How to write an essay

Rules for writing essays

  • Make sure that your essay is written cleanly and clearly and divided into paragraphs.
  • After you have written your essay, read through it several times to catch any grammatical errors.
  • Always stick to the topic. Failing to stay on topic results in poorer marks.
  • Write clear sentences. Every sentence should contain new information to bring the reader further.

Do NOT:

  • Write about speaking with animals – This indicates childish thinking.
  • Use slang or "television speak": „Ach, das sagte ich doch gar nicht. Na klar, gehn wir los!" – This indicates a high level of TV consumption and disinterest in other things.
  • Write "End" at the end of your essay.
  • Draw on the page, dot your i's with hearts, etc.
  • Essays for primary students
  • Aufsätze Sekundarschüler

Writing German essays (primary students)

Primary students in year 5/6

Requirements:

  • It should not be a simple list of occurrences: First we took lift up the mountain. There we bought ice cream. Then we walked back down the steep path. Afterwards we were all tired.
     
  • Students are expected to think independently for themselves and make judgements about their immediate surroundings. They should be able to correctly interpret everyday situations and react appropriately to the actions of the people around them. They should also put their feelings on paper.
     
  • Students should be able to express different emotions: anger, joy, envy, desire, fear, pride, hate, etc.
    Be descriptive!
    Don't write: On Saturday we left for our holiday.
    Write: We had to be at the airport early on Saturday in order to catch our flight to Tunisia.
    (This makes the text longer and also gives us more information about the student's holiday.)

    You have eyes – Write what you see and what goes through your head!
    You have ears – Write what you thought when you heard it.
    You have a mouth – Write how you reacted to something that was said.
    You have a mind – Tell us your thoughts.
    You have a heart – Describe how you feel. Are you proud, disappointed, annoyed, etc.

    This is what makes an essay seem alive and interesting. Tell us about yourself and your life. Share your thoughts with us.
     
  • Some teachers tell students to use as many adjectives as possible. Unfortunately, this usually makes the essay boring, because students tend to add unfitting adjectives before every second noun.

Writing German essays (secondary school students)

Secondary stage I 

Requirements:

An essay must be divided into three paragraphs in terms of content and appearance. The introduction has the function of informing the reader factually and informatively about the core topic. The main part contains the narrative or argumentation and the final part is expected to contain a conclusion, reflection or personal opinion on the thesis.

An essay is a formal text type. Colloquial and casual phrases and terms are not desired in the German essay. Rather, students should present their vocabulary at the entrance examination from its best side and try to use high-quality and demanding formulations. 

During a discussion, the thesis is examined from the perspective of opponents and supporters. A balanced number of arguments should be presented convincingly. The 3-B-rule can be applied: assertion, argument, proof. No argument should simply be thrown into the room without corresponding explanations.

In a narrative, a realistic event from the author's personal environment is usually expected. Nobody can check whether a situation has been personally experienced. However, it should be credibly conveyed to the reader that this event has taken place. Therefore, surreal or unbelievable actions should be avoided. The end of the essay "I woke up and it was all just a dream" is also rather undesirable.

While discussions are formulated in a completely objective and neutral way, it makes a narrative more authentic and exciting if the emotional level is included. By writing with all the senses (visuals, smells, sounds, sensations, feelings and thoughts) the reader is able to immerse himself in the narrated world and experience it to a certain extent. In this way a text is perceived as interesting.

How do I write an essay?
Course dates Essay Writing Practice
Course dates Essay Writing Practice

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The essay score plays an important role on the entrance exam. It says a lot about students’ language development and maturity level.

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