Producing Advanced Essays and Formal Reports.

The final lesson is a capstone project that brings together your reading, writing, vocabulary and argumentation skills at C1 level. You analyse models of well structured essays and reports, paying attention to introductions, thesis statements, paragraph organisation and conclusion techniques. You plan a longer piece of writing on a topic that interests you, perhaps related to your studies, work or society in general. Step by step you draft, review and edit your text, using advanced cohesive devices and formal phrases from earlier lessons. You also reflect on how to respond to feedback and how to continue improving your writing after the course. By the end, you produce a polished essay or report of several hundred words that shows clear organisation, a consistent formal tone and a strong personal voice.

1. Reading and analysing a model essay.

Welcome to your final lesson in this course. In this capstone, you are going to bring together many skills you have developed so far to produce a longer, well structured essay or report. In this first stage, I would like you to step back and look carefully at a model text. Before we write, we need to understand what a successful piece of formal writing looks like. You will read a model essay on a general topic and notice how the introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion work together. Pay particular attention to the thesis statement, the topic sentences, and the cohesive devices that connect ideas, such as moreover, in contrast and as a result. As you read, do not worry about every difficult word. Focus instead on structure. Ask yourself: Where does the writer tell me the main argument? How do they organise their reasons and examples? How do they signal when they are moving to a new point or to the conclusion? After reading, you will answer a few questions to check your understanding of the structure and style.

Step 1: Meet the model essay.

To start this capstone project, look at the model essay below. The topic is quite general and academic in style: Should university education be free for all students?

As you read, do not try to copy every sentence. Instead, notice the shape of the essay and the key phrases that make it feel formal and well organised.

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Model essay.

Title: Should university education be free for everyone?

Introduction

University education plays a crucial role in modern societies. It helps individuals develop specialist knowledge and critical thinking, and it can strongly influence their career opportunities. This essay will discuss whether university education should be free for all students, considering both the potential benefits and the possible disadvantages.

Body paragraph 1

Firstly, making university education free could increase social equality. At present, students from low income families are often discouraged by high tuition fees and the fear of long term debt. If governments covered these costs, a wider range of people could access higher education. As a result, talented students would be able to study, not only those whose parents can pay.

Body paragraph 2

On the other hand, completely free university education might create serious financial pressure on the state. Furthermore, when students do not contribute to the cost of their studies, some may value their degree less and be less motivated to finish their course. In addition, universities might struggle to maintain high quality teaching and facilities if their budgets are limited.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be seen that free university education has both clear advantages and significant risks. While it could promote fairness and social mobility, it could also damage quality if it is not properly funded. Overall, the evidence suggests that a mixed system may be more realistic, where most students pay reduced fees and extra support is provided for those in financial difficulty.

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What to notice.

• The introduction moves from a general idea to a very clear thesis statement.
• Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that signals the main idea.
• Cohesive devices such as firstly, on the other hand, in addition and in conclusion guide the reader.
• The conclusion does not add new information. It summarises the argument and offers a balanced final view.

Keep this essay in mind. In later blocks, you will build something similar on a topic that you choose.

Practice & Feedback

Read the model essay again carefully in the resource section below. Then answer the three questions in complete sentences. Please write your answers clearly using the labels Q1, Q2 and Q3 so they are easy to check.

• Q1: Copy or paraphrase the sentence that you think is the thesis statement of the essay. Explain briefly why you chose it.
• Q2: Write at least three cohesive devices from the essay that help to link ideas or show structure. For each one, say what it is doing (for example: starting a new point, contrasting, concluding).
• Q3: In one or two sentences, explain the main job of the conclusion in this essay.

Aim for around 80 to 120 words in total. Do not worry about small grammar mistakes. Focus on showing that you really understand how the model text is organised.

2. Writing a strong introduction and thesis.

Now that you have seen the overall shape of a successful essay, let us zoom in on the introduction and, especially, the thesis statement. The introduction is like a doorway to your text. If it is too general or too unclear, the reader will not know what to expect. If it is sharp and focused, the reader feels confident and interested. A good introduction usually has three parts. First, a short general sentence that introduces the topic. Second, one or two sentences that narrow the focus and perhaps give a little background. Finally, a clear thesis statement that tells the reader exactly what the essay or report will do. At C1 level, that thesis should not be just your opinion; it should indicate the structure of your argument as well. In this block you will listen to three different thesis statements and decide which one is strongest and why. Then you will write a thesis statement for your own chosen topic. Try to use some of the academic style phrases from the course, such as this essay will discuss or the aim of this report is to examine, but combine them with your own ideas. Remember, your thesis is a promise to the reader about what will follow, so make that promise as clear and honest as you can.

What makes a good introduction?.

A powerful introduction does not need to be long, but it does need to be clear and focused. Here is a simple pattern you can follow for most essays and many reports:

1. General opening: one sentence that introduces the broad topic.
2. Narrowing the focus: one or two sentences that move towards your specific angle.
3. Thesis statement: one sentence that states what the essay will do or argue.

Look at these example introductions.

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Example A

Social media is very popular nowadays. Many people use it every day for different reasons. This essay will talk about social media.

Example B

Social media platforms have become a central part of daily communication, especially among young adults. They offer opportunities for self expression, networking and information sharing, but they may also have negative effects on mental health and privacy. This essay will discuss both the benefits and the risks of social media use among university students and argue that users and institutions need to adopt clearer guidelines.

Example C

Many people are worried about social media. In my opinion, social media is bad and people should not use it.

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Which introduction sounds most academic and useful for a reader? Example B works best because:

• It moves from general to specific smoothly.
• It clearly signals what the essay will discuss.
• It suggests how the discussion will be organised.

Useful thesis phrases.

Here are some flexible thesis patterns you can adapt:

• This essay will discuss the main advantages and disadvantages of X.
• The aim of this report is to examine the impact of X on Y.
• This essay argues that, although X, it is nevertheless important to Y.
• Overall, the evidence suggests that X has more benefits than drawbacks in the long term.

In a moment you will listen to three thesis statements related to different topics. Listen carefully and decide which is the strongest in terms of clarity, focus and academic style.

Practice & Feedback

First, listen to the short audio in the resource section. You will hear three different thesis statements: Thesis A, Thesis B and Thesis C. While you listen, think about these questions:

• Which thesis is the clearest and most specific?
• Which thesis tells you exactly what the essay will do?
• Which one sounds most academic in style?

After listening at least once (you can listen again if necessary), write a short response of about 100 to 140 words including:

1. A sentence like: I think Thesis X is the strongest because ... and give two reasons.
2. One or two sentences explaining what is wrong or weak about one of the other theses.
3. Finally, write your own thesis statement for a topic you are interested in. You can choose any general topic, for example online education, climate change policy, remote working, or another area connected with your work or studies.

Try to use one or two academic style chunks from the list on the screen, and make sure your thesis is one complete, carefully written sentence.

3. Planning clear body paragraphs.

You now have a sense of how to open your essay and how to state your thesis. The next step is to plan your body paragraphs. Many learners at C1 level know a lot about their topic, but their writing still feels confusing because the ideas are not organised clearly. Careful planning can solve that problem. Each body paragraph should develop **one main idea** that supports your thesis. At the start of the paragraph, a topic sentence tells the reader what this main idea is. The rest of the paragraph then explains, gives reasons, examples, evidence or mini conclusions. Without a clear plan, paragraphs can easily mix two or three ideas, jump around or repeat themselves. In this block you will see an example of a simple plan and how it connects to a finished paragraph. Then you will create a short plan for your own essay or report. At this stage, you do not need to write full sentences for everything. Focus on the structure: How many body paragraphs will you have? What will be the topic sentence for each? What specific support will you include? This planning will make drafting in the next block much easier and faster.

From ideas to paragraphs.

Before writing full sentences, it is helpful to map out your body paragraphs. Imagine you are writing about remote working and employee wellbeing. Your thesis might be:

> This essay will discuss the main effects of remote working on employee wellbeing and productivity, and argue that remote work is beneficial overall if it is carefully managed.

From this, you could plan two body paragraphs like this.

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Example plan.

Body paragraph 1

• Topic sentence: Remote working can improve work life balance and mental health when employees have more control over their schedules.
• Support 1: Less commuting time, more time for family and exercise.
• Support 2: Ability to create a comfortable working environment at home.
• Example: Survey results showing higher satisfaction among staff who work from home two or three days a week.

Body paragraph 2

• Topic sentence: However, remote working can also create new pressures and reduce productivity if it is not properly organised.
• Support 1: Blur between work and personal time leading to longer working hours.
• Support 2: Feelings of isolation and weaker communication with colleagues.
• Example: Case study of a company that introduced remote work without clear rules and saw an increase in burnout.

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Useful planning tips.

• Start with the topic sentence for each paragraph. Make sure it clearly supports your thesis.
• Under each topic sentence, list 2 to 4 supporting ideas or examples.
• Think about the order of your paragraphs. Do you want to move from positive to negative, from general to specific, or from causes to effects?
• Note any cohesive devices you might use: for example, firstly, in addition, on the other hand, as a result.

You will now create a short written plan for your own text. This will be the foundation for the full paragraph you draft in the next block.

Practice & Feedback

Using the example on the screen as a model, create a simple plan for two body paragraphs of your own essay or report.

1. First, choose or confirm your topic and thesis. You can quickly restate your thesis at the top of your answer so it is clear what you are planning.
2. Then, write a heading for Body paragraph 1 and type one complete topic sentence that supports your thesis. Under it, add 2 to 4 short bullet style notes with supporting ideas or examples.
3. Do the same for Body paragraph 2.

You can use plain text instead of real bullets, for example:

Body paragraph 1: topic sentence ...

• Support 1 ...
• Support 2 ...

Aim for around 120 to 160 words in total. Do not worry about perfect grammar in the notes themselves, but make your topic sentences as clear and academic as you can. This plan will be used in the next block when you write a full paragraph.

4. Drafting a full body paragraph from your plan.

You now have a clear plan for your main ideas. It is time to turn part of that plan into a full, polished body paragraph. This is where structure and language really come together. When you draft a paragraph, imagine a reader who does not know your topic well. They should be able to follow your reasoning easily, without guessing how your ideas connect. To help them, you need three things: a strong topic sentence, logical progression through your supporting points, and clear cohesive devices that show the relationships between sentences. In this block you will look at an example paragraph that was written directly from a simple plan. Then you will choose one of your own planned body paragraphs and write it out in full. Aim for academic but natural language. Use some of the advanced cohesive devices you have practised, such as furthermore, in contrast, as a result, nevertheless and therefore. Pay attention to formal tone: avoid very informal words and contractions, and prefer neutral or formal vocabulary where possible. Remember, this is a draft, not the final version. It is fine if some parts feel rough. The important thing is that the paragraph has a clear internal structure. In the next block, you will have a chance to get feedback and think about revision.

From plan to paragraph.

Here is an example of how a simple plan becomes a full body paragraph.

Plan for paragraph

• Topic sentence: Remote working can improve work life balance and mental health when employees have more control over their schedules.
• Support 1: Less commuting time, more time for family and exercise.
• Support 2: Comfortable working environment at home.
• Example: Survey results showing higher satisfaction.

Draft paragraph

Remote working can improve work life balance and mental health when employees have more control over their schedules. Firstly, when staff do not need to commute every day, they save several hours each week that can be used for rest, hobbies or family activities. As a result, many employees feel less stressed and arrive at their desks, whether at home or in the office, with more energy. In addition, working from home allows people to create a more comfortable environment, for example by adjusting the temperature, lighting and noise level according to their personal needs. This can make it easier for them to concentrate. Recent survey data from several large companies supports these points, indicating higher levels of job satisfaction among staff who are allowed to work from home for at least part of the week.

Notice how:

• The topic sentence clearly sets the focus of the paragraph.
• Each supporting idea is developed in one or two sentences, not just mentioned.
• Cohesive devices such as firstly, as a result and in addition signal the logical steps.
• The example from the survey is integrated smoothly, not just dropped in.

Mini checklist for your draft paragraph.

When you write your own body paragraph in the activity below, aim to:

• Start with a clear, single focus topic sentence.
• Develop each supporting point with explanation or an example.
• Use at least three cohesive devices to show sequence, contrast, or result.
• Maintain a formal or neutral tone suitable for an essay or report.

Aim for around 130 to 170 words. That is long enough to develop your idea, but not so long that the paragraph becomes difficult to control.

Practice & Feedback

Choose one of the body paragraphs you planned in the previous block. Using your plan and the example on the screen, write a full academic style body paragraph.

1. Begin with your topic sentence. Check that it clearly supports your thesis and focuses on one main idea only.
2. Then develop your supporting points in a logical order. For each point, add at least one sentence of explanation, an example, a short piece of data, or a mini conclusion.
3. Include at least three cohesive devices such as firstly, moreover, in contrast, as a result, therefore, consequently or nevertheless.

Write your paragraph as continuous text, not as bullet points. Aim for about 130 to 170 words. Try to keep a formal or neutral tone, similar to the model paragraph. When you finish, read it once silently and make any quick edits you notice. Then submit your paragraph here so you can receive detailed feedback in the next step of the lesson.

5. Simulating tutor feedback and revision chat.

In real academic or professional contexts, good writing is almost never created in one perfect draft. Writers plan, draft, receive feedback and then revise. Being able to ask for and respond to feedback in clear English is therefore a very practical skill. In this block we will simulate a short chat between you and a tutor. First, you will look at an example conversation where a student shares a paragraph and asks focused questions. Notice how the tutor responds with specific, polite comments, and how the student reacts. Then, in the activity, you will write your own short chat style message: you will share part of your draft and ask for targeted feedback. When you ask for feedback, vague questions such as 'Is this OK?' are not very helpful. Instead, try to be specific: you might ask, for example, whether your thesis is clear, whether your paragraph is logically organised, or how you can improve your formal tone. Use polite, semi formal phrases like I would be grateful for feedback on, Could you please comment on, or I am particularly unsure about. Remember, this is still part of the same writing project. The aim is to improve the introduction and body paragraph you have already drafted so that, in the final block, you can combine them confidently into a complete essay or report.

Example tutor chat.

Look at this short example of a student asking for feedback and a tutor responding.

Student:

Hello, I hope you are well. I am writing an essay about remote working. I would be grateful for feedback on my introduction and first body paragraph. I am particularly unsure about the clarity of my thesis and whether the paragraph is well organised.

Tutor:

Thank you for sending your work. Overall, your introduction gives a clear sense of the topic, but your thesis could be more specific. You write that the essay will discuss remote working, but you do not say which aspects you will focus on. You could improve this by adding a phrase such as the impact on productivity and wellbeing.

Regarding your body paragraph, the ideas are strong and generally well supported. However, the second half of the paragraph introduces a new idea about company culture, which might be better in a separate paragraph. In addition, you could use more cohesive devices such as furthermore or in contrast to guide the reader.

Student:

Thank you, that is very helpful. So I should make my thesis more specific and maybe divide the paragraph into two. I will also try to add more linking phrases.

Tutor:

Exactly. Once you have made those changes, your structure will be clearer. The aim of this report is to examine complex issues, so strong organisation is essential.

Language for feedback chats.

Useful ways to ask for feedback:

• I would be grateful for feedback on ...
• Could you please comment on ...
• I am particularly unsure about ...
• Do you think my thesis statement is clear enough?
• I would like to know how I can improve ...

Useful ways to respond to feedback:

• Thank you, that is very helpful.
• So, if I understand correctly, I should ...
• I see, I will try to ...
• That makes sense. I will revise this part.

In the activity, you will write a short message to your imaginary tutor, share part of your text, and ask targeted questions.

Practice & Feedback

Imagine you are sending a short message to a tutor about your essay or report. You will write a mini chat style text in which you:

1. Greet the tutor politely.
2. State your topic in one sentence and paste your current thesis statement.
3. Paste your body paragraph from the previous block, or a revised version if you have already edited it.
4. Ask two or three specific questions about your writing. For example, you might ask about the clarity of the thesis, the organisation of the paragraph, the use of cohesive devices, or the level of formality. Use some of the feedback phrases from the screen, such as I would be grateful for feedback on ... or I am particularly unsure about ....
5. End with a short, polite closing.

Aim for around 180 to 230 words in total, including your thesis and paragraph. Write it in continuous text, but you can clearly label sections if you wish. This activity will allow you to experience a realistic feedback conversation and receive targeted comments on the parts you are most concerned about.

6. Writing and polishing your final essay or report.

You have now explored a model text, written a thesis, planned body paragraphs, drafted at least one full paragraph and simulated a feedback chat. It is time to bring everything together in your final capstone task. In this block, you will write a complete essay or short report of several hundred words. The exact length can vary, but aim for something between 250 and 400 words. What matters most is clear organisation, a consistent formal tone and a logical argument that supports your thesis. Before you start writing, take one or two minutes to review your materials from the earlier blocks: your thesis, your paragraph plans and any feedback you have just received. Decide whether you want to make any last changes to your structure. Then, draft your introduction, two or three body paragraphs and a conclusion. Remember the useful phrases from the course, such as this essay will discuss, the aim of this report is to examine, in contrast, furthermore and in conclusion. After you finish your draft, do not stop immediately. Leave a little time to edit. Read your work slowly and check: Are the paragraphs in a logical order? Does each one begin with a clear topic sentence? Are there any very long sentences that you could divide? Are there any very informal words you could replace with more academic ones? Finally, you will write a short reflection about how the writing process felt and what you want to improve next.

Your capstone writing task.

You are now going to produce your final piece of writing for this course: a complete essay or short report that shows C1 level control of structure and language.

Task.

Write an essay or report of 250 to 400 words on an academic or social topic that interests you. It could be connected to your studies, your work or society in general. For example:

• the impact of remote working on organisations,
• whether university education should be free,
• the advantages and disadvantages of online learning,
• measures to improve public health in cities,
• the role of social media in political debate.

Recommended structure.

• Introduction
• Brief general opening.
• Narrowing the focus.
• Clear thesis statement, for example: This essay will discuss ... or The aim of this report is to examine ....

• Body paragraphs (2 or 3)
• Each with one main idea that supports the thesis.
• Developed with reasons, examples, data or short case studies.
• Linked with cohesive devices such as firstly, in addition, on the other hand, as a result, therefore, nevertheless.

• Conclusion
• Summarise the main points without repeating exact sentences.
• Restate your overall position.
• Optionally, mention implications or a short recommendation.

Quick self checklist.

Before you submit your final text, ask yourself:

• Does my introduction clearly tell the reader what the essay will do?
• Do my body paragraphs follow a logical order and stay on one main idea each?
• Have I used a range of cohesive devices to guide the reader?
• Is my tone consistently formal or neutral?
• Are there any sentences or phrases I could improve with academic style expressions, such as There are several reasons for this, One significant factor is, Overall, the evidence supports the view that or In conclusion, it can be seen that?

After the essay, you will also write a very short reflection on the writing process.

Practice & Feedback

This is your final integrated task for the lesson.

Write your full essay or report of around 250 to 400 words. Include:

• an introduction with a clear thesis statement,
• two or three well organised body paragraphs,
• and a conclusion that summarises and gives a final view.

Try to use several academic style chunks from earlier, such as This essay will discuss ..., The aim of this report is to examine ..., One significant factor is ..., Furthermore, the data suggest that ..., In conclusion, it can be seen that ... or Overall, the evidence supports the view that ....

After your essay, add a short reflection paragraph of 3 to 5 sentences. In your reflection, comment on:

• what you are most satisfied with in your writing,
• what you found difficult,
• and one concrete goal for your future writing (for example, using more data, improving cohesion, or planning more carefully).

Write everything in one submission. You can mark your reflection with a heading like Reflection so it is easy to see. Take your time to check paragraphing, structure and tone before you send it.