Is learning how to write a good essay for a public service examination really that difficult?
Producing a well-structured essay can make a significant difference in your examination results. In many competitive tests, written assignments assess your ability to organize ideas, present arguments, use appropriate language, and communicate clearly.
Developing strong writing skills is therefore an important part of preparing for public service examinations, university entrance tests, and Brazil’s National High School Examination (ENEM).
According to research discussed in an article published by Veja about functional literacy in Brazil, a significant portion of the Brazilian population has experienced difficulties with reading and written communication.
This highlights the importance of developing literacy skills and learning how to express ideas effectively.
But do you really know how to write an essay step by step?
Even students who are familiar with basic writing rules sometimes struggle to develop introductions, organize arguments, or produce convincing conclusions.
The good news is that essay writing is a skill that can improve through regular practice and the application of effective techniques.
In this article, you will discover practical strategies for organizing your ideas, beginning an essay, developing arguments, and reviewing your writing before submitting it.
These techniques can be useful for students preparing for public service examinations, university entrance exams, and the ENEM.
How to Write a Good Essay When You Know Very Little About the Topic
What should you do when an examination asks you to write about a subject you do not know very well?
This situation can be stressful, but it does not necessarily mean that you are unable to produce a coherent essay.
Writer and teacher Tainan Canário Costa has discussed approaches that encourage students to organize their existing knowledge and develop arguments even when they are unfamiliar with a topic.
In many cases, you may already know something about the subject, even if your understanding is limited.
You might have encountered related information in school, newspapers, television programs, books, or everyday conversations.
Many essay topics in Brazilian examinations involve social, political, economic, or cultural issues.
For this reason, reflecting on the broader context of the subject can help you identify useful arguments.
One approach is to examine three important elements: the background of the topic, the factors responsible for the situation, and the central problem being discussed.
Understand the background of the topic.
Begin by considering how the issue developed over time.
Think about historical events, social changes, laws, or circumstances that may have contributed to the situation.
For example, if the essay concerns access to education, you could discuss how educational opportunities have changed and what challenges remain.
Identify the factors responsible for the problem.
Next, consider which institutions, social conditions, policies, or decisions may influence the issue.
Depending on the topic, relevant factors might include public administration, legislation, economic inequality, or the availability of essential services.
Avoid assigning responsibility without evidence. Your arguments should remain balanced and logically connected to the subject.
Define the central problem.
Finally, identify the main issue that your essay needs to address.
For example, an essay about child protection might discuss the challenges involved in preventing abuse and ensuring that existing protection systems operate effectively.
Clearly defining the problem helps establish the direction of your arguments.
These three elements can provide a useful starting point when you need to organize your thoughts before writing.
How Should You Start an Essay?
The beginning of an essay plays an important role in establishing its purpose and introducing the main subject.
Before writing your first paragraph, take time to read the examination instructions carefully.
Identify the central theme, the required essay format, and any specific questions you need to address.
Then, begin organizing your ideas.
You can start by writing down everything you remember about the topic.
At this stage, do not worry about creating perfect sentences. The objective is to collect potentially useful information.
Afterward, organize these ideas into short statements and determine which ones are most relevant.
Choose the strongest arguments and create a basic outline showing how they will appear in your introduction, development paragraphs, and conclusion.
Once you have a clear plan, begin writing your first draft.
This preparation can help you avoid repeating ideas or moving away from the assigned subject.
How to Write an Effective Introduction
The introduction is the section that presents the subject and prepares the reader for the arguments that follow.
A strong introduction should establish the context of the topic and explain the main issue your essay will discuss.
Beginning with a clear and objective paragraph can also help you feel more confident about the rest of your writing.
Avoid making the introduction unnecessarily complicated.
In most cases, straightforward language and a well-defined central idea are more effective than lengthy sentences filled with difficult vocabulary.
There are several ways to introduce an essay, and the most appropriate approach depends on the topic and examination requirements.
Start With a Question or a Series of Questions
One possible technique is opening your essay with a question related to the central theme.
This approach can encourage the reader to consider the issue you intend to discuss.
However, any question introduced should be addressed through the arguments developed in the essay.
For example, consider the topic of public healthcare.
An introduction might begin:
“Access to adequate healthcare remains a challenge in several Brazilian communities. Are these difficulties primarily caused by insufficient funding, inefficient public administration, or a combination of both factors?”
This opening introduces the subject and establishes possible directions for discussion.
However, remember that some examination formats favor direct thesis statements rather than rhetorical questions.
Always follow the instructions and assessment criteria of the specific examination.
Begin by Defining an Important Concept
Another technique is introducing the central idea of the essay through a definition.
This method can be particularly useful when the topic involves a broad social or cultural concept.
For example, consider the subject of sports and their importance.
You might write:
“Sports involve physical activities practiced individually or collectively and can contribute to physical health, social interaction, and personal development.”
This introduction establishes the meaning of the central concept and creates opportunities for further discussion.
After defining the subject, you can explore its benefits, challenges, or social implications.
Make sure the definition is accurate and relevant to the assigned topic.
Use Statistical Information
Statistical data can also provide an effective introduction when the information comes from a reliable source.
Numbers and research findings may help demonstrate the importance or scale of a particular issue.
For example, an essay about internet access in Brazil could begin by discussing data published by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics.
The organization is commonly known by its Portuguese acronym, IBGE.
When introducing an institution for the first time, it is generally useful to write its full name before using the acronym in subsequent references.
However, never invent statistics or attribute numbers to sources when you are uncertain about their accuracy.
If you cannot remember a reliable figure, it is better to introduce the subject through a general observation supported by logical reasoning.
Using inaccurate information may weaken your arguments and reduce the credibility of your writing.
Present Contrasting Ideas
Another way to begin an essay is by contrasting two situations, viewpoints, or social realities.
This technique helps emphasize differences and introduces an issue that requires further discussion.
For example:
“While substantial public resources are directed toward expanding correctional facilities, several communities continue to face difficulties accessing adequate healthcare services.”
This statement establishes a contrast between two areas of public spending.
The following paragraphs could explore the challenges of allocating public resources and the importance of maintaining essential services.
When using contrasting ideas, ensure that both elements are relevant to the assigned topic.
Use Comparisons
Comparisons can help demonstrate how a situation has changed over time or how different social groups experience the same issue.
For example, an essay about women’s rights could begin:
“In the past, women in Brazil faced significant restrictions on political participation. Although important legal and social progress has occurred, challenges related to equality and representation remain.”
This introduction compares historical circumstances with contemporary developments.
Such an approach can be useful when discussing social transformation, legal rights, education, or cultural changes.
However, avoid making overly broad claims that cannot be supported through your arguments.
A comparison should clarify the subject rather than introduce unnecessary generalizations.
Begin With a Description
Descriptive writing can help establish the social or physical context of an issue.
This method involves presenting a situation that illustrates the central theme.
For example, an essay about corruption might begin:
“In a society where public trust is repeatedly challenged by reports of corruption, strengthening transparency and accountability becomes essential for democratic institutions.”
This introduction describes a broad situation while identifying the main issue that the essay will address.
Descriptive openings can be effective when they remain objective and directly connected to the assigned topic.
Avoid exaggerated language that could make the essay appear overly emotional or unsupported.
Challenge a Definition, Quotation, or Opinion
You do not need to agree with every statement commonly made about a subject.
An essay can begin by challenging a familiar opinion, provided that the argument is presented respectfully and supported logically.
For example, consider a topic involving the quality of education in Brazil.
You might write:
“Although educational opportunities have expanded in Brazil, access to quality learning conditions remains unequal across different regions and communities.”
This introduction acknowledges progress while identifying challenges that require discussion.
The development paragraphs could then address infrastructure, teacher availability, educational resources, and regional differences.
This technique is useful when a topic involves competing perspectives or complex social issues.
Remember that the objective is not simply to disagree but to develop a coherent argument.
There are many possible ways to begin an essay. The techniques presented here are useful starting points, but you should choose the approach that best fits your knowledge, writing style, and examination requirements.
Free e-book: Explore 50 tips for writing an excellent essay.
How to Write a Good Essay Step by Step
An often-quoted idea attributed to the Dalai Lama suggests that motivation plays an important role in guiding human behavior.
This principle can also apply to studying and writing.
Developing strong writing skills requires motivation, but consistent practice and a clear method are equally important.
Below are ten practical tips that can help you organize your essay and improve the quality of your writing.
Tip 1: Consider Starting the Examination With the Essay
Beginning an examination with the essay can be a useful strategy for some candidates.
At the start of the test, you may feel more mentally refreshed and better prepared to organize your ideas.
Writing an essay also requires sustained concentration, particularly when you need to develop arguments and maintain a coherent structure.
Unlike multiple-choice questions, written assignments cannot be answered through simple guessing.
However, starting with the essay is not always the best choice for every examination.
The ideal strategy depends on the test format, available time, and your personal strengths.
Practice different approaches during mock examinations to determine which method works best for you.
Tip 2: Write Down Keywords Related to the Topic
Before writing your essay, identify important keywords associated with the assigned subject.
These terms can help you remember relevant concepts and organize your arguments.
Consider spending approximately five to ten minutes reading the instructions and recording useful ideas.
For example, if the topic concerns environmental sustainability, your keywords might include pollution, conservation, public policies, education, and responsible consumption.
Once you have identified the main concepts, consider how they relate to one another.
You can then use these connections to structure your introduction and development paragraphs.
Tip 3: Select Your Strongest Ideas
After recording your initial thoughts, review them carefully and select the ideas that are most relevant to the topic.
Not every idea needs to appear in your final essay.
Including too many unrelated arguments can make your writing confusing and difficult to follow.
Instead, choose a small number of strong points that you can explain and support effectively.
Organize them in a logical sequence so that each paragraph contributes to your overall argument.
A clear structure makes it easier for readers to understand your position.
Tip 4: Read the Essay Instructions Carefully
Reading the examination instructions is one of the most important steps in the writing process.
Before beginning, identify the required topic, essay format, word or line limits, and assessment criteria.
Pay attention to any supporting texts provided with the assignment.
These materials may offer useful context and help you understand the main issue.
However, avoid copying passages directly from supporting materials unless the examination instructions explicitly permit quotation.
Your essay should demonstrate independent reasoning and original writing.
Staying focused on the assigned subject is essential for producing a relevant and well-structured response.
Tip 5: Avoid Unnecessarily Complicated Language
A good essay does not need to contain difficult words or excessively complex sentences.
Clear writing is often more effective than language that appears sophisticated but is difficult to understand.
Choose words that express your ideas accurately.
Avoid using unfamiliar expressions simply because they seem impressive.
Short, well-organized sentences can help improve readability and reduce grammatical errors.
However, simplicity should not mean using informal or imprecise language.
In formal examinations, maintain an appropriate writing style while prioritizing clarity.
Tip 6: Be Authentic and Avoid Overused Expressions
Originality can make your writing more engaging and demonstrate your ability to develop independent arguments.
Avoid relying excessively on clichés and expressions that appear in countless essays.
Examples of overused expressions include:
“Since the beginning of humanity…”
“A problem that has always existed…”
“The question everyone is asking…”
These phrases often introduce broad claims without providing meaningful information.
Instead, begin with a statement that directly addresses the assigned topic.
A specific, relevant introduction usually creates a stronger foundation for the rest of the essay.
Tip 7: Use Cohesive Devices
Cohesive devices help connect sentences and paragraphs, making your writing easier to follow.
These elements include conjunctions, pronouns, transitional expressions, and words that refer back to previously mentioned ideas.
Examples of useful transitions include however, therefore, furthermore, in addition, and as a result.
In Portuguese essays, equivalent expressions may include entretanto, portanto, além disso, and consequentemente.
When used appropriately, these expressions help establish relationships between arguments.
However, avoid adding transitions unnecessarily.
Each cohesive element should contribute to the logical progression of your text.
Tip 8: Develop a Practical Intervention Proposal When Required
In examinations such as the ENEM, the essay may require a proposal for addressing the social problem discussed.
This proposal is commonly known as a proposta de intervenção.
A strong intervention proposal should be connected to the arguments presented throughout the essay.
It may identify who should act, what action should be taken, how the action could be implemented, and what objective it should achieve.
For example, an essay about educational inequality might propose initiatives involving public institutions, schools, and community organizations.
However, not every examination requires an intervention proposal.
Some public service examinations may prioritize argumentative analysis or other writing formats.
Always follow the specific instructions and evaluation criteria of your examination.
Tip 9: Avoid Slang and Excessively Informal Language
Formal examinations generally require appropriate written language.
For this reason, avoid slang, unnecessary abbreviations, and expressions commonly used in casual conversations.
Remember that writing an examination essay is different from sending messages to friends or family members.
Your language should reflect the formal context of the assignment.
This does not mean your essay must sound artificial.
Instead, focus on writing naturally while following the grammatical and stylistic conventions expected by the examination board.
Tip 10: Review Your Essay Carefully
After completing your draft, reserve time to review the entire text.
This final stage is essential for identifying errors and improving the clarity of your writing.
Check whether your introduction clearly presents the topic.
Review the development paragraphs to ensure that your arguments follow a logical sequence.
Make sure your conclusion is connected to the ideas discussed earlier.
Pay attention to spelling, punctuation, agreement, and sentence structure.
You should also verify that your essay respects the required length and format.
If you are writing by hand, make sure your final version is legible.
A careful review can help you identify problems that you may not have noticed while writing.
Free Complementary Resources for Essay Writing
If you want to continue improving your writing skills, several educational resources may help you practice and understand different examination formats.
Some materials focus on public service examinations, while others provide guidance for university entrance tests and ENEM essays.
The following resources were referenced in the original article:
- ENEM Essay Writing Guide – Me Salva!
- Essay Writing Study Materials – Brasil Concursos
- Essay Writing for Public Service Exams: A Practical Guide
- Essay Writing Course – AlfaCon
The availability, pricing, and content of these resources may change, so check their current conditions before using them.
When choosing materials, prioritize resources that explain the relevant examination criteria and provide opportunities to practice writing complete essays.
Studying examples can be useful, but writing your own texts is essential for developing practical skills.
Improving Your Essay Writing Skills
Throughout this article, we explored several strategies for writing a good essay, from understanding the topic to organizing arguments and reviewing the final draft.
There are many additional techniques that students can explore, and no single article can cover every aspect of effective writing.
However, the methods discussed here provide a practical starting point for improving your preparation.
The most important thing is to combine theoretical knowledge with consistent writing practice.
Try writing essays on different subjects and evaluating them according to the criteria used in your examination.
If possible, ask a qualified teacher to review your work and explain how you can improve.
Constructive feedback can help you identify recurring mistakes and strengthen your writing skills over time.
For students interested in additional preparation resources, the original article also recommends Professor Kalebe’s writing training.
Kalebe Dionísio is associated with preparation materials for Brazilian public service examinations, and the original article refers to his reported experience with multiple federal public service examinations.
Before enrolling in any program, verify its current content, instructor information, pricing, and access conditions.
Remember that no course or writing method can guarantee a perfect score.
Nevertheless, understanding the examination requirements, practicing regularly, and reviewing your mistakes can help you become a more confident writer.
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