Are you a non-native English speaker hoping to succeed in a Canadian college or university? Writing a great essay is essential! Even if you plan on studying math or sciences—which don’t usually require essays as part of their students’ regular assignments—you will likely need to submit a few essays throughout your university education.

Depending on your current English language skill level, writing a great essay might seem like an intimidating task! Thankfully, any ESL student can reach this important writing milestone with the help of friendly instructors and the right training techniques.

Ready to try your hand at essay writing in a Canadian ESL program? Here are three tips to get you started!

1. Learn to Craft the Perfect Thesis in Our Intensive English Program

Every great essay begins with a strong thesis statement. A thesis is an idea stated clearly by the writer at the beginning of their essay. It is the premise or argument on which the essay is based. Usually about 30 words long, thesis statements (or ‘theses’) tell readers exactly what the essay is going to be about.

By skillfully describing their argument at the start, a student can go on to prove it by describing supporting evidence throughout the middle (or ‘body paragraphs’) of their essay. Without a strong thesis, readers of the essay could become confused, because the purpose of the essay would be left unclear.

To ensure you have an effective thesis, double-check that it meets the following qualifications:

• Your thesis is part of your essays’ introduction (most often at the end of the first paragraph), not hidden somewhere within the body text
• Your thesis states both the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ of your essay
• Your thesis doesn’t just state a fact, but makes a claim or an argument about that fact
• Your thesis tells readers what kind of topic they can expect to read about in your essay

2. Get Practical Experience with University-Level Mock Writing Tests

In certain elective courses in ESL programs, you can gain valuable experience putting your essay-writing and editing skills into practice. For example, at CultureWorks some students may choose to take weekly elective classes that prepare them to succeed in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), a globally-recognized and standardized English-language exam.

For example, the ILETS Academic test is designed for those who want to study at university at an undergraduate or postgraduate level, and includes essay and long-form answer sections. Training for this under the supervision of our instructors can help students develop the particular academic writing style that great essays are made of.

At CultureWorks, our students get hands-on practice with copies of past IELTS exams, becoming familiar with the exact kind of language, topics, and academic writing skills today’s colleges and universities are looking for. This is the best place to put your essay-writing skills to the (practice-)test!

3. Master Persuasive Writing Techniques in Our Intensive English Program

Our intensive English program involves regular weekly writing classes led by passionate instructors ready to help you achieve that perfect paragraph. These instructors host sessions on writing techniques, structure, and composition, including effective essay composition.

Students get to fine-tune their academic grammar and practice writing clean and clear essay introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions in the company of ESL peers. These hours of hard work will help you to become a cleaner—and therefore more persuasive—writer.

To write persuasively, you must speak with authority and use convincing evidence to support a specific and strong argument. What better way to be persuasive than to have flawless grammar and a real interest in what you are writing about?

Try using ‘action’ words that convey confidence and power, like ‘now,’ ‘plan,’ and ‘get results.’ Using emotional words like ‘you,’ ‘we,’ and ‘feel’ can also help writers become more persuasive.

With our instructors’ guidance and the right training program, nothing can stop you from writing academic, scholarship, and university-entrance essays that impress!

Are you interested in taking the top ESL program in Canada for university preparation?

Visit CultureWorks to learn more about what we have to offer!