English Writing Essentials: Essays, Articles, Emails, Reviews

Posted on Apr 6, 2025 in English

Essay

Introduction

  • Nowadays, there is an ongoing debate about [topic]… There are advantages and disadvantages.
  • However, some people believe that…
  • Every person is entitled to their own opinion.
  • As far as I am concerned, I do not have real knowledge about this topic, but I believe…

First Paragraph

  • Firstly, …
  • I am fairly sure that you will all agree with me if I say the problem is evident.
  • Connectors: However, Moreover, Therefore, Furthermore, Besides, In addition
  • First Conditional: If + Subject + Present (Simple, Continuous, Perfect) + Subject + Will (Might, Could) + Infinitive. (Used for likely future events)

Second Paragraph

  • On the one hand, there are valid reasons to argue about this with absolute certainty. On the other hand, there might be other different opinions.
  • One potential advantage is…
  • The bottom line: (Paragraph conclusion)
  • Using ‘can’ or ‘could’ for advantages or disadvantages.
  • Second Conditional: If + Subject + Past (Simple or Continuous) + Subject + Would + Infinitive. (Used for hypothetical/imaginary situations)
  • Examples/Reasons: Such as, For example, For this reason, Due to, As a result…
  • Expressing Regret: I wish + Subject + Past Perfect. (Expressing regret about the past)

Third Paragraph

  • As a matter of fact, the best solution…
  • Connectors: Nevertheless (Sin embargo), Although (Aunque), In spite of (A pesar de), Besides (Además), Before (Antes), Also (También).
  • Third Conditional: If + Subject + Past Perfect (Simple or Continuous) + Subject + Would + Have + Past Participle. (Used for hypothetical past situations and their results)
  • Passive Voice Examples: ‘Nothing can be done.’ (Nada se puede hacer). ‘More important matters must be discovered.’ (Asuntos más importantes deben ser descubiertos).

Conclusion

  • I would like to conclude by saying that… I prefer to…
  • Idiom: ‘Take it with a pinch of salt.’ (Don’t completely believe it).
  • To conclude, something is so clear it does not need further explanation.
  • What would your opinion be if you had been in my shoes?
  • This is because I believe that, according to my experience, this is not good.

Article

Introduction

  • Add a title. (An article about myself is possible).
  • Have you ever + [verb in Past Participle]? If you are a citizen of the world, the answer is probably yes (or no).
  • So, what do I really think about the whole thing? Well, it depends on the situation.
  • First Conditional: If + Subject + Present Simple, Subject + Will + Infinitive.
  • Connectors: Because, However, Nevertheless, In addition, etc.
  • Using the Past Perfect: Subject + Had + Past Participle.
  • Idiom: ‘The sort of thing only happens once in a lifetime.’ (Esto solo sucede una vez en la vida).

First Paragraph

  • Idiom: ‘To make a long story short.’ (Vamos al grano / Let’s get to the point).
  • Would you like to have a good time if you were depressed? If so, you should try to…
  • Second Conditional: If + Subject + Past Simple or Continuous, Subject + Would + Infinitive.
  • Strong Adjectives: amazing, wonderful, fantastic, awful, hideous, joyful, tiny, etc.

Second Paragraph

  • I believe that you must be curious for more information, right? The best way to know more is looking it up in the dictionary.
  • Third Conditional: If + Subject + Past Perfect (Continuous or Simple), Subject + Would + Have + Past Participle.
  • Idiom: ‘It’s no use crying over spilled milk.’ (A lo hecho pecho / Don’t worry about past mistakes).
  • Can you imagine another story about this topic in an alternative universe? How would it be?
  • So, I totally recommend it to everyone.

Conclusion

  • There are a number of reasons why I would recommend that you…
  • To conclude, something is so clear it does not need further explanation regarding this article.
  • What would your opinion have been if you had been in my shoes?
  • I honestly hope you, the readers, liked my article, as I have dedicated a lot of time and effort to it. Thank you all for taking the time to read it.
  • It just couldn’t have been better!

Email / Letter

Introduction

  • Dear [Name],
  • How are you? I hope you are well. It was nice to hear from you. Thank you for your email/letter.
  • Sorry I haven’t written to you for ages, but I’ve been really busy.
  • However, I’ve been meaning to get back to you, but I haven’t had time.
  • Because… First Conditional: If + Subject + Present Simple + Subject + Will + Infinitive.
  • Connectors: In addition, For example, Therefore, Nevertheless…

First Paragraph

  • I’d love to tell you what you can do here. There are so many things I can tell you about. (Perhaps use passive: More important matters must be discovered.)
  • Connectors: Moreover, Therefore, Nevertheless, Due to, In addition, Despite…
  • I would like to suggest a plan that I know you will love. The plan is the following: I agree with you about… but I prefer…
  • Second Conditional: If + Subject + Past (Simple or Continuous) + Subject + Would + Infinitive.

Second Paragraph

  • What would your opinion have been if you had been in my shoes?
  • Third Conditional: If + Subject + Past Perfect + Subject + Would + Have + Past Participle.
  • Connectors: However, In addition…
  • Idiom/Phrase: ‘Nothing can be done.’ (Nada puede hacerse).

Conclusion

  • Well, that’s all my news for now. Write back soon and tell me…
  • Looking forward to hearing from you. / I can’t wait to see you.
  • Best regards, / See you soon, / All the best,
  • [Your Name]

Review

Introduction

  • I am fairly sure that you will all agree with me if I say…
  • Would you like to have a good time if you were feeling down? If so, you should try to see/do/view/buy…
  • This is one of the best books/films/places/gadgets I have ever read/viewed/visited/bought this year. This should be it.
  • However, some people believe that it’s the best… in the world, but every person is entitled to their own opinion.
  • Therefore… First Conditional: If + Subject + Present Simple, Subject + Will + Infinitive.

First Paragraph

  • As far as I’m concerned, I didn’t have real knowledge about this book/place/gadget/film beforehand.
  • Nevertheless… Second Conditional: If + Subject + Past Simple, Subject + Would + Infinitive.
  • Also, the best part was…
  • If I had known about this from the start, I certainly would not have wasted my time seeing/reading/buying/going.
  • It is amazing! Connectors: For this reason, In addition, Due to.

Second Paragraph

  • ‘To make a long story short…’ On the one hand, there might be reasons to argue about this with absolute certainty. On the other hand, there might be different opinions, depending on whom you speak with.
  • Moreover… Third Conditional: If + Subject + Past Perfect, Subject + Would + Have + Past Participle (e.g., ‘been’).
  • Idiom: ‘Well, better late than never.’ (Más vale tarde que nunca).
  • They were truly wonderful.
  • Ever since I found out about its existence, I always thought I would love it, but now I like it more than ever.

Conclusion

  • There is one principal reason why I would recommend that you…
  • Honestly, I hope you, the reader, like my review (e.g., about the gym), as I have dedicated a lot of time and effort to it.
  • Thank you all for taking the time to read it. It just couldn’t have been better!
  • What would your opinion have been if you had been in my shoes?
  • You should definitely give it a go!