Paper 2: Writing - Essay
English Language: AQA GCSE, topic 6.2.2
Essays
Essays (or reports) are designed to inform readers and advise readers about what they should do or believe.
What is in an essay or report?
- An effective and interesting introduction.
- Paragraphs that flow well into each other.
- A convincing and clear conclusion.
- A logical structure of connected ideas or pros & cons.
Who is the audience of essays & reports?
- Essays are usually targeted at a wide group of people.
- Reports are usually commissioned for a particular purpose and are targeted at a specific audience.
What language do essays use?
- Use formal language and do not appear biased. Your job as a report writer is to inform and advise.
- E.g. On 28 October 1995, the scientists tested the medicine on five patients. The patients were part of a control group.
- This language is formal and impersonal.
- Use an objective tone.
- E.g. The fire started on 8 December 2010. The fire killed 20 people.
- This is objective. The writer has given facts without stating their opinion on the fire or the deaths.
- But, your report or essay should still show your viewpoint.
Test yourself on Paper 2: Writing - Essay
What are essays designed to do?
How should you use language when writing an essay or report?
Which sentence would be most appropriate for use in an essay?