The essay: An essay (el ensayo) is a structured piece of writing that explores a debatable topic, weighs the arguments for and against, and reaches a reasoned conclusion. In Paper 1 you choose it when the task asks you to discuss an issue or consider different points of view. It's part of Unit 2: Text Types, so the marks come from getting its conventions and register right (Criterion C), not just having an opinion.
- el ensayo
- the essay (a balanced, argued text)
- el tema
- the topic / issue under discussion
- el argumento
- the argument (a reason for or against)
- la introducción
- the introduction that presents the topic
- el registro formal
- formal register (impersonal, neutral, balanced)
- la conclusión
- the conclusion that gives a reasoned view
Spot it in the task: The task asks you to weigh a question. “¿Estás de acuerdo con…?”, “Analiza las ventajas y los inconvenientes de…”, “Reflexiona sobre…” → an essay. If it said “Escribe a tu amigo/a” you'd switch to an informal email (a different text type). Always read what kind of thinking the task asks for first.
Keep it formal and balanced: Use a formal, fairly impersonal register, an objective tone, and connectors of contrast and addition. Present both sides before you take a position; don't sound like a rant. Consistency matters — chatty exclamations or one-sided opinions break the register and cost you Criterion C.
Essay — do this
- En la actualidad se debate si…
- Por un lado,… Por otro lado,…
- En conclusión, considero que…
Too informal — avoid here
- ¡Hola! Hoy os hablo de…
- ¡Esto es una locura total!
- Bueno, ya sabéis lo que pienso.
Stay consistent: Keep the tone objective and formal from the introduction to the conclusion. Use impersonal forms (se debate, conviene matizar) and contrast connectors (sin embargo, por otro lado); save your own view for the conclusion.
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The five parts: Every essay follows the same shape. Hit all five parts and you've covered the conventions the examiner is looking for.
Essay — 5 parts
1
Introduction
Present the topic and frame it as a debate. «En la actualidad se debate si…»
2
Arguments in favour
Set out the strongest points for one side. «Por un lado,… Además,…»
3
Arguments against
Set out the strongest points for the other side. «Por otro lado,… Cabe añadir que…»
4
Evaluation
Briefly weigh or qualify the two sides. «Sin embargo, conviene matizar que…»
5
Conclusion
Reach a balanced, reasoned view of your own. «En conclusión, considero que…»
Introduction → For → Against → Evaluation → Conclusion
Don't skip the frame: Students lose easy Criterion C marks by jumping straight into opinions with no introduction or by ending without a real conclusion. The frame takes seconds and shows you know the text type — never leave it out.
A model, part by part: Here's a complete essay built from the five parts above. Read it once for the message, then tap Ver traducción to check the English or 🔊 to hear it.
Modelo: las 5 partes en acción
El ensayo escrito, parte por parte
- En la actualidad se debate si los teléfonos móviles deberían permitirse en las aulas. Se trata de un tema que divide tanto al profesorado como al alumnado.
- Por un lado, quienes los defienden señalan que el móvil facilita el acceso a la información y permite usar aplicaciones educativas. Además, prepara a los jóvenes para un mundo digital.
- Por otro lado, sus críticos sostienen que el móvil distrae con facilidad y reduce la concentración. Cabe añadir que su uso puede fomentar el aislamiento entre los compañeros.
- Sin embargo, conviene matizar que el problema no es la herramienta en sí, sino la falta de normas claras sobre cuándo y cómo emplearla.
- En conclusión, considero que el móvil debería permitirse de forma regulada, ya que sus ventajas superan a sus riesgos siempre que exista una supervisión adecuada.
Por qué puntúa — why it scores: This short essay earns marks on all three Paper 1 criteria — here's how:
A — Language /12
- Formal, impersonal language: «se debate», «conviene matizar»
- Contrast & addition connectors: «por un lado», «por otro lado», «sin embargo», «cabe añadir», «además»
- Correct verbs (deberían, superan), subordination with «ya que»
B — Message /12
- Clear topic: weighs both sides AND concludes
- Ideas developed (information access vs distraction, then a regulated middle ground)
C — Conceptual /6
- Essay conventions: introduction → for → against → conclusion
- Balanced argument before taking a position
- Formal, objective tone throughout
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A toolkit you can reuse: Learn a few ready-made phrases for each part. They make your essay sound natural and save time in the exam. Tap 🔊 to hear them.
Para empezar (introducing the topic)
- En la actualidad se debate si… — There is currently a debate about whether…
- Hoy en día, muchas personas se preguntan si… — Nowadays, many people wonder whether…
- Se trata de un tema que divide opiniones. — It is a topic that divides opinion.
Para argumentar (weighing both sides)
- Por un lado,… Por otro lado,… — On the one hand,… On the other hand,…
- Sin embargo,… / No obstante,… — Nevertheless,… / However,…
- Cabe añadir que… / Además,… — It is worth adding that… / Moreover,…
Para terminar (concluding)
- En conclusión, considero que… — In conclusion, I believe that…
- En definitiva, las ventajas superan a los inconvenientes. — Ultimately, the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.
- Por todo ello, opino que… — For all these reasons, I think that…
Use one from each: One introducer, a pair of contrast connectors for the body, and one concluder is plenty — and instantly makes the essay feel like the real text type.