A lot of students are asking me, Sir, does essay needs to have a set format?

To that
I would say “NO”. As long as your essay has an introduction that mentions your
stand, a body that explains your stand and a conclusion that restates your stand
and provides some prediction or suggestion you are good to go.
Let us look for some introductions
1) Some people say that the only reason for learning a foreign language is in order
to travel to or work in a foreign country. Others say that these are not the only
reasons why someone should learn a foreign language. Discuss both these views
and give your own opinion.
Many may say, and I agree, that today’s society has almost erased all its borders
and soon will become limitless in what concerns travelling for both work and
pleasure. Therefore, if this is to happen, then learning a new language its
necessary.
( This would score 7 bands )
In the recent years, the world has seen an unprecedented increase in the number
of people learning a foreign language. Some people claim that the reason to learn
a foreign language is to travel or work in overseas countries. Conversely, others
believe that these are not the only reasons why people should learn a foreign
language; I agree with this statement.
( this would score 7.5 bands )
Learning a foreign language has many advantages including knowledge on diverse
cultures, better job prospects, faster cognitive development, and effective
communication skills. While some people believe that only reason we should learn
a foreign language is to visit or work in a foreign country, many others opine that
the benefits of learning a different language are not restricted on the job and
travel prospects only. This essay delves with the both point of views.
( this would score 8 bands or above )
Discuss all the introductions in class, as none of them are the same and at the
same time the content is also quite different.
2) Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy
the same products anywhere in the world. Do you think this is a positive or a
negative development?
It is said that countries are becoming similar to each other because of the global
spread of the same products, which are now available for purchase almost
anywhere. I strongly believe that this modern development is largely detrimental
to culture and traditions worldwide.
( this would score 8 bands or above )
It is true that the world is becoming a global village through an enormous
development in the technology. People are able to get their desired items in every
part of the world quickly and without any barriers, which I intend to be a positive
step towards the global advancement.
( this would score 7 bands ) ( as here the focus is shifted on technology, which is
not mentioned in the question )
Discuss the introductions in class and write your own introduction.
An effective introduction should have three things, 1) paraphrase the question, 2)
thesis statement and 3) outline, 1 st and 2nd are a must, if you are not comfortable
writing the outline you can ignore it , but not recommended for general students.
Look at the above example, If I would have to write it , it would be something like
this:-
paraphrase: Countries around the globe are losing its uniqueness as the same
item is available for purchase across the world.
Thesis: I believe that this development is greatly beneficial to individual and
companies who sell those products.
Outline: Firstly, this essay will analyze the phenomenon has led to the rise in
consumerism, thereby allowing different countries to attain economic stability and
secondly, it will reflect on its profound effect on the creation of global village.
That is around 72 words. Here, if you are uncomfortable writing the outline you
can ignore it and move towards the body.
3) Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of
crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and
the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when
deciding on the punishment. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
Write your own intro >.
Sample: Fixing punishments for each type of crime has been a debateable issue.
There are many arguments supporting both views, those for and those against
fixed punishments.
(There is a spelling mistake, outline is missing, and this was taken from an essay
which scored 7.5 bands)
4)Successful sports professional can earn a great deal more money than people in
other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others
think it is unfair. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
As a result of constant media attention, sports professionals in my country have
become stars and celebrities, and those at the top are paid huge salaries. Just like
movie stars, they live extravagant lifestyles with huge houses and cars.
(7 band level, though only outline and thesis is mentioned)
Now you try writing the introduction:
Paraphrase: ( copied from the question using synonyms )
Thesis: ( your stand )
Outline: ( how will you support your stand )
All I want to say is that, introduction is important but not that much that you
spend 15 minutes thinking and writing about it and if you have strong content you
will score. Just make sure thesis (your opinion) and paraphrasing is there.
Cheers…..