How to write a
Good Essay
Pham Duc Minh M.Sc
CHARACTERISTICS OF
A GOOD INTRODUCTION:
is one (1) paragraph
is an introduction to the general topic of the essay
includes the thesis statement and a restatement of the question
includes points that will be discussed or elaborated on in the body
Do NOT try to say everything in the introduction, save details and examples for the body of your essay
Do NOT start with a statement that is too general, a more specific statement better sets up the information to follow
CHARACTERISTICS OF
A GOOD BODY:
can be several one - three (1 - 3) paragraphs
has a topic sentences for each paragraph that states the main idea of that paragraph
has specific examples, reasons, or other details
includes other sentences that link ideas or show transitions between ideas
Write an accurate and clear topic sentence for each body paragraph
Make sure there are logical connections between statements
CHARACTERISTICS OF
A GOOD CONCLUSION:
is one (1) paragraph
has a restatement of your thesis in different words
has a summary of your main points
includes one or both of the following: a consideration of the opposite opinion, a recommendation
Do NOT use the exact same words and expressions in your conclusion that used in your introduction
Do NOT introduce news ides or concepts that should belong in a new body paragraph.
Look at the question
In recent years, high technology and the use of computers have entered into almost every phase of modern life. State whether you think this is beneficial or damaging to people and why. Provide clear examples to support your position.

Look for any transitions that link the ideas and
underline them. Then put the sentences in the right
order.
Introduction:
For example, computers can perform complex mathematical calculations very quickly, and they can control the operation of other machines.
In this essay, I will give examples of some ways in which technology makes our lives more comfortable.
Technology and computers have entered almost every aspect of modern life.
I think this is helpful because computer can make life easier for people.
Body:
Therefore, we can easily see how computers at the bank help people their work more efficiently.
One place where computers help us is at the bank.
On the other hand, today`s computers can perform thousands of calculations in very short time and never make mistake.
In the past, a bank had many clerks who had to work with money or do math with large numbers either on paper or with hand calculators.
This was a very slow process, and sometimes the clerks made mistakes.
Conclusion:
In fact, computers can help them learn their new jobs, so that is another benefit.
Some people contend that technology takes away jobs from people without a good education.
In conclusion, we can see that technology and the use of computers is beneficial to people.
However, I think these people can learn to do the other jobs.
Introduction: C – A – D - B
Technology and computers have entered almost
every aspect of modern life.
For example, computers can perform complex
mathematical calculations very quickly, and they can
control the operation of other machines.
I think this is helpful because computer can make
life easier for people.
In this essay, I will give examples of some ways in
which technology makes our lives more comfortable.
BODY: B - D - E - C - A
One place where computers help us is at the bank.
In the past, a bank had many clerks who had to work
with money or do math with large numbers either
on paper or with hand calculators.
This was a very slow process, and sometimes the
clerks made mistakes.
On the other hand, today`s computers can perform
thousands of calculations in very short time and never
make mistake.
Therefore, we can easily see how computers at the
bank help people their work more efficiently.
Conclusion: B - D - A - C
Some people contend that technology takes away
jobs from people without a good education.
However, I think these people can learn to do
the other jobs.
In fact, computers can help them learn their new
jobs, so that is another benefit.
In conclusion, we can see that technology and
the use of computers is beneficial to people.