This document provides guidance on how to structure texts. It recommends including a title, introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should catch the reader's interest and introduce the topic. The body is the main part and should use paragraphs about separate topics with linking words. The conclusion should summarize the main points or call for action. The document also discusses how to plan writing with a mind map and the different types of texts like argumentative, discussion, and summary essays.

1. DISPOSITION How to structure your
texts
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2. GENERAL STRUCTURE
 Title
 Introduction
 Body
 Conclusion
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3. INTRODUCTION
Catch the reader’s interest.
Introduce the topic you will deal with in the body.
Give background information (if necessary).
Examples:
 Include quotes
 An extraordinary statement
 Quote someone
 Humour (if appropriate for the topic)
 Ask questions (but don’t forget to answer them in the body or conclusion)
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4. BODY
This is the main part of your essay.
Use paragraphs
 One “topic” in each paragraph
 Examples to clarify
 Use linking words to make smooth transitions between the paragraphs: however, in
addition to, further, since, due to, first, secondly, thirdly etc.
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5. CONCLUSION
This is the last section of your essay. There are some different ways
to end an essay:
 Summarize the main points you have made in the body.
 Conlusion: a final thought on the topic which allows you to give your summarized
opinion on the topic dealt with in the paragraph.
 Call for action: because of the things you presented in the body, you now want
someone to do something.
 Answer questions presented in the introduction.
 It is a good idea to have the conclusion connect to the introduction.
 Never introduce new ideas/facts in the conclusion.
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6. PLAN YOUR WRITING
 Before you start writing, it is a good idea to plan your text. To do this it might be a good idea
to use a mind map.
 In the example below you can see a mind map for an argumentative essay for the death
penalty.
 When you start writing, it will be easier to get a good structure. Each circle in the mind map is
one paragraph.
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Death
penalty
Economy (the
cost of life in
prison vs.
death)
Deterrence
Counter
argument
(with reasons
against it)
An eye for an
eye
(retribution)

7. THREE TYPES OF TEXTS
Argumentative essay:
 You choose a “side” and argue for it.
 Do not seem unsure! It will not make you convincing.
 Include facts and source references.
Discussion essay:
 Discuss different aspects of a topic.
 You don’t have choose a “side”.
 Include examples and your own experiences if you like.
Summary:
 Short text which deals with the main points of something you have read or heard.
 No opinions.
 Always shorter than the original text.
 Refer to the original source (author, title, magazine/book/website).
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8. FURTHER READING
Pioneer 2:
 The Yellow pages p. 237-263
 Argumentative text p. 17
 Discussion text p. 180
Websites:
 Writing paragraphs: http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/factsheet/en14para-e3-f-
writing-paragraphs
 Planning your writing: http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/topic/planning-your-
writing/resources/e1-e2
 Format and style: http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/topic/format-and-style
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