Учимся писать сочинения, эссе и рассказы на английском. Практическое руководство для школьников с упражнениями и примерами

Writing Focus: Personal Narrative

Personal narrative – это рассказ о вашем личном опыте или событии из жизни. Основная цель – показать события, эмоции и мысли, чтобы читатель мог представить происходящее.

Особенности стиля:

Повествование от первого лица (I).

Использование Past Simple и Past Continuous для описания событий.

Включение деталей (место, время, эмоции) для живости текста.

Чёткая структура: Introduction → Main Events → Conclusion.

Слова-связки для логики: first, then, after that, finally, suddenly, at that moment.

Включение эмоций и размышлений: I felt… I realized… It was unforgettable…

Советы для школьников:

Начните с интересного вступления: где и когда происходило событие.

Используйте конкретные детали и описания, чтобы сделать рассказ живым.

Заканчивайте выводом или уроком, который вы извлекли из опыта.

Model Essay

Title: My First Camping Trip

Last summer, I went on my first camping trip with my family. I was very excited because I had never slept in a tent before. Early in the morning, we packed our bags and drove to the forest. The sun was shining, and birds were singing, which made everything feel magical.

When we arrived, we set up our tent and prepared a small fire. While my father was cooking, I was exploring the nearby river. Suddenly, I saw a group of ducks swimming, and I felt very happy. In the evening, we sat around the fire, telling stories and roasting marshmallows. I realized that camping is not only fun but also a great way to spend time with family.

By the end of the trip, I felt tired but very satisfied. This experience taught me how important it is to try new things and enjoy nature. I will never forget my first camping trip, and I hope to go again next summer.

Useful Words and Expressions

personal narrative – личный рассказ

experience – опыт

unforgettable – незабываемый

I realized – я понял

first, then, after that, finally – сначала, затем, после этого, наконец

suddenly – внезапно

I felt… – я чувствовал…

it was exciting – это было захватывающе

while – пока

at that moment – в тот момент

explore – исследовать

prepare a fire – разводить костёр

roast marshmallows – жарить маршмеллоу

magical – волшебный

satisfied – довольный

nature – природа

try new things – пробовать новое

spend time with family – проводить время с семьёй

Exercises

Exercise 1. Identify the structure

Mark the parts of the essay: Introduction, Main Events, Conclusion.

Exercise 2. Linking words

Match the linking words with their function:

first →…

then →…

after that →…

finally →…

suddenly →…

Exercise 3. Personal practice

Answer in 2—3 sentences each:

What is one unforgettable experience from your life?

How did you feel during that experience?

What did you learn from it?

When did it happen?

Who was with you?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

Introduction: Last summer, I went on my first camping trip…

Main Events: Early in the morning, we packed our bags… Suddenly, I saw a group of ducks…

Conclusion: By the end of the trip, I felt tired but very satisfied…

Exercise 2

first → beginning of a sequence

then → next event

after that → next action in sequence

finally → conclusion of sequence

suddenly → unexpected event

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

One unforgettable experience was my first camping trip last summer.

I felt excited and a little nervous at first, but later I was very happy.

I learned that trying new things can be fun and rewarding.

It happened in July, during the summer holidays.

I was with my parents and my younger brother.

Writing Focus: Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essay – это эссе, в котором нужно создать яркую картину в голове читателя с помощью слов. Цель – описать место, человека, предмет или событие так, чтобы читатель мог «увидеть» и «почувствовать» это.

Особенности стиля:

Используется детальное описание: внешность, цвета, запахи, звуки, движения.

Часто пишут от первого или третьего лица (I / we / he / she).

Используются прилагательные, наречия, образные выражения: beautiful, loud, sparkling.

Структура: Introduction → Body (details) → Conclusion (impression or feeling).

Связки для описания: in the distance, next to, above, near, surrounded by, full of.

Советы для школьников:

Начните с общей картины: где, когда, общее впечатление.

Добавляйте детали по пяти чувствам: зрение, слух, запах, осязание, вкус (если уместно).

Заканчивайте выводом: какое впечатление осталось, что вы почувствовали.

Model Essay

Title: A Walk in the Park

Last Sunday, I visited the central park in my city. The park was full of life and colors. Tall green trees were swaying gently in the wind, and the sunlight was sparkling through the leaves. Birds were singing, and children were laughing as they played near the fountain.

As I walked along the winding path, I noticed the smell of fresh flowers from the garden. People were jogging, walking dogs, and enjoying their morning. A gentle breeze touched my face, and I felt calm and relaxed. Near the lake, ducks were swimming peacefully, and the water reflected the blue sky and fluffy clouds.

I sat on a bench for a while, listening to the sounds around me. Everything seemed perfect, and magical. This visit reminded me how beautiful and relaxing nature can be, even in the middle of a busy city. I realized that spending time outdoors helps me feel happy and refreshed.

Useful Words and Expressions

descriptive essay – описательное эссе

scene – сцена, пейзаж

atmosphere – атмосфера

calm – спокойный

magical – волшебный

full of – полный

surrounded by – окружённый

sparkling – сверкающий

gently – мягко, нежно

smell of flowers – запах цветов

hear / listen – слышать / слушать

reflect – отражать

winding path – извилистая дорожка

vibrant colors – яркие цвета

feel relaxed – чувствовать себя расслабленным

enjoy nature – наслаждаться природой

Exercises

Exercise 1. Identify details

Find examples of sight, sound, smell, touch in the essay.

Exercise 2. Linking phrases

Match linking words/phrases with their function:

near →…

surrounded by →…

in the distance →…

full of →…

above →…

Exercise 3. Personal practice

Answer in 2—3 sentences each:

Describe a place you like to visit.

What do you notice when you are there?

How do you feel in that place?

Can you describe it using at least three senses?

What makes this place special for you?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

Sight: Tall green trees were swaying gently in the wind; sunlight was sparkling…

Sound: Birds were singing; children were laughing…

Smell: I noticed the smell of fresh flowers from the garden.

Touch: A gentle breeze touched my face.

Exercise 2

near → close to something

surrounded by → with something all around

in the distance → far away

full of → containing a lot of

above → over something

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

I like to visit the city park near my house.

I notice flowers, trees, birds, and people walking or jogging.

I feel calm, relaxed, and happy when I am there.

I can see the trees, hear birds singing, and smell the flowers.

This place is special because it is peaceful and beautiful even in the busy city.

Mini Tips

Use adjectives and adverbs to make descriptions vivid.

Include details for multiple senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste).

Use linking phrases like near, above, full of to organize your description.

Writing Focus: Opinion Essay

Opinion essay – это эссе, в котором нужно выразить своё мнение по определённой теме и поддержать его аргументами. Цель – убедить читателя в вашей точке зрения.

Особенности стиля:

Пишется от первого лица (I believe, In my opinion).

Чёткая структура: Introduction → Arguments (Body) → Conclusion.

Используются связки для аргументации: Firstly, Secondly, In addition, Moreover, On the other hand.

Включение примеров из жизни или общего опыта для поддержки мнения.

Язык формальный или нейтральный; избегаем сленга и разговорных слов.

Советы для школьников:

Начните с вступления, где вы прямо говорите своё мнение.

В теле эссе приводите 2—3 аргумента с примерами.

Заканчивайте выводом, подводя итог вашему мнению.

Используйте слова-связки, чтобы текст был связным.

Model Essay

Title: Should School Uniforms Be Mandatory?

In my opinion, school uniforms should be mandatory for all students. Firstly, uniforms create a sense of equality among students. When everyone wears the same clothes, there is less pressure to follow fashion trends, and students can focus more on learning.

Secondly, uniforms help students feel part of a community. Wearing the same uniform shows that everyone belongs to the school, which can improve discipline and school spirit. Moreover, uniforms save time in the morning because students do not have to decide what to wear every day.

On the other hand, some people believe that uniforms limit self-expression. While this is partly true, students can express themselves through hairstyles, accessories, and hobbies instead of clothes.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that school uniforms have more advantages than disadvantages. They promote equality, community, and focus on studies. Therefore, schools should make uniforms mandatory for all students.

Useful Words and Expressions

opinion essay – эссе с выражением мнения

in my opinion – по моему мнению

I believe – я считаю

firstly / secondly / thirdly – во-первых / во-вторых / в-третьих

in addition / moreover – кроме того / более того

on the other hand – с другой стороны

for example – например

conclusion – вывод

advantages – преимущества

disadvantages – недостатки

focus on – сосредоточиться на

equality – равенство

community – сообщество

school spirit – школьный дух

mandatory – обязательный

limit self-expression – ограничивать самовыражение

discipline – дисциплина

Exercises

Exercise 1. Identify the structure

Mark the parts of the essay: Introduction, Arguments (Body), Conclusion.

Exercise 2. Linking words

Match linking words/phrases with their function:

Firstly →…

Moreover →…

On the other hand →…

In conclusion →…

For example →…

Exercise 3. Personal practice

Answer in 2—3 sentences each:

What is your opinion on school uniforms?

Give two reasons to support your opinion.

Can you think of a counter-argument?

How would you conclude your essay?

Name one topic you could write an opinion essay about.

Answer Key

Exercise 1

Introduction: In my opinion, school uniforms should be mandatory…

Arguments (Body): Firstly, uniforms create a sense of equality… On the other hand, some people believe…

Conclusion: In conclusion, I strongly believe that school uniforms have more advantages…

Exercise 2

Firstly → introducing first argument

Moreover → adding an additional argument

On the other hand → presenting a counter-argument

In conclusion → summarizing opinion

For example → giving an example

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

I believe school uniforms should be optional because students should express themselves.

Firstly, uniforms can be uncomfortable. Secondly, they limit creativity.

Some people think uniforms help create equality among students.

In conclusion, even though uniforms have benefits, I think students should have a choice.

I could write an opinion essay about whether homework should be banned.

Mini Tips

Always state your opinion clearly in the introduction.

Support arguments with examples or reasons.

Use linking words to make your text coherent.

Include a counter-argument if possible, then refute it.

Conclude by restating your opinion and summarizing main points.

Writing Focus: Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essay – это эссе, в котором нужно не просто выразить мнение, а убедить читателя в своей точке зрения с помощью логики, фактов и примеров.

Особенности стиля:

Стиль формальный или нейтральный.

Чёткая структура: Introduction → Arguments with Evidence → Counter-Argument → Conclusion.

Используются слова-связки для аргументации и контрастов: Firstly, Furthermore, In addition, However, On the other hand, Therefore.

Каждый аргумент должен быть подкреплён примером, статистикой или фактами.

Обязательно включаем контраргумент (opposing view) и его опровержение.

Советы для школьников:

Вступление: коротко представьте тему и своё мнение.

Основная часть: 2—3 аргумента с доказательствами.

Контраргумент: покажите, что вы понимаете противоположное мнение, но объясните, почему оно слабее.

Заключение: повторите своё мнение и подведите итог аргументам.

Model Essay

Title: Should Mobile Phones Be Allowed in School?

In today’s world, mobile phones have become essential, but should students be allowed to use them in school? I strongly believe that mobile phones should not be allowed during lessons.

Firstly, mobile phones can distract students from learning. Many students check social media, send messages, or play games instead of focusing on the lesson. For example, a recent survey showed that 60% of students admitted they used phones during class.

Secondly, mobile phones can negatively affect communication skills. When students spend too much time on phones, they interact less with teachers and classmates. This can reduce teamwork and social skills development.

However, some people argue that phones are useful for learning, as they can access educational apps and information. While this is partly true, schools can provide computers or tablets for educational purposes without allowing personal phones, which reduces distractions.

In conclusion, mobile phones should not be allowed in school lessons because they distract students and reduce communication skills. Schools can find other ways to provide technology for learning. Therefore, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

Useful Words and Expressions

argumentative essay – аргументативное эссе

evidence – доказательство

fact / statistic – факт / статистика

in my opinion – по моему мнению

I believe – я считаю

firstly / secondly / thirdly – во-первых / во-вторых / в-третьих

furthermore / in addition – более того / кроме того

however – однако

on the other hand – с другой стороны

for example – например

therefore – следовательно

counter-argument – контраргумент

opposing view – противоположная точка зрения

outweigh – перевешивать, иметь большее значение

distract – отвлекать

social skills – социальные навыки

teamwork – командная работа

essential – необходимый

reduce – уменьшать

lesson – урок

Exercises

Exercise 1. Identify parts of the essay

Mark the Introduction, Arguments with Evidence, Counter-Argument, Conclusion.

Exercise 2. Linking words

Match linking words/phrases with their function:

Firstly →…

Furthermore →…

However →…

On the other hand →…

Therefore →…

Exercise 3. Personal practice

Answer in 2—3 sentences each:

Choose a topic you feel strongly about. What is your opinion?

Give two arguments to support your opinion.

Can you think of a counter-argument? How would you refute it?

Write a concluding sentence summarizing your opinion.

What examples or facts could you use to strengthen your argument?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

Introduction: In today’s world, mobile phones have become essential…

Arguments with Evidence: Firstly, mobile phones can distract students… Secondly, mobile phones can negatively affect communication…

Counter-Argument: However, some people argue that phones are useful…

Conclusion: In conclusion, mobile phones should not be allowed… Therefore, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

Exercise 2

Firstly → introducing first argument

Furthermore → adding additional argument

However → presenting contrast

On the other hand → showing opposing view

Therefore → drawing a conclusion

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

Topic: Should students have part-time jobs? I believe yes.

Firstly, students can learn responsibility. Secondly, they gain work experience.

Some say jobs distract from studies. I think with proper time management, it can be balanced.

In conclusion, having a part-time job teaches valuable skills while students can still focus on learning.

For example, surveys show students with jobs often manage their time better.

Mini Tips

Always support your opinion with evidence or examples.

Include a counter-argument to show critical thinking.

Use linking words for clarity and flow.

End with a strong conclusion restating your opinion and summarizing arguments.

Stick to formal/neutral style, avoid slang.

Writing Focus: Compare and Contrast Essay

Compare and contrast essay – это эссе, в котором нужно сравнить два предмета, человека, место, событие или идею, показывая сходства и различия. Цель – помочь читателю понять обе стороны и сделать вывод.

Особенности стиля:

Используется логическая структура: Introduction → Similarities → Differences → Conclusion.

Часто применяются слова-связки: both, similarly, alike, however, on the other hand, in contrast.

Можно писать от первого лица (I think…), но чаще формальный стиль.

Каждый параграф должен включать конкретные детали или примеры.

Заключение подводит итог, делая вывод о сравнении.

Советы для школьников:

Чётко обозначьте, что сравниваете.

Используйте слова для сходства и различий.

Не смешивайте сходства и различия в одном предложении – делайте отдельные параграфы.

Приводите реальные примеры для каждой точки.

Model Essay

Title: City Life vs. Country Life

City life and country life are very different, but they also have some similarities. Both offer unique experiences and opportunities, but the environment and pace of life are quite different.

In the city, people have access to many facilities, such as shopping malls, cinemas, and restaurants. Public transport is convenient, and there are many job opportunities. Similarly, the city offers cultural events, educational centers, and entertainment options that are not always available in the countryside.

However, city life can be noisy, crowded, and stressful. The air is often polluted, and people may feel rushed all the time. On the other hand, country life is peaceful and quiet. People enjoy fresh air, natural landscapes, and a slower pace of life. For example, walking in the forest or visiting a local farm can be very relaxing.

In conclusion, both city and country life have advantages and disadvantages. Cities provide opportunities and activities, while the countryside offers peace and a closer connection to nature. Personally, I prefer country life because I enjoy calm surroundings, but I also appreciate occasional trips to the city.

Useful Words and Expressions

compare and contrast essay – эссе с сравнением

similarity / similarly – сходство / аналогично

alike – похоже, одинаково

difference / in contrast – различие / напротив

both – оба

however – однако

on the other hand – с другой стороны

in conclusion – в заключение

personally – лично

offer opportunities – предоставлять возможности

pace of life – ритм жизни

crowded – переполненный

peaceful – спокойный

environment – окружение, среда

convenient – удобный

connect with nature – связь с природой

relax – расслабляться

facilities – удобства

educational centers – образовательные учреждения

cultural events – культурные мероприятия

Exercises

Exercise 1. Identify similarities and differences