays.
- Essay structure — master the 4-paragraph format for IGCSE ESL essays
- Word count management — stay within 120–160 words
- Opening techniques — state your opinion clearly and immediately
- Body paragraph development — build strong arguments with examples
- Conclusion strategies — end your essay with impact
- Time management — plan, write, and check within exam time
Time management
Planning: 3–5 min · Writing: 15–20 min · Checking: 3–5 min · Total: 25–30 minutes
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Understanding the Task
IGCSE ESL essays require you to express your opinion on a topic in 120–160 words. This is a short, focused piece of writing that tests your ability to organise ideas clearly and use appropriate language.
Typical essay questions
- "Some people think social media is harmful to young people. What is your opinion?"
- "Do you agree that homework should be banned? Give reasons for your answer."
- "Is it better to live in the city or the countryside? Explain your view."
- "Should students wear school uniforms? What do you think?"
- You must give your opinion clearly
- Support your opinion with reasons and examples
- Stay focused on the question — don't go off-topic
- Write in a semi-formal to formal style
- Organise your ideas into clear paragraphs
The 4-Paragraph Structure
A successful IGCSE ESL essay follows a clear structure. This helps you organise your thoughts and makes your writing easier to follow.
Introduction
~25–30 words · State the topic and your opinion immediately
Body paragraph 1
~35–45 words · First reason with explanation and example
Body paragraph 2
~35–45 words · Second reason with explanation and example
Conclusion
~25–30 words · Restate opinion and summarise briefly
Total: 120–160 words
Introduction: ~25–30 words (20%) · Body paragraphs: ~70–90 words (60%) · Conclusion: ~25–30 words (20%)
Writing too much in the introduction · including more than 2 reasons · forgetting to give examples · a conclusion that introduces new ideas
Writing the Introduction
Your introduction should be brief and clear. State the topic and give your opinion immediately. Don't waste words on general statements.
Question: Should students wear school uniforms?
"In my opinion, students should wear school uniforms. I believe uniforms create equality and help students focus on learning rather than fashion."
Useful opening phrases
- In my opinion, [state your view]
- I believe that [give your opinion]
- From my perspective, [express your view]
- I strongly feel that [state your position]
- It is my view that [give your opinion]
Practice: Write your introduction (25–30 words)
Writing Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph presents one main reason supporting your opinion, followed by an explanation or example. Keep it focused and specific.
Firstly, uniforms promote equality among students. When everyone wears the same clothes, there is less pressure to buy expensive brands, which reduces bullying based on appearance. This creates a more inclusive environment.
Secondly, uniforms help students concentrate on their studies. Without worrying about what to wear each day, students can focus their energy on learning and achieving better academic results. This saves time and mental energy.
Linking words for body paragraphs
First reason: Firstly, / First of all,
Second reason: Secondly, / In addition,
Examples: For example, / For instance,
Consequences: This means that / As a result,
Practice: Write a body paragraph (35–45 words)
Writing the Conclusion
Your conclusion should restate your opinion briefly and summarise your main points. Do NOT introduce new ideas or reasons here.
"In conclusion, I strongly support school uniforms because they create equality and help students focus on education. These benefits make uniforms valuable for all schools."
Useful concluding phrases
- In conclusion, [restate your opinion]
- To sum up, [summarise your view]
- Overall, [give final opinion]
- For these reasons, [conclude your argument]
- Therefore, [state your final position]
Don't introduce new reasons or examples · don't contradict your earlier opinion · don't exceed 30 words · don't end with a question · don't use "I think maybe" — be confident
Practice: Write your conclusion (25–30 words)
Complete Model Essay
Question
"Should students wear school uniforms? Give reasons for your answer."
In my opinion, students should wear school uniforms. I believe uniforms create equality and help students focus on learning rather than fashion.
Body paragraph 1 (38 words)Firstly, uniforms promote equality among students. When everyone wears the same clothes, there is less pressure to buy expensive brands, which reduces bullying based on appearance. This creates a more inclusive environment.
Body paragraph 2 (40 words)Secondly, uniforms help students concentrate on their studies. Without worrying about what to wear each day, students can focus their energy on learning and achieving better academic results. This saves time and mental energy.
Conclusion (42 words)In conclusion, I strongly support school uniforms because they create equality and help students focus on education. These benefits make uniforms valuable for all schools, and I believe more schools should adopt this policy.
Clear opinion stated immediately · two well-developed reasons with explanations · good linking words (Firstly, Secondly, In conclusion) · appropriate formal language · 148 words ✓ · strong conclusion that reinforces the argument
Managing Your Word Count
Too short — under 120 words
Add specific examples ("saves money for families who cannot afford expensive clothes")
Expand with "This means that…" or "As a result…"
Include a consequence after each reason
Add a second sentence to body paragraphs
Too long — over 160 words
Remove repetition — don't say the same thing twice
Cut unnecessary adjectives ("very good" → "good")
Shorten your conclusion to one or two sentences
Focus on 2 reasons only — no third body paragraph
- Count the words in your first line (usually 8–12 words)
- Count how many lines you've written
- Multiply: lines × words per line ≈ total
- Aim for 12–15 lines of handwriting
Language and Style
To achieve higher scores, use varied vocabulary and sentence structures. Your writing should sound natural but formal.
Vocabulary upgrades
- Good → beneficial, valuable, advantageous, positive
- Bad → harmful, detrimental, negative, problematic
- Important → crucial, essential, vital, significant
- Think → believe, consider, feel, maintain
- Show → demonstrate, illustrate, reveal, indicate
Basic — avoid
"Uniforms are good. They help students."
"I think uniforms are good."
Better — use
"By promoting equality, uniforms create an environment where students can focus on learning rather than appearance."
"I am convinced that uniforms play a crucial role in education."
- Contractions: "don't" → "do not" · "can't" → "cannot" · "it's" → "it is"
- Informal words: "kids" → "children" · "a lot" → "many" · "stuff" → "things"
- Overusing "I think": not every sentence needs this — vary with "I believe," "In my opinion"
Planning Your Essay
Spending 3–5 minutes planning will make your writing faster and better organised. Use this simple method.
Question: Is social media harmful to young people?
My opinion: Yes, it can be harmful
Reason 1: Cyberbullying — mean comments, feeling anxious
Reason 2: Addiction/time waste — hours scrolling, less homework time
Conclusion point: Harmful because of bullying and addiction
- Write your plan in note form (not full sentences)
- Choose the opinion that's easier to support — even if it's not your real view
- Think of specific examples before you start writing
- Cross out your plan after — it won't be marked
Practice planning task
Question: "Should homework be banned?" — Take 3 minutes to plan: your opinion, two reasons with examples, and your conclusion point.
Checking Your Work
Always save 3–5 minutes at the end to check your essay. This can improve your score significantly by catching simple errors.
1. Word count — 120–160?
2. Paragraphs — 4 clear paragraphs?
3. Opinion — clear in introduction and conclusion?
4. Reasons — 2 main reasons with examples?
5. Spelling — check common mistakes
6. Grammar — verb tenses and subject-verb agreement
7. Punctuation — capital letters, full stops, commas
Common grammar errors to fix
✗ "Student need uniform" → ✓ "Students need uniforms"
✗ "Its important to study" → ✓ "It is important to study"
✗ "I think that uniforms is good" → ✓ "I think that uniforms are good"
First pass (1 min): Check structure and word count · Second pass (2 min): Read for spelling and grammar · Final check (30 sec): Make sure your name is on the paper
Practice Questions
Choose one and write a complete essay (120–160 words, ~25 minutes)
Q1: Some people believe that video games are bad for children. What is your opinion?
Q2: Is it better to study alone or in a group? Give reasons for your answer.
Q3: Should mobile phones be banned in schools? Explain your view.
Q4: Do you agree that sports should be compulsory in schools? Why or why not?
Write your complete essay here
How Your Essay is Marked
Understanding the marking criteria helps you know what examiners are looking for.
What examiners look for
- Content & ideas (40%): Clear opinion, relevant reasons, good examples
- Organisation (30%): Logical structure, clear paragraphs, good linking words
- Language (30%): Appropriate vocabulary, grammar accuracy, sentence variety
Bridging level ✓
- Clear opinion from the start
- Two reasons — well developed
- Specific examples throughout
- Wide vocabulary range
- Varied sentence structures
- Very few errors
- Formal style maintained
Expanding level ✓
- Opinion is clear
- Two reasons with some explanation
- Good organisation
- Appropriate vocabulary
- Mostly accurate grammar
- Minor errors only
- Examples could be more specific
Developing level ⚠️
- Opinion may be unclear
- Reasons basic or undeveloped
- Organisation unclear
- Limited vocabulary
- Errors affect clarity
- May be too short or long
- Informal language used
Common Mistakes to Avoid
No clear opinion
"Some people think uniforms are good, but others think they are bad…" → State your view: "In my opinion, school uniforms are beneficial because they promote equality and improve concentration."
Too many reasons, no development
"Uniforms are good because they are cheap, look nice, comfortable, everyone wears them…" → Focus on 2 reasons and explain each fully with an example.
Going off-topic
Keep referring back to the question. Every sentence should relate to the topic you were asked about.
No examples
"Social media is bad. It causes problems." → Add: "For instance, negative comments spread quickly online, causing anxiety and stress for young people."
Quick Reference Guide
Introduction (25–30 words): In my opinion, [state your view]. I believe [give brief reason].
Body 1 (35–45 words): Firstly, [reason 1]. [Explanation]. For example, [specific example]. This means that [consequence].
Body 2 (35–45 words): Secondly, [reason 2]. [Explanation]. For instance, [specific example]. As a result, [consequence].
Conclusion (25–30 words): In conclusion, I [strongly] believe that [restate opinion] because [brief summary of reasons].
Essential linking words
Opinions: In my opinion · I believe · From my perspective · I strongly feel that
Sequencing: Firstly · Secondly · Finally
Examples: For example · For instance · Such as
Results: Therefore · As a result · This means that
Adding: In addition · Furthermore · Moreover
Concluding: In conclusion · To sum up · Overall · For these reasons
0–5 min: Read question, plan · 5–25 min: Write (4 paragraphs) · 25–30 min: Check word count, spelling, grammar
Self-Assessment Checklist
Content & ideas
- I stated my opinion clearly in the introduction
- I gave two main reasons supporting my opinion
- I included specific examples for each reason
- I explained how my reasons support my opinion
- I stayed on topic throughout the essay
Organisation
- I wrote 4 clear paragraphs
- My introduction states the topic and my opinion
- Each body paragraph focuses on one reason
- My conclusion summarises my opinion
- I used linking words (Firstly, Secondly, In conclusion)
Language
- My word count is between 120–160 words
- I used formal language (no contractions or slang)
- I varied my vocabulary (avoided repetition)
- I used different sentence structures
- My spelling and grammar are accurate
Final Tips for Success
Week 1–2: Practice planning essays (5 min per question)
Week 3–4: Write complete essays without time limit
Week 5–6: Write essays within 25 minutes
Week 7–8: Exam conditions — 20 minutes, no notes
Good luck with your IGCSE ESL exam.