sample short essay questions

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Short answer and essay questions

Short answer and essay questions are types of assessment that are commonly used to evaluate a student’s understanding and knowledge.

Tips for creating short answer and essay questions

e.g., What is __? or how could __ be put into practice?

• Consider the course  learning outcomes . Design questions that appropriately assess the relevant learning objectives.
• Make sure the  content measures knowledge  appropriate to the desired learner level and learning goal.
• When students think critically they are required to  step beyond recalling factual information , incorporating evidence and examples to corroborate and/or dispute the validity of assertions/suppositions and compare and contrast multiple perspectives on the same argument.

e.g., paragraphs? sentences? Is bullet point format acceptable or does it have to be an essay format?

• Specify how many  marks each question is worth .
• Word limits  should be applied within Canvas for discursive or essay-type responses.
• Check that your  language and instructions  are appropriate to the student population and discipline of study. Not all students have English as their first language.
• Ensure the  instructions to students are clear , including optional and compulsory questions and the various components of the assessment.

Questions that promote deeper thinking

Use “open-ended” questions to provoke divergent thinking.

These questions will allow for a variety of possible answers and encourage students to think at a deeper level. Some generic question stems that trigger or stimulate different forms of critical thinking include:

• “What are the implications of …?”
• “Why is it important …?”
• “What is another way to look at …?”

Use questions that are deliberate in the types of higher order thinking to promote/assess

Rather than promoting recall of facts, use questions that allow students to demonstrate their comprehension, application and analysis of the concepts.

Generic question stems that can be used to trigger and assess higher order thinking

Comprehension.

Convert information into a form that  makes sense to the individual .

• How would you put __ into your own words?
• What would be an example of __?

Application

Apply abstract or theoretical principles to  concrete ,  practical  situations.

• How can you make use of __?
• How could __ be put into practice?

Break down  or  dissect  information.

• What are the most important/significant ideas or elements of __?
• What assumptions/biases underlie or are hidden within __?

Build up  or  connect  separate pieces of information to form a larger, more coherent pattern

• How can these different ideas be grouped together into a more general category?  

Critically judge  the validity or aesthetic value of ideas, data, or products.

• How would you judge the accuracy or validity of __? 
• How would you evaluate the ethical (moral) implications or consequences of __?

Draw conclusions about  particular instances  that are logically consistent.

• What specific conclusions can be drawn from this general __? 
• What particular actions would be consistent with this general __? 

Balanced thinking

Carefully consider arguments/evidence  for  and  against  a particular position.

• What evidence supports and contradicts __? 
• What are arguments for and counterarguments against __? 

Causal reasoning

Identify  cause-effect relationships  between different ideas or actions.

• How would you explain why __ occurred? 
• How would __ affect or influence __? 

Creative thinking

Generate  imaginative  ideas or  novel  approaches to traditional practices.  

• What might be a metaphor or analogy for __? 
• What might happen if __? (hypothetical reasoning)

Redesign test questions for open-book format

It is important to redesign the assessment tasks to authentically assess the intended learning outcomes in a way that is appropriate for this mode of assessment. Replacing questions that simply recall facts with questions that require higher level cognitive skills—for example analysis and explanation of why and how students reached an answer—provides opportunities for reflective questions based on students’ own experiences.

More quick, focused problem-solving and analysis—conducted with restricted access to limited allocated resources—will need to incorporate a student’s ability to demonstrate a more thoughtful research-based approach and/or the ability to negotiate an understanding of more complex problems, sometimes in an open-book format.

Layers can be added to the problem/process, and the inclusion of a reflective aspect can help achieve these goals, whether administered in an oral test or written examination format.

Example 2: Analytic style multiple choice question or short answer

Acknowledgement: Deakin University and original multiple choice questions: Jennifer Lindley, Monash University.

Setting word limits for discursive or essay-type responses

Try to set a  fair and reasonable word count  for long answer and essay questions. Some points to consider are:

• Weighting  – what is the relative weighting of the question in the assessment?
• Level of study  – what is the suggested word count for written assessments in your discipline, for that level of study?
• Skills development  – what skills are you requiring students to demonstrate? Higher level cognitive skills, such as evaluation and analysis, tend to require a lengthier word count in order to adequately respond to the assessment prompt.
• Referencing  – will you require students to  reference their sources ? This takes time, which should be accounted for in the total time to complete the assessment. References generally would not count towards the word count. Include clear marking guidelines for referencing in rubrics, including assessing skills such as critical thinking and evaluation of information.

Communicate your expectations around word count to students in your assessment instructions, including how you will deal with submissions that are outside the word count.

E.g.,  Write 600-800 words evaluating the key concepts of XYZ. Excess text over the word limit will not be marked.

Let students know how to check the word count in their submission:

• Show  word count in Inspera  – question type: Essay.

Multi-choice questions

Write MCQs that assess reasoning, rather than recall.

Page updated 16/03/2023 (added open-book section)

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How to Write a Short Essay: Format & Examples

Short essays answer a specific question on the subject. They usually are anywhere between 250 words and 750 words long. A paper with less than 250 words isn’t considered a finished text, so it doesn’t fall under the category of a short essay. Essays of such format are required for personal statements where you need to write about yourself. It might seem easy, but it’s not half.

Expressing and elaborating your idea within the given word limit is the most challenging part of the task. In this article, we’ll explain how to write a great short essay. If you’re working on one of your assignments and need help, keep reading to learn more!

• 📚 Essay Format
• 📝 Essay Template
• ✨ Guide & Useful Tips
• ✅ Essay Topics

🔗 References

📚 short essay format.

A short essay follows a standard essay structure : intro – main body – conclusion. You can be creative with the contents of your paper; however, it’s best to stick to the hamburger essay format when it comes to structure.

These are the benefits of having a standard essay structure:

• You always have a template that can help you organize your thoughts.
• You can estimate how many words each paragraph should include, making the writing process faster and easier.
• You can get a high grade by simply following the instructions.

Below you’ll find more detailed information on how to organize each short essay section.

Introduction

An essay introduction aims to grab the reader’s attention and provide essential background information . It sets the tone for the paper and presents the thesis statement, outlining the essay’s central argument. Here are a couple of advice on how to make your introduction work: 

Body Paragraphs

In the body paragraphs, you present and develop the essay’s main points. Each section focuses on a specific idea related to the topic, providing evidence, examples, and analysis to support the overall thesis statement. Here’s the structure of a paragraph:

A summary aims to condense the key ideas and arguments presented in an essay, allowing readers to quickly grasp the essence of the paper without reading the entire content. A good summary should:

📝 Short Essay Template

Use this easy template to quickly structure any short narrative, argumentative, or informative essay.

• Hook: an intriguing fact, question, or statistic to grab your readers’ attention.
• Background info: something that provides context.
• Thesis statement: the purpose or central argument of your essay presented in one sentence.
• Topic sentence: a paragraph’s opening sentence that expresses its main idea.
• Supporting sentences: evidence, facts, and examples supporting the topic sentence.
• Transition: phrases or sentences that ensure coherence and cohesion in the essay, allowing for a clear and logical progression of information.
• Summary: a brief recap and conclusion to an essay.
• Restated thesis: a restatement of the main ideas and arguments.

✨ How to Write a Short Essay: Useful Tips

Each essay format has different requirements. Below are some tips to help you ensure you’re on the right track with the short essay format.

1. Follow the Short Essay Format

Mastering the format requirements is crucial, especially when writing a concise argumentative essay. While the five-paragraph structure may not be commonly found in literature, it holds great significance in academic writing for several reasons:

• Adhering to this standardized template makes the writing process more manageable.
• The clear guidelines facilitate reading, checking, and evaluation.
• This format accommodates various essay types, allowing students to excel in most academic texts .

Each paragraph in the short essay format plays a distinct role, making it essential to include all components for a cohesive and impactful essay.

2. Make Your Introduction Meaningful

Here’s how you can make your introduction work:

• When writing the opening paragraph of your essay, be very specific about your topic. It will help you sharpen your argument and clarify your intentions.
• To avoid a generic introduction, consider providing an example of the evidence you will use to support your point.
• Lastly, make sure to place your thesis statement as the concluding sentence of the paragraph, signaling to your readers where they can find the main point of your essay.

3. Write a Strong Thesis

Much has been said about the importance of a thesis statement, but crafting a persuasive one can be challenging. In a short essay, a strong thesis statement plays a crucial role. It summarizes the argument you intend to defend in your paper, setting the stage for your essay. Your thesis statement should be specific, intellectually rewarding by presenting new information, and decisive in expressing your opinion . Let’s take a closer look at some examples to illustrate these principles:

• Bad example: There is a vast diversity of opinions regarding abortions .
• Good example: Every woman must have the right to control her pregnancy which means the right to control her own body, health, and life.
• Bad example: Prisons can harm a convict’s further career.
• Good example: Imprisonment deteriorates a convict’s self-confidence and motivation, lowering their chances for new employment.
• Bad example: Orphans become the beloved children in some families, while in others, they never become natives.
• Good example: This essay aims to confirm that the reasons why adopting families don’t accept children lie within the families’ unreadiness for change.

4. Keep Your Introduction & Conclusion Concise

In the realm of short essay writing, brevity is the key. While it may be tempting to use abstract statements as hooks or delve into distant considerations in the conclusion part, keep an eye on the word count. With a maximum of 75 words each, the introduction elucidates the topic and conveys its significance, while the conclusion reiterates the main claim and reinforces the supporting evidence .

5. Make Topic Sentences from Your Thesis

When it comes to short essays, brevity extends to the main body as well. Typically comprising only 3 to 4 paragraphs, each of them focuses on a distinct aspect of the overall argument. To ensure clarity, we suggest splitting the thesis into multiple parts and transforming them into topic sentences for each paragraph. This structured approach will help you avoid confusion and make the paper more digestible for your readers. Additionally, this method simplifies crafting a well-rounded conclusion.

6. Refer to Reliable Sources

When tackling a short essay, it’s crucial to avoid baseless claims and instead focus on substantiating your arguments. Pay special attention to the sources you cite, as even the slightest inconsistency can catch the reader’s eye.

Enhance your essay’s credibility by incorporating several quotations or research-based facts, demonstrating your awareness of the topic. Even in the case of an in-class essay where extensive research may not be feasible, include relevant information or paraphrase passages you have previously encountered. Use indirect quotations if you can’t remember the exact wording.

7. Revise Your Short Essay

With a 500-word count, every word counts! Here are a few tips you may find helpful:

• Take a moment to assess the length of your essay and eliminate any unnecessary words to ensure a faster and more polished result. Consider using our convenient summarizer to streamline your writing further.
• Sometimes it’s hard to spot your own mistakes while proofreading the essay. Our essay-to-speech tool feature can help you identify weak points by reading your paper out loud. This auditory perspective can help you quickly identify and rectify any areas that require improvement.

✅ Short Essay Topics

Selecting an engaging and captivating topic is vital if you want to showcase your writing skills in a single short essay. Below are some examples to inspire your creativity . They’ll help you brainstorm and find the perfect topic that aligns with your interests and allows you to demonstrate your writing skills .

Short Narrative Essay Topics

• How I see a day in my adult life .
• Personal Experience in the Covert Conflict.
• A loss that will never be replenished.
• The Author’s Personal Experience.
• Describe how you would change the school program .
• Higher Education: Personality and Academic Success.
• What is the critical element of success?
• Photography: Hobby of Millions Unique for Everyone.
• My first love and lessons learned from it.
• Mindfulness Practicing: Personal Experience.
• The longest day of my life.
• Writing: Personal Hobby Analysis.
• A place to find peace in the hurricane of events.
• The Sports Coaching Guidelines and Routines.
• An eye-opening situation that changed the way I treat others.
• Innovation in Operation Management – Personal Experience.
• The worst trait of my character.
• Chapter 8 of “Criminology Today” by F. Schmalleger.
• How I met my best friend.
• Importance of Friendships.

Short Argumentative Essay Topics

• Social media can kill a relationship.
• Smoking in Public Places: Should It Be Banned?
• Animals should live in their natural habitats .
• Should People Be Ashamed of Poverty?
• Mandatory Overtime for Nurses Should Be Eliminated.
• The third wave of feminism is about to end with a half-victory.
• The Importance of Variability in the Food Industry.
• Gender Stereotypes: Should Real Men Wear Pink?
• Pharmacies: A big lie that costs a fortune.
• Police Standards Should Be Modified.
• Genetic cloning is immoral.
• Should Smoking Be Illegal?
• College Athletes Should Not Be Paid.
• We will never be equal because we are all different.
• Mandatory Job Drug Test Should Be Allowed.
• The best economic system has not been developed yet.
• Why Marriage Should Be Based on Love and Not Arranged?
• Reasons Why Kids Should Not Play Tackle Football.
• Owning a gun means you can be killed by chance.
• Should Social Media Be Banned?
• The non-family-friendly TV screen.
• Why Immigrants Should Receive Social Services?
• There’s a lot more sport about video games than we think.
• Should Children Be Taught Sex Education in School?

Short Informative Essay Topics

• How have video games affected modern technologies ?
• Infidelity and Societal Impact on Family Values.
• Meaning of Life in “Half a Day” by Naguib Mahfouz.
• Sociological Research Evaluation: Effects of Parental Imprisonment on Children’s Social and Moral Aspects.
• Climate Change Impacts.
• Explain the importance of the Olympic Games for building intercultural links.
• The Importance of Strategic Management and Planning.
• The Network Strategy of USA Today.
• A prominent artist and their masterpiece.
• Organizational Vision and Its Importance for the Staff.
• How to develop reading habits that last.
• The Impact of Electronic Medical Records.
• New and Old Media: Form, Impact, and Accessibility.
• Declaration of Independence and Cultural Issues Today.
• How does alcohol impact the way we behave?
• The Importance of Diet Monitoring.
• Personal Philosophy of Nursing Care.
• Why do teachers need a study plan?
• The Introduction of a Four-Day Work Week.
• Journalist Profession, Its Pros and Cons.
• The role of capitalism in shaping our idea of democracy .
• Teju Cole Personality’s in Modern American Society.
• The Importance of Medical Ethics.
• Tell a story of a famous and successful startup.
• Power of Advertising: Good and Bad Balance’ Importance.
• Personal and Political Pacifism.
• The cultural importance of divination.
• Important Factors in Personal Investment.
• My way of organizing my daily schedule and staying productive .
• The Impact of “The Marrow of Tradition” on Future American Literature.
• Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”: Themes and Importance of the Book.

❓ Short Essay FAQ

A short essay is an academic paper typically ranging between 200 and 750 words, providing a focused topic exploration. This type of essay follows a standard structure: intro-main body-conclusion, usually presented in a five-paragraph format.

A short essay typically ranges from 200 to 750 words which can be covered in three to five paragraphs. This concise format translates to less than one page of typed content. However, it’s important to note that specific requirements may vary depending on the college, with some specifying a minimum of 150 words and a maximum of 650 words. Be sure to review the task instructions to ensure you meet the guidelines.

In a short essay, the number of words is more important than the number of sentences. It means you can use any number of sentences as long as you stay within the required word limit. However, most of the time, a short essay consists of around 20 to 25 sentences.

An introduction needs to grab readers’ attention and provide some background information. It’s best to start your essay with a hook. However, be careful and add only the necessary information since your word count is limited.

• Writing short essays – Concordia University
• Thesis Statements; The Writing Center – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• What Is an Essay Structure? (With 4 Types and Tips) | Indeed.com
• How to Write a Thesis Statement: Writing Guides: Writing Tutorial Services: Indiana University Bloomington
• Topic Sentences and Signposting | Harvard College Writing Center
• Using Topic Sentences | Writing Advice
• Beginning Proofreading – Purdue OWL® – Purdue University
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IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

• Test Information FAQ
• Band Scores
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• Computer IELTS: Pros & Cons
• How to Prepare
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• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2
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• 100 Essay Questions
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100 IELTS Essay Questions

Below are practice IELTS essay questions and topics for writing task 2. The 100 essay questions have been used many times over the years. The questions are organised under common topics and essay types. IELTS often use the similar topics for their essays but change the wording of the essay question.

In order to prepare well for writing task 2, you should prepare ideas for common topics and then practise applying them to the tasks given (to the essay questions). Also see model essays and tips  for writing task 2.

Below you will find:

• Essay Questions By Topic
• Essay Questions by Essay Type

Please also note that my new Grammar E-book is now available in my store along with my Ideas for Essay Topics E-book and Advanced Writing Lessons. To visit store, click here: Liz’s Store

1) Common IELTS Essay Questions

IELTS practice essay questions divided by topic. These topics have been reported by IELTS students in their tests. Essay questions have been recreated as accurately as possible.

• Art   (5 essay questions)
• Business & Money   (17 essay questions)
• Communication & Personality   (20 essay questions)
• Crime & Punishment   (12 essay questions)
• Education   (17 essay questions)
• Environment   (12 essay questions)
• Family & Children   (8 essay questions)
• Food & Diet (13 essay questions)
• Government (6 essay questions)
• Health   (9 essay questions)
• Housing, Buildings & Urban Planning (8 essay questions)
• Language (6 essay questions)
• Leisure (1 essay question)
• Media & Advertising   (12 essay questions)
• Reading  (5 essay questions)
• Society   (10 essay questions)
• Space Exploration (3 questions)
• Sport & Exercise   (6 essay questions)
• Technology  (6 essay questions)
• Tourism and Travel   (11 essay questions)
• Transport  (7 essay questions)
• Work (17 essay questions)

2) IELTS Essay Questions by Essay Type 

There are 5 main types of essay questions in IELTS writing task 2 (opinion essays, discussion essay, advantage/disadvantage essays, solution essay and direct question essays). Click on the links below to see some sample essay questions for each type.

• Opinion Essay Questions
• Discussion Essay Questions
• Solution Essay Questions
• Direct Questions Essay Titles 
• Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Questions

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• Knowledge Base
• How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples

How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on February 4, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.

The main goals of an introduction are to:

• Catch your reader’s attention.
• Give background on your topic.
• Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay.

This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

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Table of contents

Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.

Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Examples: Writing a good hook

Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.

• Braille was an extremely important invention.
• The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly  why the topic is important.

• The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
• The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.

• Mary Shelley’s  Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.

Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.

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Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:

• Historical, geographical, or social context
• An outline of the debate you’re addressing
• A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
• Definitions of key terms

The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Don’t give too much detail—you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.

How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:

Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.

This is the most important part of your introduction. A  good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.

The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.

Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.

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As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.

For this reason, it’s often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraph—it can even be the very last thing you write.

When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.

It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.

To polish your writing, you can use something like a paraphrasing tool .

You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.

Checklist: Essay introduction

My first sentence is engaging and relevant.

I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.

I have defined any important terms.

My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.

Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.

• Argumentative
• Literary analysis

This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.

To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, sat essay prompts: the complete list.

SAT Writing , SAT Essay

On every SAT Essay, you'll have to read an argument meant to persuade a broad audience and discuss how well the author argues his or her point. The passage you'll have to read will change from test to test, but you'll always need to analyze the author's argument and write a coherent and organized essay explaining this analysis.

In this article, we've compiled a list of the 14 real SAT essay prompts that the College Board has released (either in The Official SAT Study Guide or separately online) for the new SAT. This is the most comprehensive set of new SAT essay prompts online today.

At the end of this article, we'll also guide you through how to get the most out of these prompts and link to our expert resources on acing the SAT essay. I'll discuss how the SAT essay prompts are valuable not just because they give you a chance to write a practice essay, but because of what they reveal about the essay task itself.

UPDATE: SAT Essay No Longer Offered

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In January 2021, the College Board announced that after June 2021, it would no longer offer the Essay portion of the SAT (except at schools who opt in during School Day Testing). It is now no longer possible to take the SAT Essay, unless your school is one of the small number who choose to offer it during SAT School Day Testing.

While most colleges had already made SAT Essay scores optional, this move by the College Board means no colleges now require the SAT Essay. It will also likely lead to additional college application changes such not looking at essay scores at all for the SAT or ACT, as well as potentially requiring additional writing samples for placement.

What does the end of the SAT Essay mean for your college applications? Check out our article on the College Board's SAT Essay decision for everything you need to know.

SAT essay prompts always keep to the same basic format. Not only is the prompt format consistent from test to test, but what you're actually asked to do (discuss how an author builds an argument) also remains the same across different test administrations.

The College Board's predictability with SAT essay helps students focus on preparing for the actual analytical task, rather than having to think up stuff on their feet. Every time, before the passage, you'll see the following:

• evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims.
• reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence.
• stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed.

And after the passage, you'll see this:

"Write an essay in which you explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade [her/his] audience that [whatever the author is trying to argue for]. In your essay, analyze how [the author] uses one or more of the features listed in the box above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of his argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage.

Your essay should not explain whether you agree with [the author]'s claims, but rather explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade [her/his/their] audience."

Now that you know the format, let's look at the SAT essay prompts list.

14 Official SAT Essay Prompts

The College Board has released a limited number of prompts to help students prep for the essay. We've gathered them for you here, all in one place. We'll be sure to update this article as more prompts are released for practice and/or as more tests are released.

SPOILER ALERT : Since these are the only essay prompts that have been released so far, you may want to be cautious about spoiling them for yourself, particularly if you are planning on taking practice tests under real conditions . This is why I've organized the prompts by the 10 that are in the practice tests (so you can avoid them if need be), the ones that are available online as sample prompts, and the ones that are in the text of the Official SAT Study Guide (Redesigned SAT), all online for free.

Practice Test Prompts

These 10 prompts are taken from the practice tests that the College Board has released.

Practice Test 1 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Jimmy Carter builds an argument to persuade his audience that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge should not be developed for industry."

Practice Test 2 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Martin Luther King Jr. builds an argument to persuade his audience that American involvement in the Vietnam War is unjust."

Practice Test 3 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Eliana Dockterman builds an argument to persuade her audience that there are benefits to early exposure to technology."

Practice Test 4 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Paul Bogard builds an argument to persuade his audience that natural darkness should be preserved."

Practice Test 5 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Eric Klinenberg builds an argument to persuade his audience that Americans need to greatly reduce their reliance on air-conditioning."

Practice Test 6 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Christopher Hitchens builds an argument to persuade his audience that the original Parthenon sculptures should be returned to Greece."

Practice Test 7 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Zadie Smith builds an argument to persuade her audience that public libraries are important and should remain open"

Practice Test 8 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Bobby Braun builds an argument to persuade his audience that the US government must continue to invest in NASA."

Practice Test 9 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Todd Davidson builds an argument to persuade his audience that the US government must continue to fund national parks."

Practice Test 10 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Richard Schiffman builds an argument to persuade his audience that Americans need to work fewer hours."

Special note: The prompt for Practice Test 4 also appears on the College Board's site with real sample essays written in response. If you've written a practice essay for practice test 4 and want to see what essays of different score levels look like for that particular prompt, you can go there and look at eight real student essays.

Free Online Practice

This prompt comes from the College Board website .

"Write an essay in which you explain how Dana Gioia builds an argument to persuade his audience that the decline of reading in America will have a negative effect on society."

This prompt comes from Khan Academy , where it is listed as an alternate essay prompt to go along with Practice Test 2:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Leo W. Gerard builds an argument to persuade his audience that American colleges and universities should be affordable for all students."

The Official SAT Study Guide 2020

The Official SAT Study Guide (editions published in 2015 and later available online for free) contains all 10 of the previously mentioned practice tests at the end of the book. In the section about the new SAT essay , however, there are two additional sample essay prompts (accompanied by articles to analyze).

Sample Prompt 1:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Peter S. Goodman builds an argument to persuade his audience that news organizations should increase the amount of professional foreign news coverage provided to people in the United States."

Sample Prompt 2:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Adam B. Summers builds an argument to persuade his audience that plastic shopping bags should not be banned."

Ready to go beyond just reading about the SAT? Then you'll love the free five-day trial for our SAT Complete Prep program . Designed and written by PrepScholar SAT experts , our SAT program customizes to your skill level in over 40 subskills so that you can focus your studying on what will get you the biggest score gains.

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How Do You Get the Most Out of These Prompts?

Now that you have all the prompts released by the College Board, it's important to know the best way to use them. Make sure you have a good balance between quality and quantity, and don't burn through all 14 of the real prompts in a row— take the time to learn from your experiences writing the practice essays.

Step By Step Guide on How to Practice Using the Article

#1: Understand how the SAT essay is graded .

#2: Follow along as we write a high-scoring SAT essay, step by step .

#3: Plan a set of features you'll look for in the SAT essay readings and practice writing about them fluidly. This doesn't just mean identifying a technique, like asking a rhetorical question, but explaining why it is persuasive and what effect it has on the reader in the context of a particular topic. We have more information on this step in our article about 6 SAT persuasive devices you can use .

#4: Choose a prompt at random from above, or choose a topic that you think is going to be hard for you to detach from (because you'll want to write about the topic, rather than the argument) set timer to 50 minutes and write the essay. No extra time allowed!

#5: Grade the essay, using the official essay rubric to give yourself a score out of 8 in the reading, analysis, and writing sections.

#6: Repeat steps 4 and 5. Choose the prompts you think will be the hardest for you so that you can so that you're prepared for the worst when the test day comes

#7: If you run out of official prompts to practice with, use the official prompts as models to find examples of other articles you could write about . Start by looking for op-ed articles in online news publications like The New York Times, The Atlantic, LA Times , and so on. For instance, the passage about the plastic bag ban in California (Official SAT Study Guide sample essay prompt 2, above) has a counterpoint here —you could try analyzing and writing about that article as well.

Any additional articles you use for practice on the SAT essay must match the following criteria:

• ideally 650-750 words , although it'll be difficult to find an op-ed piece that's naturally that short. Try to aim for nothing longer than 2000 words, though, or the scope of the article is likely to be wider than anything you'll encounter on the SAT.
• always argumentative/persuasive . The author (or authors) is trying to get readers to agree with a claim or idea being put forward.
• always intended for a wide audience . All the information you need to deconstruct the persuasiveness of the argument is in the passage. This means that articles with a lot of technical jargon that's not explained in the article are not realistic passage to practice with.

What's Next?

We've written a ton of helpful resources on the SAT essay. I f you're just getting started, we recommend beginning with our top SAT essay tips for a quick overview of the essay task and what you need to know.

A little more familiar with the SAT essay but still not quite sure how to write one? Follow along with our step-by-step guide to writing the SAT essay .

Looking to earn a high score? Learn what it takes to get the highest score possible on the SAT essay here .

Plus, if you want a reference linking you to all of our great articles on the SAT essay, be sure to check out our ultimate SAT essay guide .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points?

Check out our best-in-class online SAT prep program. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your SAT score by 160 points or more.

Our program is entirely online, and it customizes your prep program to your strengths and weaknesses. We also have expert instructors who can grade every one of your practice SAT essays, giving feedback on how to improve your score.

Check out our 5-day free trial:

Laura graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a BA in Music and Psychology, and earned a Master's degree in Composition from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and GRE and loves advising students on how to excel in high school.

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Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

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How to Write a Good Answer to Exam Essay Questions

Last Updated: March 17, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Tristen Bonacci . Tristen Bonacci is a Licensed English Teacher with more than 20 years of experience. Tristen has taught in both the United States and overseas. She specializes in teaching in a secondary education environment and sharing wisdom with others, no matter the environment. Tristen holds a BA in English Literature from The University of Colorado and an MEd from The University of Phoenix. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 643,006 times.

Answering essay questions on an exam can be difficult and stressful, which can make it hard to provide a good answer. However, you can improve your ability to answer essay questions by learning how to understand the questions, form an answer, and stay focused. Developing your ability to give excellent answers on essay exams will take time and effort, but you can learn some good essay question practices and start improving your answers.

Understanding the Question

• Analyze: Explain the what, where, who, when, why, and how. Include pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, etc.
• Compare: Discuss the similarities and differences between two or more things. Don't forget to explain why the comparison is useful.
• Contrast: Discuss how two or more things are different or distinguish between them. Don't forget to explain why the contrast is useful.
• Define: State what something means, does, achieves, etc.
• Describe: List characteristics or traits of something. You may also need to summarize something, such as an essay prompt that asks "Describe the major events that led to the American Revolution."
• Discuss: This is more analytical. You usually begin by describing something and then present arguments for or against it. You may need to analyze the advantages or disadvantages of your subject.
• Evaluate: Offer the pros and cons, positives and negatives for a subject. You may be asked to evaluate a statement for logical support, or evaluate an argument for weaknesses.
• Explain: Explain why or how something happened, or justify your position on something.
• Prove: Usually reserved for more scientific or objective essays. You may be asked to include evidence and research to build a case for a specific position or set of hypotheses.
• Summarize: Usually, this means to list the major ideas or themes of a subject. It could also ask you to present the main ideas in order to then fully discuss them. Most essay questions will not ask for pure summary without anything else.

• Raise your hand and wait for your teacher to come over to you or approach your teacher’s desk to ask your question. This way you will be less likely to disrupt other test takers.

Forming Your Response

• Take a moment to consider your organization before you start writing your answer. What information should come first, second, third, etc.?
• In many cases, the traditional 5-paragraph essay structure works well. Start with an introductory paragraph, use 3 paragraphs in the body of the article to explain different points, and finish with a concluding paragraph.
• It can also be really helpful to draft a quick outline of your essay before you start writing.

• You may want to make a list of facts and figures that you want to include in your essay answer. That way you can refer to this list as you write your answer.
• It's best to write down all the important key topics or ideas before you get started composing your answer. That way, you can check back to make sure you haven't missed anything.

• For example, imagine that your essay question asks: "Should the FIFA World Cup be awarded to countries with human rights violations? Explain and support your answer."
• You might restate this as "Countries with human rights violations should not be awarded the FIFA World Cup because this rewards a nation's poor treatment of its citizens." This will be the thesis that you support with examples and explanation.

• For example, whether you argue that the FIFA World Cup should or should not be awarded to countries with human rights violations, you will want to address the opposing side's argument. However, it needs to be clear where your essay stands about the matter.
• Often, essay questions end up saying things along the lines of "There are many similarities and differences between X and Y." This does not offer a clear position and can result in a bad grade.

• If you are required to write your answer by hand, then take care to make your writing legible and neat. Some professors may deduct points if they cannot read what you have written.

Staying Calm and Focused

• If you get to a point during the exam where you feel too anxious to focus, put down your pencil (or take your hands off of the keyboard), close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Stretch your arms and imagine that you are somewhere pleasant for a few moments. When you have completed this brief exercise, open up your eyes and resume the exam.

• For example, if the exam period is one hour long and you have to answer three questions in that time frame, then you should plan to spend no more than 20 minutes on each question.
• Look at the weight of the questions, if applicable. For example, if there are five 10-point short-answers and a 50-point essay, plan to spend more time on the essay because it is worth significantly more. Don't get stuck spending so much time on the short-answers that you don't have time to develop a complex essay.

• This strategy is even more important if the exam has multiple essay questions. If you take too much time on the first question, then you may not have enough time to answer the other questions on the exam.

• If you feel like you are straying away from the question, reread the question and review any notes that you made to help guide you. After you get refocused, then continue writing your answer.
• Try to allow yourself enough time to go back and tighten up connections between your points. A few well-placed transitions can really bump up your grade.

Community Q&A

• If you are worried about running out of time, put your watch in front of you where you can see it. Just try not to focus on it too much. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you need more practice, make up your own questions or even look at some practice questions online! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Look up relevant quotes if your exam is open notes. Use references from books or class to back up your answers.
• Make sure your sentences flow together and that you don't repeat the same thing twice!

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.linnbenton.edu/student-services/library-tutoring-testing/learning-center/academic-coaching/documents/Strategies%20For%20Answering%20Essay%20Questions.pdf
• ↑ https://www.ius.edu/writing-center/files/answering-essay-questions.pdf
• ↑ https://success.uark.edu/get-help/student-resources/short-answer-essays.php

About This Article

To write a good answer to an exam essay question, read the question carefully to find what it's asking, and follow the instructions for the essay closely. Begin your essay by rephrasing the question into a statement with your answer in the statement. Include supplemental facts and figures if necessary, or do textual analysis from a provided piece to support your argument. Make sure your writing is clear and to the point, and don't include extra information unless it supports your argument. For tips from our academic reviewer on understanding essay questions and dealing with testing nerves, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we’re rounding up 130 more we’ve published since then ( available here as a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

Please note: Many of these prompts are still open to comment by students 13 and up.

Technology & Social Media

1. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 2. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 3. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 4. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 5. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 6. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 7. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 8. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 9. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

10. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 11. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 12. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 13. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 14. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 15. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 16. Should Your School Day Start Later? 17. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 18. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns? 19. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 20. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money? 21. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 22. Should Gifted and Talented Education Be Eliminated? 23. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 24. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers? 25. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 26. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 27. Should Schools Teach About Climate Change? 28. Should All Schools Offer Music Programs? 29. Does Your School Need More Money? 30. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 31. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 32. Do Kids Need Recess?

College & Career

33. What Is Your Reaction to the College Admissions Cheating Scandal? 34. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 35. Should Everyone Go to College? 36. Should College Be Free? 37. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 38. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 39. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 40. Should Fraternities Be Abolished? 41. Is Student Debt Worth It?

Mental & Physical Health

42. Should Students Get Mental Health Days Off From School? 43. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 44. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 45. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 46. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 47. What Do You Think About Vegetarianism? 48. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs? 49. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 50. Do You Think Porn Influences the Way Teenagers Think About Sex?

Race & Gender

51. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 52. Is America ‘Backsliding’ on Race? 53. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 54. Should All Companies Require Anti-Bias Training for Employees? 55. Should Columbus Day Be Replaced With Indigenous Peoples Day? 56. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 57. Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed? 58. What Is Hard About Being a Boy?

59. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 60. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 61. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 62. Should Graffiti Be Protected? 63. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 64. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 65. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 66. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 67. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 68. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 69. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 70. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 71. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 72. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate?

73. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 74. Should College Athletes Be Paid? 75. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 76. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 77. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 78. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 79. Should Blowouts Be Allowed in Youth Sports? 80. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures?

81. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 82. Should Extinct Animals Be Resurrected? If So, Which Ones? 83. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 84. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 85. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 86. Is This Exhibit Animal Cruelty or Art?

Parenting & Childhood

87. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 88. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 89. Should Parents Track Their Teenager’s Location? 90. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 91. How Should Parents Talk to Their Children About Drugs? 92. What Should We Call Your Generation? 93. Do Other People Care Too Much About Your Post-High School Plans? 94. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 95. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 96. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 97. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 98. When Do You Become an Adult?

Ethics & Morality

99. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 100. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 101. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 102. Is It O.K. to Use Family Connections to Get a Job? 103. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 104. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 105. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities? 106. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations? 107. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

Government & Politics

108. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 109. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 110. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 111. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 112. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 113. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 114. Should National Monuments Be Protected by the Government? 115. Should Free Speech Protections Include Self Expression That Discriminates? 116. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 117. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 118. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 119. Should the United States Abolish Daylight Saving Time? 120. Should We Abolish the Death Penalty? 121. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 122. Should the U.S. Get Rid of the Electoral College? 123. What Do You Think of President Trump’s Use of Twitter? 124. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 125. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other?

Other Questions

126. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five? 127. Should Public Transit Be Free? 128. How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language? 129. Is There a ‘Right Way’ to Be a Tourist? 130. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend?

English that goes straight to the heart

Short Essay Writing

An essay is a piece of writing that revolves around a particular theme and contains the academic opinions of the person writing it. To write an essay you need an Introduction, a Body (Supporting Paragraphs), and a Conclusion.

A basic essay mainly consists of three parts: Introduction , Body , and Conclusion . The following parts will help you write a good essay.

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Introduction

It constitutes the opening paragraph of the essay.

• It helps the reader get oriented with the topic.
• It states the purpose of the essay.
• It captures the interest of the reader.
• It presents the general idea of the essay.
• It often ends with the thesis or the main idea of the essay.

Body (Supporting Paragraphs)

They constitute the supporting sentences and ideas.

• They provide the reader with additional details about the main idea.
• They support the thesis of the writer.
• There is no fixed number of supporting paragraphs.
• Ideally, every supporting paragraph should contain a different idea.

It constitutes the ending paragraph(s) of the essay.

• It ties up loose ends of the paragraph.
• It helps in reiterating or highlighting the main idea.
• It summarises all the arguments.
• It brings the essay to a logical close.
• It never ends in detail.

Short Essay Writing Examples

Short essay writing #1, short essay writing on my family (250+ words).

Family is the place where you learn your first lesson in life. Your family members are the only assets that will remain with you forever. Whatever the circumstances, family members are always there for each other to support us. Good values and good morals are always taught in a family.

In the family, we are prepared to respect our elders and love younger ones. We learn lessons consistently from our family, about honesty, dependability, kindness and so on. Although I am a student in my final year, my family always treats me like a child but always provides us with a sensation of so much love and care. My family is the best family for me. I live in a nuclear family of four members.

My father is a teacher. He is the man who heads and leads our family. My mother is a housewife as well as a beautician. She is a lovely woman. My mother is everything to me. She is the one who understands me best and most closely. My grandmother is the cutest person of all.

I love my family because they are the jewels of my life. They work hard so that we can get anything we desire makes me love and respect my parents considerably more. We play games every night and discuss various topics to spend quality time together. I give deep respect and pay the highest regard to my family not just because they are my family, but for their unmatched and incredible sacrifices for me.

Short Essay Writing #2

Short essay writing on christmas (250 words).

Christmas is one of the most famous and light-hearted festivals which is celebrated across the world by billions of people. People of the Christian religion celebrate Christmas to remember the great works of Jesus Christ. 25th December is celebrated as Christmas Day across the world. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ of Bethlehem was a spiritual leader and prophet whose teachings structure the premise of their religion.

Christmas Day is celebrated every year with great joy, happiness and enthusiasm. Everyone whether they are poor or rich gets together and partakes in this celebration with lots of activities. On this day people decorate their houses with candles, lights, balloons etc. People decorate Christmas trees on this day in their homes or a public square. They decorate Christmas trees with small electric lights of various colours, gift items, balloons, flowers, and other materials. After that, the Christmas tree looks very appealing and wonderful.

People follow popular customs including exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, obviously, trusting that Santa Claus will arrive. Children eagerly wait for Christmas day very anxiously as they get lots of beautiful gifts and chocolates. In most cases, the fat person in the family dressed up as Santa Clause with a bell in his hand which attract kids and they get lots of beautiful gifts and chocolates from Santa Clause. 25th December, Christmas Day, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

Short Essay Writing #3

Short essay writing on health is wealth (250+ words).

The greatest wealth is our own health. A healthy body can earn great wealth but, a wealthy person cannot earn great health. We live in a fast-moving world where individuals have no time for themselves. Most part of their life withers away in search of materialistic wealth in order to outshine others but, along the way, they lose their health.

Recent studies have shown that the increased stress of the present speedy life is leading to various medical conditions. Major among those are heart and neurological problems. Good health assists an individual to keep a positive attitude toward work and life in general. Wealth matters, but, is not as important as health.

Spending lots of money on junk food in five-star hotels or on other entertainment sources like watching films for a day and so on has no advantages other than self-satisfaction. Being physically and mentally healthy helps an individual to be socially and financially healthy as well. A healthy person can earn lots of money however an unhealthy person cannot because of a lack of motivation, interest, and concentration level.

Money is the source to carry on with a healthy life however good health is the source of living a happy and peaceful life. So, everyone should take many precautions in maintaining good health. Everyone should be away from bad habits and unhealthy lifestyles. Being healthy isn’t only the condition of being free of disease, ailment, or injury but also being happy physically, mentally, socially, intellectually, and financially. Good health is an actual necessity of happy life and the greatest gift from nature.

Short Essay Writing #4

Short essay writing on balanced diet (250+ words).

A diet that contains all kinds of necessary ingredients in almost the required quantity is called the “Balanced Diet”. A Balanced diet is one that helps to maintain or improve overall health. We should consume a balanced diet consisting of essential nutrition: liquids, adequate proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and calories. We must eat fresh fruits, salad, green leafy vegetables, milk, egg, yoghurt, etc. on time in order to maintain a healthy body.

Among the minerals, we require chiefly iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and small quantities of iodine, copper, etc. They are found in green vegetables and most fruits, Vitamins have a number of kinds like A, B, C, D, etc. Vitamin A is found in fish oil, butter, carrot, papaya, etc., and Vitamin B is found in green leafy vegetables, wheat grain, etc. Vitamin C is found in green chilli, green vegetables, amla, lemon, and citric fruits. Vitamin D is found in the first oil, butter, and rays of the sun. We also need Vitamins E and K for our health. Milk is perhaps the only single item that can be called a balanced diet in itself.

Animal protein is found in meats, poultry, and fish. The white of an egg also contains protein. Another kind of protein is found in milk (casein), cheese, curd, pulses, soybean, dry fruits, etc. Fat is found in butter, pork, coconut, all edible oils, cod liver oil, the yolk of an egg, etc. We should drink more water at least 7-8 glasses of water. A healthy body also needs some daily physical activities, proper rest and sleep neatness, a healthy environment, fresh air, and water, personal hygiene, etc.

Short Essay Writing #5

Short essay writing on science and technology (250+ words).

In a fast-changing world, the fate of the country can be moulded through our ability to harness modern science and technology, which is a road to boost the development programs of the country. Rapid technological advances have reduced the dependency on natural resources or the factors in proportion to it.

Man is performing precisely by machines with a regular improvement in his work because of quick technological changes by virtue of scientific advancement all around the world. We have accomplished desired scientific and technological advancement and have succeeded in boosting various important international activities like information and telecommunication, television, meteorological services, medical advancement, industrial development, nuclear research, Space Research Oceanographic Research, etc.

Over the years a strong science and technology infrastructure base has been established for giving modern shape to world industries. It covers a chain of laboratories, specialized centres, various academic and research institutes, training centres, and useful development programs, which continuously provide skill, technically trained manpower, and technological support to industries for better execution. Science has advanced a great deal in the field of medical care. New technology has given a compelling medical care framework at a reasonable cost. Medical research has been carried out, broadly on nutrition, tuberculosis, reproduction, child care, leprosy, drugs, communicable diseases, cholera, and malaria, which has an extremely certain result.

If we look at the global scenario, the modern world is moving exceptionally fast. There are rapid scientific and technological changes that are occurring in a steady progression. Our country, as a global competitor, in the race of becoming a world power, needs to accomplish more in the area of Science and Technology emphasizing it as its foremost national priority in order to accomplish its objective.

Short Essay Writing #6

Short essay writing on co-education (250+ words).

Co-education is a system of education in which boys and girls study together in a common school or college. Co-education was not prevalent in ancient times. It is a groundbreaking thought. Co-education is exceptionally practical. The number of schools required is less. The strength of the teaching staff is diminished. The government spends less money on infrastructure and laboratories. The balance of money so saved is spent on better maintenance of schools and colleges, which facilitates the students for better study.

The parents supported the case for adequate education for the children irrespective of their sex. The countrymen realized that the boys and girls have to move together and shoulder to shoulder in every walk of life in the free world. They started educating their children in co-educational institutions. That is the reason why the students of co-educational institutions do better in every walk of their life.

It is useful in producing a sensation of solidarity and a feeling of equivalent obligation among boys and girls. When young boys and girls come closer to each other, they take more care in understanding each other. That helps in creating a friendly atmosphere between the two. The boys and the girls partake in their joint exercises consistently in schools and universities.

If we want that our country ought to sparkle, we need to bring young boys and young girls together for making a power of working hands in the country, which can give a compelling reaction for greatness by accelerating the advancement in every one of the fields.

Also, Read Examples of Informative Essay

Short Essay Writing #7

Short essay writing on education (250 words).

There are two basic purposes behind education. The first is to free people from ignorance, superstition, bad habits, and many wrong ideas. Secondly, to provide the citizens of a country with some skill or special kind of knowledge that would enable them to earn a decent living. In a highly populated country like India education is a must for both the purposes mentioned. First, there must be a hundred per cent literacy if the so-called democracy that the constitution guarantees for its citizens is to have any true meaning.

Only educated citizens can utilize democratic rights usefully. But as the population of this country rises by leaps and bounds, mere knowledge for its own sake will not suffice. People, educated people, must learn to produce things that are in daily demand. We need more technicians, more carpenters, more well-informed farmers and cultivators, and more skilled workers of different categories who can increase the goods and services they demand which are constantly rising.

There should be close coordination between producers of necessary goods and educational planners. Turning out graduates from colleges and universities would not help things because such ordinary graduates are not employable in industries. Colleges, universities, and other seats of higher education must train young men and women who are able to show tangible results in the form of useful goods needed by society. Such education alone can exorcise the spectre of unemployment that is stalking the country today and is at the root of all its serious troubles.

Short Essay Writing #8

Short essay writing on save environment (250 words).

Environment means a healthy natural balance in the air, water, animals, plants, and other natural resources. The environment influences the existence and development of an organism. Pollution is the process of creating the environment dirty by adding harmful substances thereto. Owing to indiscriminate industrialization man has created a polluted environment. He has continuously tampered with nature which led to a threat to the sustenance of mankind.

The constant more in the world population is the main reason for environmental pollution. More population means more industry. Factories release toxic gases into the air, and filthy poisonous waters from factories and mills For also released into the waters of rivers; trees are cut down for fuel and other commercial purposes, or for procuring land for building houses. This results in a fall in the supply of oxygen that the trees provide With the felling of trees animals and birds also lose their shelter and this destroys the balance in the ecology.

To prevent these hazards from endangering human, animal, and plant life measures should be taken before the situation goes out of control. More trees should be planted. Anti-pollution scientific methods should be devised, so that toxic gases and poisonous effluents are not released by factories and mills into the air and water respectively. Cutting down trees should be made punishable by law. Poaching and hunting of animals for monetary gain and recreation should also be stopped. Finally, from early life, people should be so educated that they become aware of the vital importance of a healthy, natural, and toxic-free environment.

Also, Read Top 10 Essay Examples

Short Essay Writing #9

Short essay writing on cleanliness (230+ words).

There is truth in the common saying: “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” Cleanliness is a great virtue. It makes a man healthy and happy. The healthy habit of cleanliness should be formed from childhood in our everyday routine. A clean environment keeps us free from pollution. Cleanliness comes out of a taste for decency.

Cleanliness is of two types—cleanliness of body and cleanliness of mind. Cleanliness of the body makes for physical health. Health is an impossibility without bodily cleanliness. The disease is the handmaid of dirt. The germs of disease breed and multiply in the dirt. Epidemic diseases like cholera and typhoid which often sweep over villages and towns and take a heavy toll on life are the result of dirty habits and the surroundings of the people.

Cleanliness of the mind is as necessary as that of the body for self-respect. No one loves and respects a man if he is not clean in mind-free from impure desires, and evil thoughts. Mental cleanliness makes for one’s success in any sphere of life. The effects of cleanliness are great. It contributes to the character of a noble personality not only with clean clothes but also with clean ideas, clean thoughts, and clean ways of life. In every walk of life, it is necessary to maintain cleanliness in body and mind as well as indoors and outdoors. Cleanliness is truly next to godliness. All should cultivate it.

Short Essay Writing #10

Short essay writing on water pollution (250+ words).

According to the World Health Organization, any foreign matter either natural or other sources which contaminates and pollutes the water or the water supply making it harmful to human and aquatic life is termed water pollution. Household detergents and wastes pollute water bodies. When detergents and fertilizers containing phosphates are discharged into water, it promotes the growth of algae. Drilling oil under the sea may prove dangerous for marine life.

Water pollution may severely affect human, plant, and animal life. When contaminated water is consumed, the pathogens enter the human body. It may cause various water-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, and jaundice. Metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium dissolved in water may cause several diseases if they enter the human body. When water contaminated with cadmium was consumed by the Japanese, they were affected by a disease called Itai-Itai.

Similarly, a disease known as Minamata affected the Japanese after they consumed fish that had a large concentration of mercury. When phosphorus and nitrates from fertilizers are disposed of in water bodies, they promote the growth of algae. The presence of algae in water bodies in a large number reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen in water resulting in the death of fish and other water organisms. Thermal pollution increases the temperature of the water which in turn reduces the level of oxygen in the water. This results in the death of many species of fish. Measures should be taken to prevent water pollution before the situation goes out of control. Anti-pollution scientific methods should be devised.

Short Essay Writing #11

Short essay writing on child labour (250+ words).

Child labour has been quite a problem down the ages. Child labour means the labour done by children below the age of eighteen. Employing little boys and girls not only saves money but also helps the employer avoid labour unrest. Young boys and girls can be paid lesser wages and they do not form unions to realize demands for higher pay.

The types of work children have to do are many and various. In tea stalls and small hotels, they clean the utensils, mop the floors and serve at the table. In garages, they wash the cars, buses, and lorries. The female children serve as maid-servants in various families. Though child labour is a cruel practice it saves many families from starvation. The income of the adult members of these families is not sufficient even for their hand-to-mouth living. If the children do not work to supplement their income, the families will have to starve. So simply banning the use of child labour one could not solve the problem.

In recent times the government of India has become aware of the evils of the system. But it can be hard to do away with it all of a sudden. Abolition of the employment of child labour must be preceded by a process of improving the economic condition of the families concerned. Proper methods should be adopted so that the children are educated and not sent to workplaces that destroy both the body and the soul of these unfortunate creatures.

Short Essay Writing #12

Short essay writing on my hobby (250 words).

A hobby is voluntary work done in leisure with pleasure. There are many fashionable hobbies such as stamp-collecting, coin-collecting, photography, etc. But my favourite hobby is gardening. I started it when I was only ten. I have a small plot of land beside our house. There I cultivate gardening. I spend one hour every day gardening. Back from the morning walk, I go to my garden with a spade and a waterful bucket. I dig up the soil, trim the plants, and water them. I also spray insecticides and apply fertilizers.

When I see the plants swaying in the wind, my heart leaps in joy. I experience heavenly pleasure as I see them grow day by day. I have chosen this hobby because it gives me not only joy but also enough physical exercise to keep my body fit.

I face some problems in cultivating gardening. Entellus often eat up flowers and destroy the plants, though I am at pains to scare them away. Gardening brings me both joy and health. Every afternoon I work for an hour in my garden and watch the buds come up and the branches nod in the breeze. Although a hobby is a source of pleasure and not of profit, my hobby combines the two. My mother looks upon it very kindly, as a part of my garden serves as a kitchen garden. A hobby is an index to a man’s character and I believe my hobby reflects my character.

Also, Read Academic Essay Examples

Short Essay Writing #13

Short essay writing on my ambition in life (200 words).

Ambition is a goal or objective to achieve in life. In order to succeed in life, one must have a goal. An aimless man is like a ship without a compass. So, I have to select an ambition in my life. Very soon I shall be a citizen of my country. I shall have some duties to society and my country. I must perform them. I think no country can prosper without education. So, my ambition in life is to spread education. Any noble work needs money.

So, after completing my graduation I shall join my father’s business. Business is the best source of earning money. I shall spend a large part of my profit on spreading education and treatment for the poor and sick villagers. I shall set it up. schools for children. I shall start night schools for the adults to make them literate. I shall set up a library. Books on various subjects will be issued without any subscription. I shall open training centres for young boys and girls to provide them with jobs. I do not know how far my ambition will be successful. But I shall try my best.

Short Essay Writing #14

Short essay writing on value of time (250 words).

There is a saying, “Time and tide wait for none. The value of time is very great. We can regain lost money and lost health. But lost time is gone forever. So, we should know the use of time. We should remember that we cannot recall the time that is gone. We can stop the clock but we cannot stop the time. And so we must make the best use of every moment. This knowledge and habit of proper use of time are the secrets of success.

Our life is short. But time passes swiftly. Our life is made of moments. So, to lose a moment is to waste a valuable part of life. By making the right use of the time we can do a lot. We should avail ourselves of every opportunity. If we do not know the use of time our life becomes miserable. We should know that a stitch in time saves nine. Idle time is said to be a thief of time.

If we idle away our time, our appointed work will suffer and success will be hard to achieve. Time lost is lost forever. We are born to do a lot of work. Great men realize it. They never lose a moment. Gandhiji always used to keep a watch to watch his time. He who performs his duties punctually prospers in life positively. What can be done today should not be put off for tomorrow. We should not say ‘later’, we should do ‘now’.

Short Essay Writing #15

Short essay writing on value of trees (250+ words).

Trees are of great importance in our everyday life. They provide us with thatch for huts, timber for buildings and furniture, firewood, food like fruits, honey, etc., and medicine. We are dependent on trees for our very existence on earth. They produce oxygen which keeps us alive. They also absorb carbon-di-oxide exhaled by us and thereby help to create a pollution-free atmosphere. Trees help to prevent the erosion of soil and floods.

Both the urban and rural people gain advantages from growing more trees. The former enjoys a pollution-free atmosphere and the latter gets fruits, fuel, goods of economic importance, and medicines. Road-side trees are planted to beautify the roads and purify the air. Trees supply fresh air to reduce pollution in urban areas and help in rural economic growth. It is important to note that 33% of the land is required as forests in any country to maintain ecological balance. Hence we must take utmost care to grow more trees and stop deforestation. Trees give men shelter and shade. They protect wildlife. Trees help men fight against environmental pollution.

So we all must grow more trees and stop deforestation. We must care for trees for our own sake. We should not forget that the great scientist Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose proved that trees are living beings. The festival, Vano-Mahotsav is observed every year during the rainy season. Thousands of saplings are planted on the occasion. More and more areas are brought under forest cover and people are taught “Plant trees and save a life.”

Short Essay Writing #16

Short essay writing on morning walk (250 words).

Morning walk and early rising go hand in hand. One who wants to go for a morning walk has to get up early. A morning walk is a healthy habit. It removes the physical lethargy caused by the night’s sleep, helps in the circulation of blood, and makes one healthy. It is good exercise after a long night’s rest and provides us with fresh oxygen from the cool morning air. It gives a good start to a man’s whole day’s work. He can finish a large amount of his work before others get out of bed. He need not hurry over any part of his work.

A morning walk enables a man to have closer contact with nature. He can see the calm, quiet and complete beauty of nature- the beauty he cannot see by day. A morning walk provides independent exercise. He need not go to the gymnasium for exercise. Morning walk, like early rising, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

Even doctors advise their patients to have a morning walk daily, as a remedy for various types of physical ailments, especially diabetes. Moreover, a morning walk is certainly a good start for the whole day’s work. During our walk in the morning, we come into greater and closer contact with nature. A morning walk is advantageous as an independent exercise. If anyone wants to ensure proper care of his or her health, he or she can undertake a morning walk as it is very simple as well as beneficial.

Short Essay Writing #17

Short essay writing on science (250 words).

Science is a great boon to human civilization. All signs of Progress in civilization have been made possible by science. Science has made our life easy and comfortable. It has given us electric fans, and lights. fans cool us, lights remove darkness. Lift, washing machine, etc. save our labour. Car, train, bus, and aircraft have made our travel speedy and comfortable. The computer has taken the excess load off our brains. Science has given us life-saving medicine. Surgery can do something miraculous. Space flight is another wonder of science.

Thus through the gifts of science, the man who had once lived in the cave has now landed on the science of the moon is a blessing to us. But it is a curse at the same time. Science has given us speed but has taken away our emotions. It has made our machine. The introduction of the mobile phone has destroyed the art of letter writing. Science has made war more dreadful by inventing sophisticated weapons. Peace has become scarce. Yet there are some abuses of science. It has given us the frightful nuclear weapons that can destroy the whole world.

But who is responsible for making Science a curse? Certainly, it is the evil intention of a few scientists and malignant politicians. We can use fire for cooking our food or burning other’s houses. It is not the fault of fire, but of its users. Likewise, man is responsible for the uses and abuses of science. But science cannot be blamed for this.

Short Essay Writing #18

Short essay writing on noise pollution (250+ words).

Any unwanted loud sound which causes stress and irritation can be termed noise pollution. Of late, sound or noise pollution has adversely affected our normal life in a major way. It is chasing us at almost every step. In schools, colleges, offices, and even hospitals we have an explosion of deafening sound. The main sources of noise pollution are Means of transport, the Use of loudspeakers, the Industrial sector, and the Celebration of festivals and wedding ceremonies. We are almost deafened by the blaring mikes or the record players which are often played at full volume.

Secondly, we have noise pollution caused by various groups of people shouting out their slogans or impatient automobiles always honking their horns. During some social and religious festivals, crackers are burst indiscriminately. Noise pollution can have serious effects on human health. It may cause impairment of hearing and can cause sleep disruption. People who are frequently subjected to a high level of noise pollution may suffer from hypertension, depression, and panic attacks. It may lead to an abnormal increase in heartbeat and heart palpitation. It can also cause migraine headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

Some Measures to Minimise Noise Pollution are Prohibiting the blowing of horns, The use of loudspeakers should be banned, Airports should be located away from residential areas, and People should restrain themselves from lighting firecrackers. In recent times laws have been passed to take effective steps to control sound pollution. People must also be made aware of the dangers of noise pollution.

Short Essay Writing #19

Short essay writing on television (250+ words).

Television is one of the many wonders of modern science and technology. It was invented in England by the Scottish scientist J.N. Baird in 1928 and the British Broadcasting Corporation was the first to broadcast television images in 1929. Previously the radio helped us hear things from far and near and spread information and knowledge from one corner of the globe to another. But all this was done through sound only. But television combined visual images with sound.

Today we can watch games, shows, and song and dance programs from all corners of the world while sitting in our own homes. TV can be used for educating the masses, for bringing to us the latest pieces of information audio-visually, and can provide us with all kinds of entertainment even in colour.

But as in all things, too much televiewing may prove harmful. TV provides visual images but the televiewer has a limited choice of programs. He has to adjust himself to the scheduled programs of a particular television channel. But as for the book, a reader’s imagination plays a vital role. He can freely read a book which is a personal activity and it cannot be shared with others at the same time. In many cases, the habit of watching TV has an adverse effect on the study habits of the young. When we read books, we have to use our intelligence and imagination. But in most cases, TV watching is a passive thing. It may dull our imagination and intelligence.

Short Essay Writing #20

Short essay on newspaper (250+ words).

The Newspaper is the mirror of the world. Modern life cannot be imagined without newspapers. A newspaper is a regular source of important news from home and abroad. It represents the current and living history of the world. Newspapers are of various kinds dailies, weeklies, bi-weeklies, monthlies, etc. The main function of a daily paper is to publish news of general interest while the others mostly contain literary pieces and articles on important topics.

Nowadays every newspaper has some special sections dealing with politics, everyday problems, off-beat news, business, sports, editorial page, feature pages, etc. So, the newspaper is one of the most powerful organs for the dissemination of news and views among the public. It plays a very important role in educating people and guiding them along the right path. If it wants to it can fight social evil successfully. A newspaper can also do us much harm. Used wrongly it can create hatred and enmity between man and man, section and section, nation and nation.

Sometimes it publishes baseless reports or stories to create deliberately confusion in the minds of gullible people. A newspaper is as powerful as any potent weapon. It can be used for both good and evil. Much depends on the outlook and motive of the people who are at the helm of the paper. It shapes Public opinion. It can mislead people with false and fabricated news. The newspaper should give impartial and correct pieces of information. It must not feed false news.

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Essay Topics – List of 500+ Essay Writing Topics and Ideas

List of 500+ essay writing topics and ideas.

Essay topics in English can be difficult to come up with. While writing essays , many college and high school students face writer’s block and have a hard time to think about topics and ideas for an essay. In this article, we will list out many good essay topics from different categories like argumentative essays, essays on technology, environment essays for students from 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th grades. Following list of essay topics are for all – from kids to college students. We have the largest collection of essays. An essay is nothing but a piece of content which is written from the perception of writer or author. Essays are similar to a story, pamphlet, thesis, etc. The best thing about Essay is you can use any type of language – formal or informal. It can biography, the autobiography of anyone. Following is a great list of 100 essay topics. We will be adding 400 more soon!

But Before that you may wanna read some awesome Essay Writing Tips here .

Get the Huge list of 100+ Speech Topics here

Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should plastic be banned?
• Pollution due to Urbanization
• Education should be free
• Should Students get limited access to the Internet?
• Selling Tobacco should be banned
• Smoking in public places should be banned
• Facebook should be banned
• Students should not be allowed to play PUBG

Essay Topics on Technology

• Wonder Of Science
• Mobile Phone

Essay Topics on Festivals on Events

• Independence Day (15 August)
• Teachers Day
• Summer Vacation
• Children’s Day
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
• Janmashtami
• Republic Day

Essay Topics on Education

• Education Essay
• Importance of Education
• Contribution of Technology in Education

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

• Mahatma Gandhi
• APJ Abdul Kalam
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Swami Vivekananda
• Mother Teresa
• Rabindranath Tagore
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• Subhash Chandra Bose
• Abraham Lincoln
• Martin Luther King
• Lal Bahadur Shashtri

Essay Topics on Animals and Birds

• My Favorite Animal

Essays Topics About Yourself

• My Best Friend
• My Favourite Teacher
• My Aim In Life
• My Favourite Game – Badminton
• My Favourite Game – Essay
• My Favourite Book
• My Ambition
• How I Spent My Summer Vacation
• India of My Dreams
• My School Life
• I Love My Family
• My Favourite Subject
• My Favourite Game Badminton
• My Father My Hero
• My School Library
• My Favourite Author
• My plans for summer vacation

Essay Topics Based on Environment and Nature

• Global Warming
• Environment
• Air Pollution
• Environmental Pollution
• Water Pollution
• Rainy Season
• Climate Change
• Importance Of Trees
• Winter Season
• Deforestation
• Natural Disasters
• Save Environment
• Summer Season
• Trees Our Best Friend Essay In English

Essay Topics Based on Proverbs

• Health Is Wealth
• A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
• An Apple a Day Keeps Doctor Away
• Where there is a will, there is way
• Time and Tide wait for none

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Essay Topics for Students from 6th, 7th, 8th Grade

• Noise Pollution
• Environment Pollution
• Women Empowerment
• Time and Tide Wait for none
• Science and Technology
• Importance of Sports
• Sports and Games
• Time Management
• Cleanliness is next to Godliness
• Cleanliness
• Rome was not Built in a Day
• Unemployment
• Clean India
• Cow Essay In English
• Describe Yourself
• Festivals Of India
• Ganesh Chaturthi
• Healthy Food
• Importance Of Water
• Plastic Pollution
• Value of Time
• Honesty is the Best Policy
• Gandhi Jayanti
• Human Rights
• Knowledge Is Power
• Same Sex Marriage
• Childhood Memories
• Cyber Crime
• Kalpana Chawla
• Punctuality
• Rani Lakshmi Bai
• Spring Season
• Unity In Diversity
• Artificial Intelligence
• Online Shopping
• Indian Culture
• Healthy Lifestyle
• Indian Education System
• Disaster Management
• Environmental Issues
• Freedom Fighters
• Grandparents
• Save Fuel For Better Environment
• Importance Of Newspaper
• Lal Bahadur Shastri
• Raksha Bandhan
• World Environment Day
• Narendra Modi
• What Is Religion
• Charity Begins at Home
• A Journey by Train
• Ideal student
• Save Water Save Earth
• Indian Farmer
• Safety of Women in India
• Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
• Capital Punishment
• College Life
• Natural Resources
• Peer Pressure
• Nature Vs Nurture
• Romeo And Juliet
• Generation Gap
• Makar Sankranti
• Constitution of India
• Girl Education
• Importance of Family
• Importance of Independence Day
• Brain Drain
• A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed
• Action Speaks Louder Than Words
• All That Glitters Is Not Gold
• Bhagat Singh
• Demonetization
• Agriculture
• Importance of Discipline
• Population Explosion
• Poverty in India
• Uses Of Mobile Phones
• Water Scarcity
• Train Journey
• Land Pollution
• Environment Protection
• Indian Army
• Uses of Internet
• All that Glitters is not Gold
• Balanced Diet
• Blood Donation
• Digital India
• Dussehra Essay
• Energy Conservation
• National Integration
• Railway Station
• Sachin Tendulkar
• Health And Hygiene
• Importance Of Forest
• Indira Gandhi
• Laughter Is The Best Medicine
• Career Goals
• Mental Health
• Save Water Save Life
• International Yoga Day
• Winter Vacation
• Soil Pollution
• Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining
• Indian Culture And Tradition
• Unity Is Strength
• Unity is Diversity
• Wildlife Conservation
• Cruelty To Animals
• Nelson Mandela
• Of Mice And Men
• Organ Donation
• Life in a Big City
• Democracy in India
• Waste Management
• Biodiversity
• Afforestation
• Female Foeticide
• Harmful Effects Of Junk Food
• Rain Water Harvesting
• Save Electricity
• Social Media
• Social Networking Sites
• Sound Pollution
• Procrastination
• Life in an Indian Village
• Life in Big City
• Population Growth
• World Population Day
• Greenhouse Effect
• Statue of Unity
• Traffic Jam
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
• Importance of Good Manners
• Good Manners
• Cyber Security
• Green Revolution
• Health And Fitness
• Incredible India
• Make In India
• Surgical Strike
• Triple Talaq
• A Good Friend
• Importance of Friends in our Life
• Should Plastic be Banned
• Nationalism
• Traffic Rules
• Effects of Global Warming
• Fundamental Rights
• Solar System
• National Constitution Day
• Good Mother
• Importance of Trees in our Life
• City Life Vs Village Life
• Importance of Communication
• Conservation of Nature
• Man vs. Machine
• Indian Economy
• Mothers Love
• Importance of National Integration
• Black Money
• Greenhouse effect
• Untouchability
• Self Discipline
• Global Terrorism
• Conservation of Biodiversity
• Newspaper and Its Uses
• World Health Day
• Conservation of Natural Resources
• A Picnic with Family
• Indian Heritage
• Status of Women in India
• Child is Father of the Man
• Reading is Good Habit
• Plastic Bag
• Terrorism in India
• Library and Its Uses
• Life on Mars
• Urbanization
• Pollution Due to Diwali
• National Flag of India
• Vocational Education
• Importance of Tree Plantation
• Summer Camp
• Vehicle Pollution
• Women Education in India
• Seasons in India
• Freedom of the Press
• Caste System
• Environment and Human Health
• Mountain Climbing
• Depletion of Natural Resources
• Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
• Health Education
• Effects of Deforestation
• Life after School
• Starvation in India
• Jan Dhan Yojana
• Impact of Privatization
• Election Commission of India
• Election and Democracy
• Prevention of Global Warming
• Impact of Cinema in Life
• Subhas Chandra Bose
• Dowry System
• Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
• Role of Science in Making India
• Impact of Global Warming on Oceans
• Pollution due to Festivals
• Ambedkar Jayanti
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
• Family Planning in India
• Democracy vs Dictatorship
• National Festivals of India
• Sri Aurobindo
• Casteism in India
• Organ trafficking
• Consequences of Global Warming
• Role of Human Activities in Global Warming
• Issues and Problems faced by Women in India
• Role of Judiciary in the Country Today
• Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
• PUBG Mobile Game Addiction
• Role of Youths in Nation Building
• Value of Oxygen and Water in Life/Earth
• Farmer Suicides in India
• Start-up India
• Pollution Due to Firecrackers
• Life of Soldiers
• Child Labour
• Save Girl Child
• Morning Walk
• My School Fete
• Essay on Financial Literacy
• Essay On Sustainable Development
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• My Home Essay
• Child Marriage Essay
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• Essay on Railway station
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• Travelling essay

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110 Original History Essay Questions: Examples and Topics

When looking for history essay topics, people often think about the world-famous military and political events. However, there is so much more to history than battles and international affairs. Plenty of small but engaging incidents are hiding in plain sight, and yet, people usually miss them.

What are those intriguing aspects?

In this article, our team has prepared a list of interesting history essay questions with examples. They are all about unusual events and historical viewpoints. To help with your academic writing, we divided the article into subheadings. Here, you’ll find topics according to your essay type.

• Top History Topics
• 🔍 Extended Essay
• ✒️ Historiographical Essay
• 📌 Persuasive Essay
• ⚙️ Technology Topics
• 🎶 Music Topics
• 🌄 American History
• 🏰 European History
• 🔥 5 In-Class Essay Tips

🤩 Top 15 History Essay Topics

• Julius Caesar.
• Middle Ages.
• World Wars.
• Holy Inquisition.
• US Independence.
• 20 th Century.
• Bronze Age.
• Thomas Edison.
• Slave Trade.
• Russian Revolution.

💁 Topics for Various Essay Types

There are many types of essays for an academic assignment. It may be a simple short essay or a long structured essay. Each one has its format and rules. Here, we are going to talk about essays that you might have questions about.

🔎 History Extended Essay Topics

An extended essay (EE) is an obligatory part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). For an IB diploma, a student should do extensive research. It should be finished with a 4000-word paper.

The extended essay provides practice for undergraduate research. Besides, it gives a chance to explore a topic of personal interest. You may check out some examples in a free essays database to get a reference of how they actually look like. Here, we dive into history EE topics.

• Oldest human settlements according to archeological sources.
• The suffrage movement in the United States of the early XXth century.
• How Dior’s bar suit revolutionized women’s fashion.
• History of Chemistry in Europe during the Age of Enlightenment.
• Psychology essay: evolution of treatment for various mental disorders. Psychological methods and medicine.
• Development of black rights following the US Civil War.

• History of physics: from Antiquity to modern times.
• Principles of medieval economics: a historical analysis. Analyze the financial structure in medieval Europe and the Middle East.
• How did industrialization affect global climate change?
• Expansion of traffic jams in China. The root of a problem and China’s solution.
• The effects of capitalism on Caribbean republics. Study the history of capitalism in the Caribbean. What were the effects of plantation produce on their economy?
• The use of sun reflection in the military. A historical analysis of the utilization.
• Analysis of Victorian literature and culture by Carolyn Williams.
• Biology in warfare. The use of biological weapons from Antiquity to modern times.
• A study of malnourishment in African societies. Explore the historical roots of malnutrition in Africa. How did it affect their societies?
• Research question: why Western countries have dominated the world in modern history?
• Otto Skorzeny. How did Nazi Germany’s most effective agent become Mossad’s advisor? Dive in the biography of Otto Skorzeny. Analyze his character and post-war activity.
• The history of visual arts in Christianity. How did religion shape the art of Western civilization?
• Six-Day War of 1967. Examine the strategies of Israel and The United Arab States.
• Imperial Japan in the late period of WWII. Its non-standard means of warfare.

📝 Historiographical Essay Topics

Now, let’s look into another type of essay—a historiographical essay. It analyzes and evaluates how scholars interpret a historical topic. Usually, the essay is problem-centered. So, compare the viewpoints of two or more historians on the same event.

Here you will find good topics for historiographical essays:

• The Soviet internment camps of the Stalin Era.
• What is the classification of a “historical fact?”
• The fate of Japanese Americans during WWII.
• Mongolian aid to the Soviet Union during World War II.
• An analysis of the main areas of historical research.
• What defined a nation’s sovereignty in the XIXth century?
• The activity of Pamela Parsons in the 70s.
• “The Life of the Prophet” by Ibn Hisham.
• The history of Earth: from its formation to modern times. Make detailed research on the history of Earth. Talk about major geophysical and chemical processes. What did impact the Earth’s formation and evolution?
• An argumentative essay. How substantial was the Allies’ aid of “Land Lease” to the USSR in WWII?
• Things to know when studying cultural heritage.
• Processes of detecting historical excavation sites.

📌 History Persuasive Essay Topics

A persuasive essay is a piece of academic writing where you list two or more points of view on a subject. In such a paper, you use facts and logic to support your perspective.

• An argumentative essay on American involvement in WWI. How crucial was it in defeating the German Empire and its allies? Analyze the impact of America’s contribution to WWI.

• Slavery played one of the key roles in Ancient Rome’s rise to power. Discuss the structure of slavery in Ancient Rome. Provide evidence for/against this argument.
• Festivals in India are an essential part of the nation’s identity. Analyze the role of local and national Indian festivals. Did they form identities of different cultural groups?
• Why did the Soviet Union lose the Cold War? Could it be because of its involvement in Afghanistan? Explore the impact of the Soviet-Afghan War on countries of the Warsaw Pact.
• Psychedelic substances allow people to think more creatively. Discuss the effects of different drugs on the human mind. Examine notable cases and experiments with drug testing.
• The presentation of the American Revolution in movies. Research a few pieces of cinematography about the American Revolution. Analyze their historical accuracy.
• Bipolar disorder essay and Vincent Van Gogh. Analyze activity and medical records of Vincent Van Gogh. Give arguments for/against the aforementioned idea.

• Florentine art history. How did the noble patronage of artists contribute to Florentine art? To prove your perspective, examine several famous art patrons of Florence.

⚙ History of Technology Essay Topics

Technology has been the cornerstone of powerful civilizations that moved the world forward. Advancement of technology is a curious phenomenon. It moved at a faster pace with every century of the last millennium.

Here, we will take a look at thought-provoking topics on the history of technology. Besides, you’ll see a few history essay questions on technology.

• Advancement of farming technology in the Bronze Age.
• Technological advancements of Ancient Rome. Discuss Roman technological inventions. How did they impact the world for many centuries?
• Structure of a Roman road. Explain the structure of a Roman road. Discuss how the road system connected the Empire. Did it help to spread Christianity?
• The history of genetically modified food: corporation profits and risks.
• The history of sanitation in Paris. A tale of revolutionary engineering solutions.
• Evolution of heart surgeries.
• The scientific contribution of Dr. Ivan Pavlov to physiology.
• Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and the history of medieval medicine. Talk about Avicenna’s contribution to medicine. How accurate were his thoughts on it?

• The trebuchet: the deadliest siege weapon of Medieval Europe.
• The history of limb surgery: from pirates to modern medicine.
• Japanese experiments on humans during WWII. Did they provide humanity with valuable data on the human organism?
• Naval technology throughout human history. Research military and civic solutions of naval engineering during various periods. Consider Antiquity, Middle Ages, Age of Discovery, Age of Enlightenment, etc.
• Rapid European scientific advancement of the Age of Enlightenment. Why did the advancement of science and technology in Europe increase in the 18-19th centuries?
• History of blimps: strengths and weaknesses.
• First computers of WWII. Study the first computer systems of WWII. Explain their technical capabilities and flaws.
• How did the new technology make WWI so high with casualties?
• The science of an atomic bomb: a case study.
• How online social media impacted global society in the 2010s?
• How China introduced new types of censorship with the creation of the Internet.
• Compare college education of the XIXth century and modern times.
• The city of Tenochtitlan. The technological marvel of the Aztecs.

🎶 Music History Essay Topics

Music is one of the most effective examples of human genius. People have made music to express their emotions to each other. Thus, the history of music is extensive and rich in detail. Exploring it can be just as fascinating as listening to music.

Below, you’ll find the best ideas on the history of music to talk about:

• Jazz, New Orleans, and the Roaring Twenties: a musical phenomenon. Discuss the genre’s origins and technical aspects.
• The music of the Antiquity of the Mediterranean region. From Egypt and Greece to Rome.
• The use of music in Ancient Rome.

• Techniques a style of Mozart and Beethoven. A critical analysis.
• Studio 54 – a story of disco, glamour, and exclusivity.
• The history of organum and organ music.
• Advancement of music technology in the early XXth century.
• Baroque music and its famous composers. Analyze the technical details behind baroque music. Give examples of its notable composers.
• Music theater as the main source of musical innovation of the late classical era.
• Detailed analysis of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Examine the composer’s final symphony. Explore Beethoven’s health complications during the last years of his life.
• Religion and music: how Christianity employed the vocal skills of monks. Research the history and characteristics of the Gregorian chant.
• The golden era of classical music of the XVIIth-XIXth centuries in Germany and Austria.
• The musical experiments by Andy Warhol.
• The musical instruments of the Renaissance and modern times. What are the similarities and differences?
• Musical instruments and chants of Bronze Age Mesopotamia.
• Bohemian Rhapsody: a musical analysis. Discuss the story behind the creation of Queen’s famous song.
• Lively music and deadly drugs. How did narcotics become a part of the music industry in the 60s and 70s?
• The history of the club culture of New York. Discuss the history of clubs in New York. How did the advocates for gay rights start the new idea of clubbing?
• The emergence of hip-hop and rap in Uptown Brooklyn and the Bronx. Analyze how the new genre started commenting on the reality of streets and black rights.
• The history of Woodstock – America’s most iconic music festival.

👍 Good History Essay Questions

Writing an essay about countries should be divided into European and American theaters. Each region has a history rich in events and personalities.

Below, there are great European and US history essay questions for your paper:

🌄 American History Essay Questions

• How did medics deal with casualties during the US Civil War? Talk about the organization of medical staff on both sides of the war. Analyze the treatment methods applied to wounded soldiers.
• What factors contributed to the victory in the American Revolution?
• US economy and culture of the 1920s. How did it develop?
• How did civil rights develop during the Reconstruction era?

• Why was slavery so popular in the southern states? Analyze the economy of the southern states in America. Explain why slavery has such deep roots there.
• Why did the United States emerge as a superpower after WWII?
• Who were the main benefactors of the US economy in the early 20th century?

🏘 European History Essay Questions

• The Renaissance essay. Why and how did naturalistic beauty become the main element of art?
• What are the key ideas in Robin Briggs’s historical research on witchcraft?
• The Modern European history question. How did the Mafia operate in Italy? Analyze the roots of Italian Mafia, its organizational structure. What were its spheres of influence?
• Which scientific innovations were discovered in the late XIXth and early XXth century Europe?
• Tudor history: what caused the English Reformation?
• How did colonization transform the economies of European empires?
• Which economic and political benefits were introduced at the creation of the European Union? Elaborate on the history of the EU. Analyze its economic and political aspects.

🔥 5 Tips for Writing an Essay in Class

For whatever reason, you need to write an in-class essay. It could be an exam or an ordinary assignment. It doesn’t matter as the goal remains the same. You have to compose a coherent paper in a short amount of time under supervision.

What is the best way to handle working under such pressure? By following our tips:

1. Practice beforehand

Any sort of training makes a person comfortable with the upcoming task. Practice writing an essay so that you memorize the format. Keep in mind how to outline the paper and some useful words for transitions. Even when you’re unfamiliar with the topic, you’ll still know where to begin without thinking.

2. Forget to panic

Students can lose time by bracing themselves. By staring on the blank page with the essay question can help no one. The sooner you start the task, the better. Don’t let your brain panic!

3. Plan before you write

Starting the essay right away may be tempting and promising, but that’s how you make mistakes. Reread and analyze the given question, notice the keywords. Make sure you’re answering what’s asked, not more or less. Come up with a thesis statement and make an outline.

Properly organizing your paper saves your time and reduces stress. It ensures that you addressed every issue. Plus, it shows whether you connected every argument to the thesis statement. Besides, putting topic sentences and transitions in the outline makes them less repetitive in the essay.

4. Keep in mind your writing speed

Remember the first tip? This one comes naturally from practicing. The more you write, the better you understand your pace. Learn how much time you need to complete each part of the essay writing. Try not to exceed the estimated time for an outline, an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

5. Proofread

Writing in a rush, you may forget about your spelling and punctuation. Save some time for rereading your paper thoroughly. Pay attention to logical reasoning and grammar errors. Add sentences if necessary. Your paper may look messy as long as you do so to improve your writing and ensure the perfect flow.

Thank you for taking some time to read this article. We hope that it will help you in your academic studies. If this article proved to be informative to you, leave a comment below. Share it with others who might need some guidance in their studies.

🔗 References

• How To Write a Good History Essay: Robert Pearce for History Today
• Elements of an Effective History Exam Essay: Mark Brilliant, Department of History, Program in American Studies, University of California, Berkeley
• UChicago Supplemental Essay Questions: College Admissions, University of Chicago
• Tips for Writing Essay Exams: Writing Center, University of Washington
• Popular Application Essay Topics: The Princeton Review
• Historiographical Essays: Center for Writing and Speaking, Campbell Hall
• Persuasion Essays: Sheldon Smith for Eapfoundation.com
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100+ Sample Questions With High Scoring Answers

One way to improve your Duolingo English Test score is by taking practice questions and reviewing model answers. Luckily for you, you can now do both of these things at the same time using the cue cards below!

In this article, we have 100+ Duolingo English Test practice questions and high-scoring, model answers for you to study with. You may wish to print these out and fold them over so that the example question is on one side and the model answer is on the other side. Alternatively, you can just answer the question and then scroll down when you have finished to reveal the example response. Either way, with these cue cards you can practice answering Duolingo English Test questions and then directly compare your answer to the model answer.

If you want to get even more practice questions, you can sign up for Arno. We not only give you unlimited practice questions for every question type. We also give you an estimated score, feedback on your grammar and vocabulary, and a high-scoring, rewritten version of your response – instantly! Just click below to create your free account!

Table of Contents

(1-17) "read and complete" questions and answers, (18-34) "read and select" questions and answers, (35-51) "read, then write" questions and answers, (52-68) "write about the photo" questions and answers, (69-85) "interactive reading" questions and answers, (86-102) "writing sample" questions and answers.

👉 As you gain more familiarity with the questions, try using a timer to make sure you are answering the questions within the time limits set by Duolingo.

"Read and Complete" questions appear 4-6 times throughout the test and count towards your Literacy and Comprehension subscores . You are given 3 minutes to fill in all the blanks.

• "Read and Complete" Cue Card #1 🚀

2. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #2 👩‍✈️

3. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #3 🖼️

4.  "Read and Complete" Cue Card #4 🇮🇹

5. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #5 👪

6. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #6 🌊

7. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #7 ⛰️

8. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #8 🖥️

9. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #9 🌌

10. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #10 🏭

11. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #11 🌾

12. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #12 🌎

13. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #13 🐨

14. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #14 ☕

15. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #15📚

16. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #16 ☃️

17. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #17 ❄️

As you can tell, we love emojis here at Arno! 😎🤓🥰

"Read and Select" questions appear 4-6 times on the test, and they also count toward your Literacy and Comprehension subscores. You will have 1 minute to select all the real English words from the list presented.

18. "Read and Select" Cue Card #1

19. "Read and Select" Cue Card #2

20. "Read and Complete" Cue Card #3

21. "Read and Select" Cue Card #4

22. "Read and Select" Cue Card #5

23. "Read and Select" Cue Card #6

24. "Read and Select" Cue Card #7

25. "Read and Select" Cue Card #8

26. "Read and Select" Cue Card #9

27. "Read and Select" Cue Card #10

28. "Read and Select" Cue Card #11

29. "Read and Select" Cue Card #12

30. "Read and Select" Cue Card #13

31. "Read and Select" Cue Card #14

32. "Read and Select" Cue Card #15

33. "Read and Select" Cue Card #16

34. "Read and Select" Cue Card #17

👉Were any of the "real English words" in these lists unfamiliar to you? If so, you may want to make a note of their spelling and definition so you can revisit them later.

"Read, Then Write" questions count towards your Literacy and Production subscores on the Duolingo English test. You will have five minutes to write a short essay or paragraph in response to the prompt provided. While you are only required to write for 3 minutes and 50 words, we recommend using the full five minutes and writing at least 150 words. This question type comes up only once during the test, so let's make it count!

👌Please note, all advanced words scoring 155-160 are bolded.

35. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #1 🧙

While reading books and watching movies are both enjoyable and beneficial in their own right, I prefer reading for several reasons.

Firstly , books often include more intricacies , details, and information than their cinematic counterparts. Consider the Harry Potter series as an example: although the Harry Potter movies are captivating , the directors cut a plethora of subplots to keep the movies concise . As a result, certain aspects of the movies don't fully make sense as viewers lack the explanations and full character development acquired in the written series (i.e. the fate of Gildroy Lockhart).

Another advantage of books is that reading requires utilizing our imagination to fill in the gaps between words. As such, more cognitive skills are being honed when reading books compared to watching a movie which can be psychologically profitable in the long term. The use of imagination also means that more complex and fantastical plot lines can take place in books, as we can imagine literally anything. By comparison, the cinematic universe has physical and monetary constraints.

Lastly , reading a book takes a plethora of hours whereas a movie is usually only two hours. This means that books can keep you occupied for longer, making them more economically valuable.

In conclusion, I prefer reading books and find them more beneficial than watching movies due to their more detailed narratives, cognitive benefits, and long-lasting engagement.

Word Count - 224

☝️ Study smarter, not harder! As "firstly" and "lastly" are both high-scoring words, you may want to start your first and last examples (from the I LAST method ) this way to make sure you are including advanced vocabulary with minimal planning.

36. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #2 💼

While both teamwork and independent work have their advantages and disadvantages, I prefer working collaboratively over working individually for a multitude of reasons.

An advantage of working in a team is that you can leverage the expertise , skills, and knowledge of others. This is particularly beneficial when one is lacking proficiency in a specific area. For example, in a publishing company writers often work alongside editors because whilst writers likely excel in content creation, they may lack the grammatical finesse and training that editorial staff have, and vice versa. Another advantage of working in a team is that colleagues may notice an error in your work that you have overlooked. In the content of publishing , this might be a punctuation error or grammatical rule that the author is unaware of.

It's true that, when working independently, distractions from others are mitigated because you do not have to ensure everyone reaches consensus on an issue, unlike in a team setting. However, this benefit does not compensate for the increased workload when you are the sole employee. When just one person handles a project, all the work is done by one person resulting in a slower completion rate and an elevated risk of burnout.

Therefore, while there are pros and cons to both methods, working in a team is preferable because it means that the skills and insights of others can be incorporated and the burden of the workload is shared.

Word count - 239

37. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #3 🛍️

Personally, I favor in-store shopping over online shopping, but there are several advantages and disadvantages to both that are worth considering.

One considerable benefit of in-store shopping is the ability for consumers to physically examine the product. This means shoppers can better ascertain the fit and quality of items like clothes and furniture. However, in-store shopping is of limited convenience because stores often have restricted hours and are closed on national holidays; comparatively, online shopping is available around the clock!

In the same vein, online shoppers can make purchases from the comfort of their homes, with packages delivered right to their doorsteps . Subsequently, online shopping is far less time-consuming and effortful -  a tremendous bonus for busy individuals. However, it's worth noting that because packages are constantly being delivered to customers' doorsteps , the environmental impact of online shopping is egregious . Not only do the packages have to be shipped to consumers via an amalgamation of fossil-fueled transportation methods but they also have to be packaged in a way that they won't break during transit leading to increased usage of plastic-heavy containers and other shipping materials.

In conclusion, while online shopping is indisputably more convenient, its environmental impact alongside the inability to assess an item's quality/fit digitally means that I will remain partial to in-store shopping at least until online stores significantly ameliorate their carbon footprint.

Word count - 222

38. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #4 🇩🇪

International travel is replete with benefits including but not limited to, personal growth, heightened language proficiency , and a broader worldview.

Partaking in overseas excursions usually requires stepping outside of one's comfort zone. Consequently, sojourners typically undergo substantial personal development. This is because challenging oneself is the most effective way to gain self-insight, and travelers are bound to encounter numerous challenges along the way! I personally experienced this on a solo trip to Berlin. Initially, I was nervous about traveling alone for the first time, but being alone in a new country and city helped me gain independence and a more lucid understanding of where my interests lay now that others' preferences weren't part of the equation. Moreover , becoming lost in new territory -- whilst uncomfortable -- taught me vital navigation and self-advocacy skills.

The second advantage to a voyage abroad is that there is nothing more immersive than being in a country where the native language is the one you are learning. While in Berlin, I found that my German improved much quicker than it ever had in the classroom.

The final reason is that through traveling somewhere new one acquires a more global perspective through exposure to diverse viewpoints and unique experiences. Although I was familar with World War Two history from an American standpoint, in Berlin I was able to visit monuments, memorials, and museums, thereby developing a more comprehensive historical understanding, particularly of how post-war Germany influenced the modern world.

Whilst these are not all the benefits of studying abroad, one should remember the strides in personal development, language, and globalized knowledge, that they will likely make when contemplating international travel.

Word count - 271

39. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #5 🤓

There are significant costs and benefits to both digital and face-to-face communication. However, in my personal view, the advantages of cybernetic contact outweigh the costs.

Digital correspondence is far more convenient than face-to-face interactions. To meet face-to-face, one has to travel, and this is nearly impossible if the other party is located far away or in a different country. The world is growing ever more globalized, and digital communication serves as both a catalyst and an ancillary to this trend. It is the quickest , easiest way for those who live away from their families, friends, and colleagues to nourish their pre-existing relationships and form new ones.

It's true that face-to-face communication makes it easier to read non-verbal and paraverbal cues. Perceiving tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions can be imperative to prevent the miscommunications that frequently occur in digital communications, such as text. However, astute individuals can quickly learn how to express themselves clearly in the digital realm or utilize video chat features.

Further, face-to-face interaction has a severe disadvantage: it can be distracting in some contexts and environments. Since many jobs transitioned to remote work post- pandemic , there is less distracting face-to-face conversation in the workplace, meaning that work can be completed more efficiently. Texts, emails, or chat pop-ups in the workplace can convey messages just as clearly, but don't require immediate response. As such, if one gets a digital message at work, they can prioritize finishing their current task before responding, a luxury that is practically impossible in face-to-face settings .

For these reasons and more, I prefer digital communication; not only is it more convenient and less distracting, but it also contributes to creating a more well-connected world.

Word count - 280

40. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #6 🛀

A career demands long hours of concentration, including the time spent commuting to the workplace. Certain positions also involve a level of emotional labor, such as addressing individuals' concerns in a customer service or healthcare roles. On the other hand, maintaining a home, spending time with loved ones, and finding time to relax after long hours of work can also be challenging. This can be particularly difficult for working mothers who are often unfairly expected to work as many hours as their spouses, whilst also fully managing the domestic sphere.

One main strategy to maintain a good work-life balance is to prioritize certain responsibilities. If there is an essential task that needs to be done at work or home, one should focus on completing that above all else. Smaller, less time-sensitive tasks should be given less priority or delegated to a colleague/spouse.

Another strategy is to schedule recreational time where a person can fully rest. If someone struggles to relax, they might consider turning off distractions, such as work phones,  so they can focus on spending time outside of work doing things that they can enjoy or engaging in self-care. This helps to alleviate any stress caused by overwork and prevent burn-out.

Reducing commute time or working remotely may also help to relieve stress by increasing the amount of time that one is able to spend on other activities outside of a work environment.

In conclusion, maintaining a work-life balance can be difficult due to the numerous responsibilities involved in maintaining both aspects of one's life, but one can achieve a better balance via prioritization, scheduled relaxation time, and reducing commute time.  

Word count - 270

41. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #7 👨‍🎓

Choosing a career path can be one of the most daunting choices of one's life because the majority of people spend a good proportion of their lives in the workplace . In order to make this important decision, one should consider three major factors: their values, their interests, and their strengths.

Discovering and identifying one's values is vital when selecting a career path; having a career that is meaningful to you and makes an impact in an area you are passionate about will provide you with a sense of purpose and  keep you determined for years to come. For instance, I am extremely passionate about health care and aim to make a difference in this field, as such I have dedicated my career to it.

Secondly , your interests should be imperative to your career selection. If you enjoy the work tasks you undertake and the topics fascinate you, you are far more likely to enjoy your job.  This is because its human nature to enter a state of "flow" when working on something you are wholly focused on. This is when we are most at peace and at our most creative. To achieve flow and be compensated for it should be the highest aspiration in a career search.

Finally, picking a job that sings to your strengths is crucial when picking a career. For example, someone might be extremely passionate about the way that art impacts their community and they may find "flow" when creating art, but if they aren't proficient in any art medium then they are unlikely to succeed in the field; it will be an uphill battle and they'd be best to improve their skills first at the very least.

In conclusion, when picking a career it's important to be discerning and engage in some honest self-discovery work. Specifically, one should ask themselves: what are my strengths, what are my values, and where do my interests lie?

Word count - 315

42. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #8 🏫

There are several advantages and disadvantages to online and traditional education, but I personally prefer in-person classes because they foster networking and allow for hands-on learning.

Traditional classroom learning makes interactions with peers and professors seemless. When able to interact instantaneously with individuals in the class, they are bound to get to know you better and quicker. This can be a great way for students to make friends, which studies have shown is crucial in preventing drop-out.  The direct interaction provided by in-person classes also opens students up to extracurricular opportunities from professors, not to mention immediate feedback and help with challenging topics.

While an in-person education tends to be more costly, and online classrooms often provide the opportunity to complete tasks on your own time (freeing up the opportunity for low-income students to work, for example), there is one major cost of online classrooms that cannot be ignored...

When one is taught online they miss out on hands-on learning, such as laboratory classes for science majors or art studio work for art majors. This means that students may be deprived of the potential to utilize a campus' resources and gain experience that is applicable and translatable to the workplace . These experiences make someone stand out from the crowd as job candidates post-graduation.

As such, I recommend in-person classes if one can afford to attend, but online classes are still a great opportunity for those who cannot. One should deeply consider the pros and cons of each learning environment listed before choosing one or the other.

Word count - 252

43. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #9 💻

Working remotely has its advantages and disadvantages, but overall, I favor working from home for several reasons.

Firstly , working from home eliminates the need for commuting to the workplace, saving significant time and money otherwise spent on transportation.

Secondly , working from home promotes a better work-life equilibrium. When working from home, it's possible to do domestic tasks  simultaneously, for example, putting clothes in the washing machine prior to a long meeting. Subsequently, more time can be spent outside of work hours relaxing with family/friends and/or on recreational activities. Being able to spend more time on rest and recreation is undeniably beneficial preventing burn out and fostering a healthier lifestyle.

However, there are certain drawbacks to working remotely that should be considered. It can be challenging to maintain a work-life balance when working from home because your home is essentially your office and vice versa. Some people can find it tempting, for example, to check their work phone or email during their free time leading to blurred boundaries and half-hearted committment to both work and home life. Furthermore , one certainly misses out on the networking opportunities and social aspects of working in-person when remote. However, a highly determined individual is still able to network and socialize in their own time outside of the work sphere... indeed, as a remote worker they have more time for it!

As such, in my mind the pros of working remotely outweigh the cons. Before taking a remote job, however, you should consider your ability to create boundaries between work and home life and whether you are motivated enough to create connections outside of work.

Word count - 266

44. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #10 🏙️

Life in a small town is considerably more cost-effective than city life. The rent for minuscule apartments in many cities across the world is extortionate , whereas in a small town you can get a decadent home for a fraction of the cost. As such, many people looking to start a family will lean towards a more bucolic or suburban lifestyle. Despite this, I am still partial to living in a large metropolitan area for several reasons.

Small towns often have fewer career and recreational opportunities. By comparison, in a large city the opportunities are endless: there are a plethora of activities one can choose from on the weekend and a multitude of work experiences available because cities tend to have more people and more resources. An astute young professional can certainly use these opportunities to their advantage.

However, living in a big city isn't all sunshine and rainbows -- becoming cosmopolitan comes with a cost. The crime rates in large cities compared to small towns are exorbitant . Further, there is less of a neighbourly feel to big cities, meaning that one is less likely to be able to depend on their fellow city dwellers to mitigate a crisis.

As such, moving to the city is a great opportunity to broaden networks and horizons, particularly for young, unmarried individuals, but relocators must be prepared to spend much more money on rent and acquire some safety tools and street smarts before the move.

45. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #11 🤾‍♀️

Incorporating regular physical exercise into your routine bolsters your sleep hygiene, mental health, and physical health. There are numerous  ways to engage in physical activity, from choosing to walk rather than drive to work or school, partaking in recreational sports with friends, or working out at home or in a gym.

One of the most underestimated benefits of physical exercise is the way it remediates sleep quality. Exercising before bed promotes a faster sleep onset and deeper REM sleep. This is because exercise triggers the release of endorphins in the brain, reducing our stress levels, and better equipping us for a good night's rest. One way someone might try to reap these benefits is by going to the gym and/or working out from home an hour or so before bedtime.

Another valuable benefit of exercise is its influence on mental health. As previously mentioned, the endorphins released during exercise help to demote stress and anxiety. Exercise can also be a great way to make or sustain friendships and bolster one's self-esteem. To gain these social benefits consider joining a sports team or participating in a sports-related activity with a friend.

Finally, exercise also enhances our physical health. Correlational studies show that just twenty minutes of exercise a day can prevent the evolution of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Exercise can also placate pernicious symptoms of pre-existing disorders such as arthritis, depression, endometriosis, and fibromyalgia. As such, if you wish to ameliorate a condition or prevent the development of one, you might try to incorporate exercise in your daily life by simply opting for a brisk walk to work, school, or the supermarket as opposed to driving.

In conclusion, physical exercise has monumental benefits and can be incorporated into one's lifestyle in plenty of ways, to suit the individual.

Word count - 297

46. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #12 🧶

Whilst I am a dilettante in the area, crocheting has already significantly enriched my life by becoming a source of stress relief and social interaction. Crocheting has also taught me valuable skills, notably patience and creativity .

Crocheting is a form of needlework that involves looping yarn with a hook to create textile pieces. It is so intricate and time-consuming that there is no man-made machine that can replicate its work unlike other garment-making techniques such as knitting.

As the patterns are so convoluted , it requires endless patience to master. However, once mastered the creative opportunities are limitless , which is the main reason I enjoy it. Dealing with complex stitches also demands such high attention to detail that it focuses the mind and alleviates the stress of any bad day -- it is almost meditative !

Another aspect of crocheting that I enjoy and benefit from is the community surrounding it. Like any art form, there are lots of people on social media and in person who are eager to teach you new techniques and share their creations. Finding fellow crocheters always provides an instant bonding opportunity in my experience.

Subsequently, I recommend crocheting to anyone who wishes to develop their creativity skills, patience, and social network or simply reduce their stress levels. If that isn't enough to convince you - the unique, handmade items you can craft (exactly to your tastes) most definitely will!

Word count - 229

47. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #13 🏆

Learning from failure can be even more valuable than learning from  success because it helps us to identify our weaknesses and adapt accordingly, build resilience and motivation, and develop empathy and humility toward others.

When we fail, we are presented with an opportunity for self-discovery; to examine what went wrong, how it went wrong, and why. Subsequently, self-exploration in the face of failure often leads us to target our flaws and prevent the recurrence of mistakes. For example, if someone were to take the Duolingo English Test and score lower than desired, this can be a great chance to identify and improve their skills in lower-scoring areas.

Failure also promotes resilience and motivation; when we fail we want to prove to ourselves that we can do better. As a result, we often become more driven to succeed. The author, Stephen King, is a paragon of self-determination. He, and many other authors, were rejected numerous times before a publisher accepted their work, but they responded to these failures with a more dogged drive. He is now exalted globally as the "King of Horror".

Finally, failure can make us more empathetic and humble. When we fail and overcome failure, we can better understand the failures of others and guide them towards their best selves. Some of the best leaders in the world are those that tried and failed before they succeeded; this is because they  use their experiences to relate to the people they supervise. By contrast, some of the worst bosses and leaders are those that demand perfection -- they will never be satisfied because it cannot be achieved, and their workers are more likely to seek superior mentorship elsewhere.

In conclusion, when you fail, try to see it as an opportunity to improve your skills, motivate yourself, and display empathy towards the shortcomings of others.

Word count - 197

48. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #14📱

The rapid advancement in technology development and social media utilization has revolutionized human communication. A significant proportion of interactions now occur in the digital sphere, necessitating thorough examination of the positive and negative effects of social media on relationships.

Social media has nourished some relationships that would have otherwise withered. For instance, I have observed that social media is a tremendous ancillary for international students, enabling them to easily maintain communications with loved ones in their native countries in a way that wasn't achievable before social media.

Moreover , social media has transformed the job-seeking market. It is now considerably easier to broaden one's professional networks, via LinkedIn. This can be a game- changer when seeking employment because connections with potential employers can be established quickly and from anywhere in the world.

However, social media has led to decreased productivity and lost time. Like most young people, I find that a significant amount of time is squandered on fruitless social media browsing , time that would be much better spent fostering in-person interpersonal relationships.

Further, social media interactions are rife with misinformation . Anyone can share anything online, leading to non-experts perpetuating harmful inaccuracies both unknowingly and maliciously with the intent to misguide and prey on the vulnerable. Consequently, relationships can form or develop based on distorted judgment .

In conclusion, one should certainly leverage the benefits of social media interactions, such as global connectivity for leisure and business relationships, while remaining savvy to productivity loss and misinformation.

49. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #15 🌎

Technology has catalyzed globalization, and vice versa. While globalization has its advantages and disadvantages, I firmly believe its benefits surpass its detriments .

Firstly , globalization has facilitated the effortless exchange of ideas, technology, and research. When ideas can be shared in this way, it prevents repeating work that has already been done and instead directs efforts to novelty. Building upon the work of scientists and engineers globally has led to innovation and progress at unprecedented rates; this was evident in the swift, favorable development and dissemination of the COVID-19 vaccine.

However, COVID-19 and other pandemics would arguably not have occurred without globalization: when citizens are traveling between countries, diseases can spread rapidly without constraint. We will likely be untangling the repercussions of COVID-19 for decades to come.

A common argument against globalization is that it leads to culture loss. Proponents of this viewpoint argue that as people become "citizens of the world," the countries they visit become enmeshed with their native culture, as the "citizen" become enmeshed with their new culture in a synergy . As such, the concern is that each country then becomes homogenous leaving rich tapestries of culture to expire.

Whilst this might have some truth, I believe that exposure to different cultures and lifestyles propelled by globalization mostly leads to a greater understanding of the world alongside cultural sensitivity and awareness. Consequently, despite the potential for diseases  spread and culture loss,  the benefits of globalization outweigh the negatives.

Word count - 236

50. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #16 👬🏽

"Friends are the family you chose" is a platitude that resonates with many people. Friendships not only provide us with enjoyable memories but also impact our personal growth and well-being in countless ways.

Medical studies have demonstrated that  loneliness is a killer. Hand-in-hand with this, evidence suggests that having a durable friendship network extends our lifespan and provides a buffer against mental health disorders and symptoms. This is in part because friendships reduce our stress  and cortisol levels and actually, neurobiologically, provide us with a boost of helpful hormones like oxytocin . So, the next time your mom tells you to do your homework instead of going to the movies, remind her that hanging out with friends is good for you!

In the same vein, friends can provide us with emotional and practical support in strenuous situations. When someone is undergoing a stressful life event, such as bereavement , a friend can provide a listening ear or help you navigate the crisis. Upon recognizing that a friend is in distress, a good friend will remind the person to engage in self-care and healthy habits and steer them away from bad choices – invaluable assistance. A friend is uniquely prepared for this given that most people share things with friends that they wouldn't with family, colleagues etc.

In terms of personal growth, friends can introduce us to new ideas, hobbies, and cultures. In getting to know a new friend, we often explore their interests and point of view, leading us to have a more comprehensive understanding of what we do and don't enjoy and believe in. As such, friendships can be the catalyst for broadening one's endeavors and mindset .

Finally, particularly in younger years, making and maintaining friendships can serve as a helpful model for future relationships. For example, a simple disagreement on the playground can be immensely beneficial for developing life-long social skills such as conflict resolution, theory of mind, and cooperation.

In conclusion, friends are indeed the family we choose and are key to our development and learning from youth right through to adulthood .

Word count - 339

51. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #17 🐱

One significantly overlooked environmental issue that concerns me is the problem of free-roaming, domesticated cats. Not only does letting pet cats outdoors heighten their risk of injury and premature mortality, but it also severely damages the environment in three ways.

Firstly , it's no secret that domesticated cats have a natural instinct to chase prey, but you might not know that in recent years this has led to a drastic reduction in local wildlife , including already endangered birds. Such predatory behaviors are unnecessary and threaten entire ecosystems -- a highly avoidable problem given that we can instead give our furry companions all they need at home with cat toys and food.

Allowing cats to roam free, without neutering them, has culminated in an   overpopulation of felines - a majority of which are homeless. Not neutering cats is highly unethical given that most shelters are already overrun with unclaimed pets and sometimes euthanize perfectly healthy animals to make space. In turn, heightened consumption of the resources needed to power busy shelters contributes to carbon emissions. Consider this a reminder to adopt your next fluffy compatriot from a shelter rather than breeders and to neuter your cats (however much they sulk afterwards)!

Finally, when cats are free-roaming, they defecate anywhere and everywhere. Improper disposal of pet waste has been shown to lead to water contamination issues, which can cause a plethora of diseases and even death for the humans and animals who consume and rely on it as a water source.

In conclusion, it's highly recommended to keep your beloved cats safely inside. Your cat, the environment, and the little bird your cat chitters at every morning at 5 a.m. will thank you.

Word count - 276

"Write about the photo" questions require writing a description of the picture in response to the image on the screen in 1 minute. These questions count towards your Literacy and Production subscores and come up three times on the test. As a reminder, you should always try to write more than one sentence in response.

52. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #1 🐕

The woman appears to be walking her pet dog, and both parties seem to be gazing into the distance. Because there is a boat behind the woman and dog, it is likely that they are at a harbor, surveying a body of water. The dog has a fluorescent orange collar, thick grey fur, and a long snout . The woman has short, brown hair; a canary yellow raincoat ; and wears a stoic expression. The sky is light grey, suggesting that it is a cold, rainy morning.

Word count - 85

53. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #2 ☀️

A smiling young woman poses for the photograph, with her arms outstretched, seemingly emphasizing the natural beauty of her surroundings . She sits cross- legged on a wooden boat sailing down a river. Given the camera around her neck, we can infer that she is sightseeing , perhaps on a vacation. Her shorts, the sunshine, and rich foliage indicate that it is a summer day, or perhaps that she is in a country with a hot climate.

Word count - 74

54. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #3 🙏🏼

Two Buddhist monks, adorned in traditional orange and yellow robes and sandals , appear to be meandering through a park. Their tanquil demeanor suggests they are in no rush to get to their destination; perhaps they are leisurely making their way back to their monastery. They appear to be engaged in conversation because the monk on the right has his head turned towards the other, indicating that he is listening carefully.  As it is bright outside, and the leaves on the trees are green, it is likely a spring or summer morning.

Word count - 91

55. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #4 💼

A man resplendent in a black suit and tie scrutinizes the time on his wristwatch . His formal clothing and briefcase suggest that he is a businessman en route to work and his concerned expression suggests that he is running late - probably due to the tardiness of the train pulling in behind him! The tightly grasped coffee, abundance of natural light, and sunglasses all signify that it is morning; despite the light, the wizened leafless trees reveal that the season is winter.

Word count - 80

56. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #5 🎃

A young child is sprinting frenetically through a park or forest. The leaves on the ground and trees are ablaze with vibrant orange, suggesting that it's autumn -- the fading light indicates that dusk is swiftly approaching. Her open mouth,  urgent pace, and the absence of others denote a sense of eerie doom -- perhaps she is running away from a malevolent prescence or towards assistance.

Word count - 64

57. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #6 🍷

A woman beams as she delicately adds a block to a precarious Jenga tower. There is a leg in the periphery of the frame, hinting that she is unwinding with a loved one, perhaps her spouse. Both individuals are dressed in comfy attire, perhaps pyjamas , and there is wine on the table, and cozy lamps light the room -- it is likely a laxadaisical Saturday night in. It's possible they are revelling in each others' company and completing the puzzle in order to recover from a hectic work week.

Word count - 88

58. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #7 🐈

A young man is inquisitively surveying a greenhouse or botanical store with a fluffy kitten perched on his shoulder. The natural light streaming through the windows implies it is morning. As the young man contemplates his next purchase or decides the plant needs his nourishment next , he remains oblivious to the kitten's intentions! The adorable feline is curiously scrutinizing a nearby object just outside of the frame. Perhaps it is contemplating an audacious leap from his companion's shoulder, ready to wreak charming, but mischievous havoc on some greenery .

Word count - 88 words

59. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #8 ✈️

A young woman and a skydiving instructor look up to the camera during their descent to document the experience. They are both smiling indicating that they are enjoying the experience, this is corroborated by the woman's "thumbs-up" gesture. The ground below them is rich green, indicating that they will be landing somewhere pastoral and bucolic .

Word count - 55

60. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #9 🐶

A woman and her canine companion sit in a cozy, yellow armchair . The woman is casually perusing a magazine and the dog is looking directly at the camera - he has his mouth wide open and ears pricked suggesting he is enthused by the photographer. Because the woman and dog are intimately sharing the seat and in such close proximity we can infer they are tremendous companions to each other. The sunshine peeking through, informal attire, and bare feet indicate the woman and dog are in their home.

Word count - 87

61. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #10 🏄‍♂️

A person is surfing a gargantuan wave at sunset. They are most likely riding ocean waves, given the turquoise hue and vast expanse of water in the distance. The person looks extremely focused, and their firm stance suggests they are an expert at the sport -- they might be at the beach to master or hone their skills further.

Word count - 58

62. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #11 🕒

A professionally dressed woman gently massages her forehead and temples, her elbows resting on the table, likely located in a board room. She is encircled by paperwork, her countenance stern and stressed, despite the massaging; it's as if she is trying to remain composed. Besides her are two men clad in impeccable black suits, presumably her colleagues. It is implied that the woman is overburdened by work and the requests being made either side of her.

Word count - 76

63. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #12 👧🏿

The image depicts two young girls communicating through a makeshift tin can telephone. The girl on the left is whispering into the cup while her companion is listening intently; given their solemn expressions and covert communication methods, perhaps they are exchanging secrets. Both girls are reclining on the grass denoting their intimate but casual relationship. The fact that they are outside and wearing sleeveless shirts suggests it is a spring or summer afternoon.

Word count - 73

64. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #13 🧘🏽

The photo displays what looks to be the commencement of a yoga class. The two prominent women in the frame are looking ahead, perhaps towards an instructor, and listening actively. They have unwavering focus as if they are trying to absorb the instructor's every word so they can replicate the instructor's poses later. The clean hardwood floors, gym attire, and yoga mats suggest that this is taking place in an upscale studio during daylight hours.

Word count - 75

65. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #14 🦷

A man and a woman are standing and brushing their teeth. Their intimate proximity, casual pajamas, and the private, pedestrian act they are performing imply they are a  cohabitating or married couple. Given that the scene is a reflection in a mirror illuminated by overhead light we can glean that they are in the bathroom at their shared home and that they are preparing for slumber as part of their nighttime regimen .

Word count - 72

66. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #15 🐎

A young woman is feeding a horse from her hands amidst the woodland. She dons sturdy cowboy boots, indicating her awareness of appropriate attire and footwear for equestrian pursuits. The horse radiates tranquility , as does his counterpart, implying they have a pre-established,  comfortable relationship. Sunlight filters through the trees and the woman wears a gossamer pink dress suggesting that it is a refreshing spring or summer morning.

Word count - 67

67. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #16 😴

A woman lays with her eyes shut in her bed. She is quite pallid hinting that she might be sick or melancholic . This is corroborated by the amount of natural light in the room, suggesting she is slumbering although it is day time. As her head is resting on her arm, it is possible she may be awake and just shutting her eyes to rest. The bedsheets, pillows, and her pyjamas are all pristine white showing that she meticulously takes care of her home.

Word count - 84

68. "Read, Then Write" Cue Card #17 ⛰️

A young man stands stoically atop a rock on a mountainside , seemingly enamored by the view. He holds a camera, suggesting that he was previously taking photos but is now stepping back to seep in Mother Nature's majesty. The mountain is dusted with snow and he is wearing a knitted hat, suggesting the mountain is in a place with a polar climate. He appears small and alone in the vast expanse , highlighting that this has been no small feat for him, but that he is determined to continue his voyage.

Word count - 90

"Interactive Reading" questions form part of your Literacy and Comprehension subscores. There are two sets of "Interactive Reading" questions, and each set has six questions. As you have two sets of questions and 7-8 minutes to complete them, you should aim to spend approximately 1 minute on each question.

69. "Interactive Reading" Cue Card #1

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84. "Interactive Reading" Cue Card #16

85. "Interactive Reading" Cue Card #17

"Writing Sample" questions only come up once on the Duolingo English Test and add to the Literacy and Production subscores. These questions ask you to construct a short essay in response to the prompt. While only 50 words and writing for at least three minutes are required to answer the question, we recommend that you use the full five minutes and write at least 150 words to get a high-scoring response.

86. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #1

The geography of the United States exerts a profound influence on its people and culture in many ways. Specifically, the fact that it is close to other countries, has a variety of landscapes, and contributes significiantly to global warming has shaped American culture.

Firstly , the USA’s immense size situates it in close proximity to a multitude of other countries. Consequently, the USA houses immigrants and expatriates from across the world and is frequently described as a “melting pot” of diverse cultures. For instance, the USA’s adjacency to Mexico has led to the incorporation of elements of Mexican culture in American culture: particularly Mexican cuisine and the Spanish language, in the states that border Mexico.

Secondly , the sheer size of the United States means it encompasses a wide variety of terrains and climates, which in turn forge a plethora of lifestyles. Alaska, for example, has polar climates, is geographically isolated from the continental US, and is surrounded by oceans and seas. As such, Alaskans are heavily involved in the fishing and tourism industry and lead a relatively subsistence lifestyle. This lifestyle contrasts drastically with the lifestyle in Nevada, which can be characterized by water conservation efforts, outdoor activities, and desert-themed arts and events – the result of its unique environment and scorching climate.

Lastly, in part due to the United States’ monumental size, it is one of the most significant contributors to global warming. The pernicious effects of climate change have led to floods, droughts, and forest fires in the USA, which substantially degrade its people’s quality of life and housing. Contributions to global warming have also bolstered the amount of research, funds, and studies dedicated towards protecting the earth. Arguably , global warming has also precipitated a culture of political division between citizens who are staunch supporters of policies reducing carbon emissions and those who gainsay them.

👉 You can see a breakdown of why this response scored as highly as it did on our blog .

87. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #2

Safeguarding the environment should be a priority for everyone. The importance of environment protection cannot be overstated because the depletion and pollution of our natural resources are already leading to disastrous effects on our climate, resulting in natural disasters that affect all of Earth's inhabitants.

One highly effective strategy to conserve natural resources and reduce waste is by taking short showers instead of lengthier ones or baths. Water is a finite resource, and by curbing the amount we use for personal hygiene, we take an important step towards a greener , more sustainable planet.

An equally vital strategy for waste reduction is to degrade or eliminate our meat consumption. The meat industry’s breeding practices are not only highly detrimental to animals but also pose significant environmental hazards. Too many people remain unaware of the CO2 emitted from cattle defecation , but the overpopulation of cattle for meat production has a lot to answer for regarding the depletion of the ozone layer.

Lastly , we can reduce waste and conserve resources by becoming mindful consumers, buying only what we need and using products entirely or attempting to repair them before purchasing another. Recycling materials when they are fully used also allows them to be repurposed into other objects.

The catastrophic effects of human life on Earth are growing more urgent by the day and will soon be irreversible ; it’s everyone’s responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint to ensure our Earth is inhabitable for the generations to come. As stated, a good start to individually reduce our waste and conserve resources is by taking shorter showers, reducing meat intake, and reevaluating purchasing and disposal habits.

88. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #3

Education not only opens opportunities that would otherwise be closed, but it also broadens one's mindset and understanding of the world around them.

The higher education system in the United States is typically governed by a liberal arts philosophy, the idea that one should explore multiple subjects in addition to their primary area of study. I appreciate this educational philosophy because the academic disciplines doesn’t just appear in a vacuum, they are highly interlinked. Learning in a way that appreciates the connection between subjects has been important for me for integrate and connect some of my more disparate interests and skills - allowing me to thrive in both areas without having to sacrifice one.

Education in the USA is extremely expensive, particularly high-quality tertiary education. This concerns me because everyone is deserving of an education, and education is often the only pathway out of poverty. Achieving a scholarship to study changed my life, giving me opportunities, networks, and knowledge that I wouldn't have otherwise gained.

Finally, the education system in the U.S. highly encourages and values extracurricular activities and sports which isn't the case in many other countries. I feel that this is a great mindset to have, because then admissions committees look at the "whole" person comprehensively , not just their scores on a test. Further, extracurriculars certainly foster social skills and skills that can be applied in the workplace , which is a great way to equip students for real-world scenarios and their future careers. I certainly found that my extra-curriculars helped to shape the social, leadership, and practical skills I needed in my line of work.

As such, education is important to me because it provides opportunities, helps to prepare me for the workplace and pursue multidisciplinary studies -- although the US education system isn't without its pitfalls .

89. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #4

Bike-sharing programs have recently been introduced to cities across the globe. Overall, I think they are a positive addition to urban life considering their low carbon emissions, inexpensive prices, and ability to elevate their users' health.

One benefit of bike-sharing programs in cities is that it is far better for the environment. Bikes, unlike cars and trains, do not require fossil fuels to run. As such, when citizens utilize shared bikes this can reduce the negative environmental impact that often comes with urban settings . In turn, bikers will also save more money than they would have using a car or public transport for their commutes .

Another benefit of bike-sharing programs is that it encourages exercise and healthy habits. Having easy access to a bike is likely to make a lot of city- dwellers engage in physical activity, helping citizens to improve their mental and physical wellbeing and potentially extend their lifespan .

A drawback of bike-sharing programs is that they may lead to more biking accidents. The more bikers on the road in a busy metropolis, the more opportunities for dangerous collisions with motor vehicles. In turn, pedestrians are also more likely to get hit by a bike if there are more of them available. As such, the city must ensure it creates plenty of bike lanes if they are implementing a bike-sharing program.

In conclusion, I believe that bike-sharing programs are a positive addition to urban life helping its inhabitants exercise more, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint. However, it's important to remember to bike safely and responsibly .

90. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #5

Team sports are advantageous because they are highly social. When young children engage in team sports, they will likely learn how to cooperate and work with others in ways that they wouldn't have from individual sports. Team sports are also a fantastic way to make friends and acquire social skills. Being on a team for your sport of choice is also extremely motivating because you have others who simultaneously rely on and inspire you. By contrast, in individual sports, all motivation must come from within. If you want to remain a valued member of the team becoming lax is not an option!

However, a favorable aspect of individual sports, and why I personally prefer it, is that you can train for competitions based on your own schedule and needs. In this way, sports can fit into your lifestyle more seamlessly and practice can be tailored to your own areas of weakness. In a team, everyone's needs have to be balanced. In individual sports, your training needs and goals are the only priority.

Individual sports also require self-reliance and mental resilience . When you can't rely on others to "carry" the team, then you end up working even harder and taking on failures more personally. This can make a person mentally tougher and more intrinsically motivated, which we know from sport psychology research makes it more likely they will succeed in their endeavors.

As such, while team sports are inherently more social and motivating, individual sports foster mental toughness and training can be tailored to the individual's preferences, needs, and schedules. Therefore, I would choose partaking in an individual sport over a team sport any day.

91. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #6

Music provides a distraction from the hustle and noise of everyday life. Whether I am working at my job, working out at the gym, traveling, or just relaxing, I always have my headphones in so that I can listen to my favorite music. Music has a big influence on me and my emotions in these moments, making duller moments more interesting. Part of the reason one of my favorite music genres is hair metal is because it is very lively and fast-paced, thus it can get my adrenaline pumping in otherwise mundane instances.

Music can also provide a bonding moment between friends, family, and acquaintances. Some of my favorite hair metal bands were introduced to me by my father. Overlaps in our music taste have become shared interest between us and we connect over it frequently. It also often encourages my dad to share memories and stories from when he was young and listening to these bands, which can be interesting and enjoyable for me to hear.

Finally, music can be matched to your emotions and a great way to mitigate negative feelings. If I am stressed due to an incoming deadline at work, I can put on relaxing music to balance out the stress I feel at work. If I am lifting weights, I can listen to energetic music so that I am motivated to lift more. Music can influence the way a person feels in a particular moment and balance out any negative emotions they may be feeling with positive ones.

92. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #7

Volunteering is a great way to gift one's time in order to help those less fortunate than them. Though volunteering contributes to helping other people, it also helps build character for the person who is volunteering their time. One of the main benefits of volunteering is to cultivate empathy . By volunteering one's time, one can learn of the many different obstacles that people suffer in their lifetimes that the volunteer may have not had to overcome in theirs. Meeting people who battle hunger, homelessness, or other financial hardships allows the volunteers to put themselves in the metaphorical footsteps of those in need.

Another benefit of volunteering that helps the volunteer grow is learning a strong work ethic. Working a full day at a young age in order to help others can teach young people responsibility before they enter the workforce . It is important to learn these skills and serving others who need the help is a great way to understand the importance and payoff of one's hard work. I volunteered to build homes in Kentucky when I was in high school. Meeting the people of an area where I was not from allowed me to empathize with people in hard situations as well as learn to work long hours towards a common goal.

Finally, and most importantly, volunteering has the power to transform the lives of the people in the community. By providing people less fortunate with your resources – be it time, money, energy or all three – you can make an invaluable difference.

93. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #8

There are a plethora of advantages and disadvantages to the popularization of social media platforms. Firstly , because most users only post images or videos themselves on their best days this has led to a society that constantly compares itself to perfection. Particularly for young women, who are subject to unattainable beauty standards, this can be extremely detrimental to one’s self-esteem. Indeed, it has been shown that social media usage can exacerbate various mental health disorders.

Another negative aspect of social media is that it reduces our attention span. Because we have a plethora of content now at our fingertips -- often emotionally salient media -- we have become somewhat addicted to mindless scrolling. Not only does this waste time, but as with any addiction, it makes it harder to go without one's phone for a significant portion of time. This has affected me personally because I found that, before becoming mindful of my social media usage, I spent any spare time I had scrolling on my phone particularly when I doing mundane tasks like waiting for a bus.

However, social media does allow individuals to find and join communities of like-minded individuals, supporting niche interests and hobbies. For example, there are plenty of accounts willing to support new dilettantes in learning arts and crafts skills and those users can provide a lot of support burgeoning artists -- I have benefitted from this first hand.

Another positive of social media is that it has been pivotal in raising awareness about various social, political, and environmental issues.  Without social media, movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo might not have made such significant traction so quickly. It's a great way to not only educate people on these matters but reach a lot of people with the potential for action all at once.

In summary, social media can be a great tool for learning a new skill or rallying support for a benevolent cause -- however, users should remain diligent of how it impacts their mental and cognitive health. If you find yourself comparing yourself to someone else on social media or turning to it whenever your brain is unoccupied it might be time to take a break!

94. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #9

Global warming is primarily caused by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial production. However, as humans cause global warming, we can also attempt to reverse it both on a micro and macro level.

As stated, one significant contributor to climate change is the burning of fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels emits greenhouse gasses which trap heat from the sun, subsequently warming the earth. One potential solution to this is for countries to invest in and implement renewable energy sources such as wind and solar panels. On an individual level, someone might consider driving an eco-friendly car or walking/ biking to work. An ambitious person might also try to implement solar panels on their own property to generate energy!

Deforestation also hinders attempts to mitigate global warming as cutting down trees reduces the Earth’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide.  One potential solution to this is simply to stop chopping down these trees via conservation efforts, we might also consider reforestation . Given that it's usually larger institutions that are cutting down this natural resource, the best thing for an individual to do is to support reforestation and conservation efforts by becoming a stalwart proponent of such efforts through activism and voting.

Another cause of climate change is industrial processes. Factories in particular release greenhouse gasses at extortionate rates. One potential solution to this is an international agreement preventing emissions from companies reaching too high a level. On an individual level, we can also reduce our purchasing rates, only buying what we need and recycling what we don't.

As such, industrial processes, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels have seriously damaged the only planet we have. To fix the damage we've caused, politicians should seek to implement renewable energy sources, foster international industry agreements, and support reforestation/conservation efforts. As an individual, you can support these efforts by just being a conscious consumer, reconsidering your methods of transportation, and driving your efforts towards activism and voting campaigns.

95. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #10

Extracurricular activities are one of the most beneficial and enjoyable aspects of a college or high school education. Firstly , extracurriculars are highly social. This can aid young people in making friends, building important social skills, and even helping the wider community. I personally benefitted from this when I joined the school newspaper, before joining I was incredibly introverted and diffident -- after joining I had more friends and a newfound confidence.

Another benefit of extracurriculars is that they provide a safe space to explore your interests and develop your skills. Many people who join a club are merely dabbling in the subject, meaning that they are also on the same level as you, taking the pressure off. In turn, one can better understand what they do and don't enjoy and what they are and aren't good at. For example, I not only really honed my non-fiction writing skills at the school newspaper by learning from others, but I also learned that this would be a potential career path for me.

Finally, extracurriculars can provide college and career advancement. Having clubs on your resume can be a great way to show employers or admissions committees that you have the skills, leadership qualities, and teamwork abilities that they seek. It also shows that you are dedicated to learning and participating in your school’s culture. Many people find that their extracurricular activities in college not only provided them with the skills needed to excel in the workplace , but also interest and impress future employers.

As such, when debating joining an extracurricular club, consider all the benefits you will likely reap: new friends, new skills, and a boost in your career and education prospects.

96. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #11

A good friend is supportive, fun, and challenges you.

A few years ago, I had a difficult choice to make and was experiencing some emotional turmoil over the decision. I called my friend and she offered to house me for a week while I figured out what to do. Being reliable in this way, and willing to help at the time I needed it most was extremely meaningful to me and demonstrated just how supportive she was no matter what I chose. Support like this from friends is invaluable in times of need because it enables you to focus on what matters in that moment and feel like you have allies in your corner.

Another important, undervalued quality in friends is their ability to distract you with fun conversations and activities. During that hard time, I was fairly despondent and gloomy, but my friend was able to distract me by making me laugh and taking me to places she knew I'd enjoy. These fun moments shared with friends can be both enriching to life and incredibly important during challenging times.

Finally, a good friend teaches and challenges you. When I was making my decision, my friend didn't just give me "the right answer", but she questioned me intensely about the choices and offered her unique perspective on this situation. This inspired great self-reflection in myself, and I came away from that trip sure about what I was going to do and confident in my decision.

As such, reliable, challenging, fun friendships are integral to leading a fulfilling life. Not only do friends like this support and guide us through life's twists and turns, but they also elevate the good times making them more meaningful and joyful.

97. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #12

My favorite sport to engage in is long-distance running. This activity is important to me for countless reasons, but in this essay, I will outline the most important three. Firstly , going for a run or jog through my neighborhood helps to clear my mind. When I'm running, I find my mind is more focused and I can really think through the things that were plaguing me. On the same note, running is a great way to spend quality time with yourself, because usually I am alone and there aren't any distractions from my thoughts.

Secondly , going for a run is extremely enjoyable for me. The act itself releases endorphins , but also taking in the view as I run can elevate any bad mood. Running not only encourages me to go outside and enjoy my surroundings , but I also get the chance to listen to music and podcasts simultaneously. For these reasons, it becomes something that I look forward to, which is not the case for other sports!

Finally, running has really improved my physical and mental health. Before I started running, I often found that I didn’t have an outlet for my stress -- I was also not very fit! Through running, I have discovered a significant improvement in both areas. My stronger, slimmer build has also given me an invaluable boost of self-esteem, not to mention more energy and strength to partake in my daily activities.

As such, running is my favorite sport and will likely remain so for the forseeable future.

98. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #13

Studying alone and studying in groups each have their merits and drawbacks , and the most effective choice depends on the subject being studied and the nature of the pending assignment.

One benefit to studying alone is that you can customize the pace at which you study and the content you focus on. For instance, if you are someone who likes to take long breaks between chapters studying alone is probably the best method because you can determine your own break schedule. Additionally , being able to choose to study longer on areas of personal weakness to you and spend less time on subjects already mastered enables you to better target your study time. This might be the best choice for tests and subjects that involve a lot of memorizations, such as a science course, because you can dedicate your time to understanding and remembering the areas that are more challenging to you.

Another advantage of independent studying is that you won’t get distracted by your peers. When you are studying in isolation there isn't any temptation to chat to your peers or take a break when you don't need one. This can be beneficial and effective when you have a test coming up very soon and time is limited.

On the other hand, when studying in a group you can benefit from others' strengths. If you are weak in an area, but your study partner is strong in that area they can teach you valuable knowledge and skills. In a group, you can also work out the answers to problems that you wouldn't have been able to work out or would have taken a long time to figure out alone. In this way, we can save time and effort by studying in a group; you can also get other perspectives on a text, which can be helpful in classes that rely on interpretation.

Another advantage to studying in a group is that it provides social interaction and accountability. When we study with others, we have an external motivator as well as an intrinsic one and this can make us more determined to complete our outstanding tasks. Further, many people -- particularly extraverts – will find studying less dull and onerous when they are in company.

As such, I believe that studying alone and in a group are both highly beneficial, but should be selected based on the task and subject at hand.

99. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #14

Artists and scientists alike propel our society towards progression and innovation.

Since the dawn of intelligent civilization humans have used and viewed art as a form of understanding the world around them and expressing their emotions -- it is part of human nature. In modern day, artists contribute to society by entertaining us, inspiring us, and providing us with an escape from quotidian life . This was most noticeable during the COVID-19 pandemic . When people couldn't venture outside, they turned to their favorite movies and music. In turn, the absence of new art and the inability to go to in-person art-related events during the pandemic was sorely missed.

Another contribution artists make to society is through the social commentary they provide. One example is the way that Banksy, an artist, uses his art to demonstrate the absurdity of war and over consumerism . For example, when he sold a piece for a small fortune, he made sure that it self-shredded upon being sold -- a message against the uber-elite. In commenting on society in this way, artists also heighten our awareness to important issues that require our attention.

Scientists, of course, are equally important. Scientists’ work frequently culminates in medical breakthroughs that can save lives. Again, during the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists were the ones that banded together to create a vaccine in rapid time, this ultimately saved the lives of countless individuals and meant that we could eventually return to our normal daily lives.

Scientists also help to create technological advancements. The technology recently developed by scientists and engineers at NASA has made it possible to explore space, an unimaginable achievement a hundred years ago. Space exploration is perhaps one of the most important endeavors of humankind because it answers questions about who we are and where we came from.

However, whilst both are equally important, I think that artists are more valued in U.S society. Whilst its true many artists don't get compensated fairly and art/music students are often shunned by their STEM counterparts, the average person would be hard pressed to name 10 modern day scientists. By contrast, ask anyone to name 10 modern day singers, musicians, or artists, and they'd be able to do so in seconds. Further, artists frequently earn much more than our scientists, and reap a greater following. Furthermore , during the COVID-19 pandemic we found that celebrities' guidance was more often followed than that of the virologists!

100. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #15

A few years ago, I took a last-minute trip to Los Angeles. I had never been there before, and unexpectedly, it made a long-lasting personal and cultural impact on me.

Firstly , LA deviated from all my expectations. I expected to see glamour and flamboyance at every turn. Instead, there was a lot of homelessness and boarded up businesses, even along the Walk of Fame. This was shocking and almost paradoxical to me, that lavishness and prodigal waste could be in such close proximity to widespread poverty. This also showed me that, both personally and as a culture, humans often view times and places (sometimes times and places they have never lived in) with nostalgia . Whilst LA might have once been the glamorous place that is shown in movies fifty years ago, in one of the world’s wealthiest nations, now it is a place in dire need of resources.

Culturally , I did learn a lot about movies from the various cinema museums we attended. This gave me a greater veneration and appreciation for the USA’s enormous contributions to cinema and explained how movie magic was made throughout history. It was illuminating to discover why people watch American movies across the world, even when the films aren’t in their native language! The USA is certainly unique in this area, and as a movie buff, the knowledge I acquired was truly inspiring.

Finally, seeing LA's walk of fame did connect the dots for me on why people clamor to this city and devour all their resources to do so, despite the slim odds. Seeing the names of so many powerful, talented artists in one place helped me grasp why people sacrifice so much to "Make it" in LA, a place rife with financial risk and potential turmoil.

As such, the trip taught me a lot historically and culturally about LA specifically and the USA, but it also taught me personally about the dangers of nostalgia. Indeed, there is a reason the term 'nostalgia' derives from the Greek words nostos (return) and algos (pain).

101. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #16

Video games have a reputation for fostering violent behavior and distracting teenagers from their homework, but for the majority of people -- myself included -- they can be a great source of personal growth. Specifically, video games can bolster your hand-eye coordination, cognitive functioning, and creativity .

Firstly , video games frequently involve quickly using motor skills in reaction to visual input . In turn, it has been corroborated that hand-eye coordination improves significantly by playing video games. I have also found this to be the case personally. Prior to playing video games, I had quite a poor hand-eye coordination; now I am much more skilled in this area. In my youth, this also taught me that investing time in weaker areas leads to tremendous rewards.

Another area of personal growth I attribute to video games is in cognitive skills. Video games have been shown to boost your spatial navigation abilities, memory, and concentration. This is in part because a lot of video game maps require "cognitive mapping" to progress. Video games may also involve puzzles that require full attention and memory skills. Like hand-eye coordination, I have personally benefitted from honing these skills through video games; I am much better able to navigate my real-life surroundings , for instance.

Finally, video games encourage people to think outside the box. For example, if there is a hard puzzle in a game and your current strategy for completing it isn't working, you must utilize psychological flexibility in your approach and consider other options -- thus, using your imagination to problem-solve. Further, many games also involve a general sense of artistic creativity, for example, in designing characters and/or storylines . As such, video games have greatly improved mine and many others’ creativity.

In conclusion, whilst video games are often snubbed as a hobby, they can be instrumental in acquiring skills that can be applied to real-life settings such as adaptive thought and imagination, spatial navigation and memory, and of course, hand-eye coordination.

102. "Writing Sample" Cue Card #17

For this last answer, we're going to show you how entering your own responses into Arno can help you improve your Duolingo English Test scores.

First, you'll need to create a free account on duolingo.goarno.io . Following this, click the play button next to the question type you want to practice ("Writing Sample" in this case).

A question will appear like the one below and a timer. Write your response in the box until the timer runs out (or pause it if you don't want to time yourself just yet).

Being multilingual has become increasingly common in recent years due to globalization. There are numerous advantages to acquiring a second language, like gaining a competitive edge in the job market, enhancing travel experiences, and gaining a deeper understanding of both your native language and the culture associated with the language you are learning.

In the 21st century, employers prefer candidates with proficiency in a second language candidates who only speak their native language. This prediliction for bilingualism arises because immigration is more prevalent and companies frequently engage in international collaboratioons.  THus a multi-lingual employee is better equipped to provide for clients outside of the usual scope. In my own job search, I've found that some positions specifically require bilingual candidates and won't even consider individuals if they arent. There are also a plethora of careers out there specifically in this area such as medical translators, who relay messages back and forth between patients and there doctors.

Another compelling reason to attain a second language is that it enhances your travel experiences. Not only does it make navigating a new place easier by enabling you to read street signs, menus, and ask for assistance when needed but it can also make the experience more meaningful; knowing the local language allows you to engage you can interact with locals and get to know their culture more deeply.

Moreover through learning another language you can grasp a better understanding of your own language in contrast, bringing awareness to idiosyncrasies that previously escaped your notice.In the same vein, you will likely develop a rich insight into the culture underpinning e language you are trying to learn from linguistic nuances and expressions used.

In summary, learning a language has limitless benefits and opens the door for valuable opportunities. But learning a language has been shown to get harder the older you get, so be sure to start learning a second language as soon as you can.

When you are finished, click submit and Arno will instantly score your answer for you and provide grammar and vocabulary feedback.

🤟Arno doesn't just correct your grammar and vocabulary but explains the reasoning behind the correction so you can learn from any mistakes you have made.

👉 Arno also provides a rewritten version of your response to demonstrate the feedback in action!

If you made it this far, congratulations!!! Taking practice questions and reviewing model answers for the Duolingo English Test is one of the best ways to improve your score. If you completed all of these you deserve a snack, but before you head to the fridge remember, all of these example questions (and many more) can be found on Arno for free so click below to sign up today! You can also find an additional model answer for each question type on our blog.

Happy studying/snacking!