After sitting for 4 exams in the last 3 weeks, I can finally say that I am free.
I'm sure that more stressful times are coming up right ahead for me, but I can say that I was quite stressed, especially after months of inferior home-schooling due to the virus.
As far as I can tell by the exam I have received already, I did not screw them up too severely, but they will probably still leave an impact.
Now that I'm in break, I've lost all obligations, and yes, also a reason. This, however, means that I can craft it myself by allocating more time to my hobbies.
Writing an essay sounds tedious, but at the core it is simple.
These are my Year 10 notes on writing essays and comments.
The different types
First off, there are two kinds of essays: the neutral essay and the persuasive comment.
The neutral essay tries to inform the reader about something while the persuasive comment tries to influence the reader's opinion.
The structure
Introduction
The introduction of a neutral essay is neutral, while the introduction of a persuasive comment is opinionated.
An introduction should lead the reader into the topic you wish to comment on. This can, for example, be done using a question, which — if you are writing a persuasive comment — you can then answer in the next question by stating your opinion.
Main part
In the main part you are presenting arguments both for and against the topic you are writing about. This is true even in a persuasive comment, however, in a persuasive comment you have to make sure to present your side stronger.
Typically, you begin with presenting all arguments from the side you disagree with, from weakest to strongest, and then present those from the side you agree with.
You may also let arguments directly compete with each other by naming one from the side you disagree with and immediately rebuting it with one of your arguments. The first way is usually easier.
Conclusion
The conclusion contains your opinion. You reiterate your most important arguments, and don't introduce new ones. If you are writing a neutral essay and you cannot choose between the sides, you can also write a neutral conclusion naming the most important arguments of both sides.
The introduction, the first part of main part, the second part of the main part, and the conclusion are terminated by a paragraph break.
You may use a line break and indentation with each new argument you present.
An appropriate amount of arguments for an exam situation is three for each side.
It is advisable to quickly sum up the arguments you wish to put in the essay before starting to write.