How to Write Essays That Actually Get Full Marks ✍️📚


Writing essays isn’t just about passing—it’s about standing out, showing your voice, and proving to the marker that you’ve got the skills. Whether you’re in high school, university, or just prepping for that next big assignment, essay writing can feel like climbing Kilimanjaro. But don’t stress—there are real strategies that can get you closer to full marks. 🌟

1. Understand the Question First 🤔

A lot of students lose marks before they even start writing. Why? Because they didn’t answer the actual question.

👉 Always read the question twice. Underline keywords like discuss, compare, argue, evaluate. These words tell you what the marker wants. In SA exams, missing the instruction means you’re basically writing off-topic—even if your essay is well-written.

2. Plan Before You Write 📝

Yoh, planning feels like extra work when time is tight, but it saves you big time. A solid essay plan is like a blueprint for a house.

  • Intro: Grab attention + state your main point

  • Body paragraphs: Each with one main idea + evidence

  • Conclusion: Wrap it up like a bow 🎁

Even a 3-minute plan can keep your essay flowing and logical.

3. Hook Them in the Introduction 🎣

South African markers read hundreds of essays. Don’t start with something bland like, “In this essay, I will discuss…” 🚫

Instead, open with:

  • A bold statement

  • A short quote

  • A shocking fact

Example: “Apartheid may be over, but its impact still echoes through South Africa’s classrooms today.” Now you’ve got their attention.

4. Use Evidence Like a Pro 🔍

Your opinion is good, but markers love proof. Use real-life examples, history, or even South African contexts. For English essays, use quotes from the text. For Business Studies or Life Sciences, throw in real stats or case studies.

📌 Example: In Life Sciences, don’t just say “HIV is dangerous.” Say, “According to the Department of Health, South Africa has one of the highest HIV rates in the world, which shows why education about prevention is vital.” That’s powerful.

5. Paragraphs = Power 💪

Nothing kills an essay faster than one long chunk of text. Break it up. One idea per paragraph. Start each with a topic sentence, then explain, then give proof. Think of it like a WhatsApp message—you wouldn’t send a friend a whole essay in one bubble, right? 😅

6. Keep It Flowing 🌊

Transition words make your essay smooth, not choppy. Use:

  • Firstly, in addition, however, therefore, as a result, on the other hand.

This makes your essay read like a story, not a list of random thoughts.

7. Sound Smart, But Stay Clear 🧠

Don’t throw in big words just to flex. Markers see through that. Clear writing > fancy writing. Simple, strong English always wins.

❌ “The juxtaposition of multifarious connotations elucidates the dichotomy…”
✅ “This shows the two sides of the argument clearly.”

8. Edit Like Your Marks Depend on It (Because They Do) 🖊️

Even the best essays flop if they’re full of spelling and grammar mistakes. Always leave 5–10 minutes at the end to reread. Fix errors, cut unnecessary words, and check if your essay still answers the question.

9. Add That South African Touch 🇿🇦

If the essay allows it, connect ideas back to our reality. Markers appreciate when you show awareness of your environment. Whether it’s inequality, sport, culture, or even slang (when appropriate), it makes your writing feel real.

Example: Instead of saying “young people face challenges,” you could say, “In South Africa, many young people juggle school with responsibilities at home due to unemployment or poverty.” That’s depth.

10. Confidence in Your Conclusion 🔒

Never end with “That’s why I think so.” 🚫 Wrap it strong. Restate your main point, but make it sound final and impactful.

Example: “In the end, South Africa’s future depends not just on government policies, but on the willingness of young people to rise above the challenges.”

Final Thoughts ✨

Essay writing isn’t about being a genius—it’s about strategy. If you can understand the question, plan properly, back your ideas with evidence, and write with flow, you’re already 90% of the way there. The last 10%? Confidence. Believe your words matter, and the marker will believe it too.

🔥 “Good writing doesn’t come from talent alone—it comes from discipline, clarity, and heart.”

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