Essay Writing
This page guides you through the essay writing skills required for Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives (syllabus 0457).
Essay Structure:
- Introduction — define the issue and state your argument clearly
- Body paragraphs — present evidence, analyse perspectives, evaluate sources
- Conclusion — summarise your argument and give a justified personal response
The PEEL Paragraph Structure:
- Point — make a clear argument
- Evidence — support it with a fact, statistic or source
- Explain — explain how the evidence supports your point
- Link — connect back to the question
Key Language for Essays:
- « This suggests that… »
- « However, an alternative perspective is… »
- « Evidence from [source] indicates that… »
- « On balance, I believe that… »
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- ❌ Writing only one perspective — always consider multiple viewpoints
- ❌ Using sources without evaluating them
- ❌ Giving a personal opinion without justification
- ❌ Ignoring the local AND global dimension of the issue
Write clearly, think deeply !