Writing an essay become a technique, which can be easily taught, so just follow proposed

methodics. This tutorial is divided into 2 parts: analysis of Issue and analysis of
argument. Whatever you do, GMAT exam, or report, this make sense.

Part 1. Analysis of Issue

Here you should discuss opinion toward an issue, supported with some
analysis. For example:
Following the EU enlargement, some layers have proposed that EU
Council limit financing of depressed areas in Belgium and Portugal. This
will help to finance agriculture of less developed areas in Poland and
Latvia.

Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the above opinion.
Support your opinion with reasons and examples.

In essay you should demonstrate the following:

- Logic and coherentness;

- Critical thinking skills;

- Varied sentence structure and vocabulary;

- no mechanical errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization; and

- content that follows the conventions of standard written English.

How do I write a well-balanced essay?

You should always acknowledge both sides of an issue. Among the sample essays there
is not one irrefutable essay, yet you must pick a side. The trick to doing this is to
persuade the reader that, despite the counter-arguments, your position is the strongest one
overall.

Try to "straddle the fence" between both sides of the issue by making limited use of
qualifiers. This will allow you to acknowledge the opposing view and appear scholarly.
(Note that overuse of qualifiers will make the essay appear too vague and dilute an
argument you are making.)

In general, stay uncontroversial and balanced. Try to approach each issue in a

dispassionate and balanced manner. You must pick a side that will "win out" in the
conclusion/introduction. The essay questions specifically tell you to pick a side. Make
sure to disagree or agree with the question's statement.
How long should it ?

Test essays are short (only 30 minutes for GMAT), so you won't be able to cover every
possible argument, rebuttal and example. When you start the test set aside a few minutes
to set up the points and examples. You do not have to cover every idea/concept. Most
students do not have time to cover everything they would like to cover. Choose the most
persuasive relevant points and examples to use.

Stay focused on the topic. Do not either go off on tangential arguments or excessively
focus on one example.

Where can I get examples for answering essay questions?

The essay instructions (with only a few exceptions) allow you to draw upon your
personal experiences in developing your answer to each essay question. This practice is
acceptable, but don't overdo it. You should generally rely more on academic knowledge
than personal experiences.

Your examples and knowledge can be impressive, but you shouldn't go too far. Don't try
to impress the grader with you expertise in a narrow area.

As a rule the topics are commonly addressed in policy-oriented magazines.

 Forbes
 The Economist
 The New Republic
 Wall Street Journal

Essay Structure
Structure is the most important part of your essay. Your essay must be
written in a standard format with the standard logical transitions.

        Introduction/Conclusion-
These elements will provide the
structure for your essay and keep you on track.

        Number
of Paragraphs. Your essay should be 4 to 5 paragraphs:
an introduction, a conclusion, and three "body" paragraphs. Each
paragraph should have 2 to 5 sentences (total essay about 300-400
words).

Essay Template

The template is just a guideline. You do not have to adhere to it. Often you
will have to make changes to suit your argument.
         The
numbers of sentences indicated for each paragraph is a
guideline that varies depending on how much content you have.

        The
transitional phrases we use in the Template are intentionally
simplistic. This is not a simple approach where you can "fill-in-
the-blanks." Flesh out the template somewhat and use it as a
guideline to write a disciplined and focused essay.

Template
1) Introductory Paragraph (2-4 sentences)
Make sure to keep your introductory paragraph concise, strong and
effective.
What the introductory paragraph should accomplish:

        Explain the issue (briefly).

        Show
that you understand the full complexities of the issue (for
example, by recognizing competing interests or various factors).

        State your position on the issue (without the details yet).

For example:
Whether people should book seats in advance depends on weather
conditions. I prefer spending time on seaside instead seating in
overcrowded theatre.

2) First Body Paragraph (3-5 sentences)

Begin to develop your position with your most important reason. Use one
or two examples to back up your main point:
The chief reason for my view is that physical health is much more
important than mental one. For example, my friend has PhD in nuclear
physics, but still he can not jump from air plane. Moreover, I can imagine,
what may happen with him during military conflict in Iraq this year.
Finally, one may fall from the window in the theatre or loose wallet
during performance.

3) Second Body Paragraph

Expand your position with a "secondary" reason. Support your rationale
further with at least one example.

        State your second reason (one only).

        Provide rationale and/or evidence to support it.

a) Another reason for my view is good weather on a seaside, specifically,
in Palm Beach. As a result you may meet good girl, instead of listening
classic music.

4) Third Body Paragraph

In this paragraph (optional) you acknowledge a competing viewpoint or
counter-argument (and rationale and/or examples that support it), and then
provide rebuttals to further support your position. In this paragraph you
walk a tightrope, you must acknowledge the counter-argument, but yet
deny it immediately in the next sentence and use that denial to strengthen
your own argument.

        Acknowledge a different viewpoint or a counter-argument.

        Provide rationale and/or examples that support it.

        Provide a rebuttal.

Here's a sample template for the third body paragraph that accomplishes
the objectives indicated above:

Some might argue that mental development is still important for young
man. Yet Mike Tyson makes good money without PhD.

5) Conclusion Paragraph
In this paragraph you write a summary of your position in 1 to 3
sentences:

        State the thrust of your position.

        Restate the main points from the body of your essay.

The concluding paragraph is not the place for new information or reasons.
It is not a place to draw new conclusions.
In sum, I concur that booking seats in theatre is stupid decision,
especially if weather is good. However, in some cases it make sense,
especially, if you want to know content of modern show, like Hamlet.

How to write a coherent 300 word essay in 30 minutes

1. Examine the issue (2-3 minutes)

a. What is the basic issue? Try to phrase it as a question.
 b. Those in favour would say….
c. Those against would say….

2. Choose what points you want to make (4-5 minutes)

a. Arguments in favour:
b. Arguments opposed:
c. Take a side: which side do you prefer?
d. What are the assumptions in the arguments?

Step 3: Outline (1 minute)

1. Make sure that your outline:
- states the central idea of the essay clearly and forcefully;

- provides a word or phrase for every paragraph in the

essay;

- relates each paragraph to the central idea of the essay in

(2a) above;

- includes an opening and closing paragraph which tie the

essay together.

2. Build your paragraphs in the essay carefully. You may produce

effective by following a few simple rules:
a. Each paragraph should state a central idea which relates
to the central idea of the entire essay.

b. Every statement in each paragraph should relate to the

central idea of the paragraph in (3a) above. In each
paragraph, use examples to support the central idea or
explain it completely.

c. Consciously choose paragraph length, for if your

paragraphs are all too short (one or two sentences), you will
be penalized, and if they are too long you will also be
penalized.
 
Step 4: Write/type your essay (20 minutes)

        What's your thesis sentence?

        Arguments for…

         Arguments opposed...

Step 5: Proofread your work (2 minutes)

        Check for grammar, spelling, etc..