How to Score Easy Marks on an Academic Essay

A practical writing guide you can use in most English writing exams.

Academic essays are marked on two things at the same time: your ideas and your language.

Here are 6 tips, techniques and strategies to get those "easy" marks.

1) Understand the task

Many learners lose marks because they write about the general topic, not the task.

Before you write, underline the task words:

• agree or disagree

• discuss both views

• advantages and disadvantages

• problem and solution

• compare, describe, summarise

  
  

Then do one simple check: How many parts are there?

If there are two parts, you must answer both.

2) Use a simple structure

Examiners reward clarity. Make your writing easy to follow. A structure that works well:

Introduction

• paraphrase the question

• give your position

Body paragraphs 1 & 2

• one clear main point

• explain it

• give one example

Conclusion

• restate your position

• summarise your two main points

3) Less is more: one clear idea, developed well

In essays especially, marks are not about showing lots of knowledge on the topic. They are about clear, accurate language and a developed argument. A strong paragraph is not ten different ideas. It is:

• one point;

• a clear explanation;

• one realistic example;

• a short link back to the question.

  
  

This also helps your language accuracy, because you are not trying to control too many complex ideas at once.

4) Link ideas clearly

Linking needs to be clear. Here are a few you could use.

Cause and result: because, so, as a result

Contrast: but, however, although, while

Examples: for example, for instance

However, be careful not to start every sentence with a linker. Use them only when they help the reader follow your argument.

5) Watch out for common spelling mistakes

Even strong learners lose marks because of spelling.

Think of: environment / government / accommodation / technology / responsibility

If a key word appears in the question, check its spelling before you submit.

6) 3-Minute Check

This is where easy marks are often lost. Do not try to rewrite your essay. Just check quickly.

Check:

• subject verb agreement (people are, a person is)

• articles (a, an, the)

• past endings (worked, studied)

• punctuation (full stops, commas)

  
  

Fixing even five small errors can lift the overall impression of your writing.

Final checklist

Before you submit your essay, ask yourself:

• Did I answer every part of the task?

• Does each paragraph have one clear main idea?

• Did I explain each idea and give an example?

• Is my position clear?

• Did I do the 3 minute check?

  
  

Want help putting this into practice?

Knowing the tips and strategies is one thing. Using them under exam pressure is the real skill.

In my Exam Preparation Course, I help you turn these strategies into a repeatable writing method. You get guided practice, extra exam specific tips, and clear feedback on your writing, so you know exactly what to improve and how to improve it.

If you want to feel confident in any academic essay task, you can join the course here:

EXAM PREPARATION COURSE

If you’d like support with your English or aren’t sure where to start, you’re welcome to book a FREE 15-minute chat with me.

I offer group courses, fluency sessions, exam preparation, and private English sessions in Amsterdam and online.

See you in the classroom,

Nicole