Essay Writing — NCERT Hornbill (Class 11)
A simple classroom guide for planning, drafting, and polishing essays as per CBSE Class 11 standards. Includes sentence and paragraph help, examples, checklists, and practice tasks.
Introduction
Essay writing in Class 11 is about clear thinking and neat expression. This guide shows how to plan your ideas, build strong paragraphs, and present your view in plain language. You will also see a model plan, labelled diagrams, and ready-to-use checklists drawn from the NCERT chapter on essay-writing.
What is an essay?
An essay is a short piece of writing made of more than one paragraph on a single subject. It should present a clear line of thought and a tidy plan. One main topic, many linked paragraphs.
Planning: from ideas to outline
Think fast and note down every idea that comes to mind. You can do this alone or in a small group.
Write the topic inside a circle, then add linked ideas around it (mind map). Example topic used in the text: Hobbies.
Pick the best points and turn each point into a short sentence. This becomes your raw material for paragraphs.
Idea → Sentence → Paragraph (labelled flow)
Features of a good essay
Unity
Stay with the main subject. All parts should point to that subject.
Coherence
Ideas must follow a clear order. Sentences and paragraphs should connect smoothly.
Relevance
Cut out extra details. Keep only what helps the topic.
Proportion
Give more space to more important ideas. Less space to minor points.
Model structure: “The Importance of Games”
The passage shows a neat five-paragraph plan: introduction, benefits to health, moral learning, warnings/limits, and a balanced conclusion.
States the main idea
Exercise and fitness
Spirit of fair play
Keep balance
Final judgement
Use this plan when the topic asks for both for and against points, ending with your view.
Sentence structure & paragraph writing (with topic sentence)
Sentence structure: keep it clear
- Simple Use one idea per sentence: Subject + Verb + Object.
- Compound Join two close ideas with and, but, or.
- Complex Add a reason, time, or result clause with because, when, so that.
Paragraph basics
Each paragraph should have one clear focus. Begin with a topic sentence that tells the main point. Add supporting sentences (facts, examples, short reasons). Finish with a linking sentence that prepares for the next paragraph.
| Part | What it does | Quick example |
|---|---|---|
| Topic sentence | States the key point of the paragraph | Games help us stay healthy. |
| Support | Gives proof, details, or examples | Regular exercise keeps the body active and prevents illness. |
| Link | Closes the idea and moves to the next | Beyond health, games also teach fair play. |
Mini practice: build a paragraph
- Write a topic sentence for: Reading as a hobby.
- Add two support lines (example + reason).
- Write one link line to the next paragraph.
Writing steps: draft → edit → final
Draft
- Follow your outline. Do not worry about small errors now.
- Keep one aim per paragraph (unity).
Edit
- Check order of ideas (coherence).
- Cut extra lines (relevance).
- Balance space across points (proportion).
Final
- Write a clear title and a short opening.
- Proofread for spelling and punctuation.
Checklists (do’s and don’ts)
Do’s
- Plan with a quick mind map or list.
- Open with a definition or short description when helpful.
- Use the five-part plan for balanced topics.
- Keep paragraphs on one idea each.
- Use simple words and active verbs.
Don’ts
- Do not drift away from the main point (breaks unity).
- Do not jump between ideas without links (hurts coherence).
- Do not stuff in facts that do not help (keep relevance).
- Do not give too much space to minor points (mind proportion).
Templates and quick formats
Basic outline (any topic)
- Intro: state the topic and your main line.
- P1: key point 1 + support.
- P2: key point 2 + support.
- P3: limits/other view.
- End: short, firm close.
Paragraph scaffold
Topic sentence → Support 1 → Support 2 → Link
Use for body paragraphs to keep shape steady.
Annotation demo (labelled)
Hook: short line that draws interest.
Claim: your main point for this paragraph.
Proof: example, data, or case.
Close: link to the next idea.
Practice topics (Class activity)
Pick any one topic and follow the planning steps and outline above.
- Himalayan quake 2005
- Those who can bear all can dare all
- Fascinating facts about water
- Public health in transition
- Human population grows up
- Success begins in the mind
- Think before you shop
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Write an essay on how you can support the aims of the programme: stop gender-biased selection, protect the girl child, and support her schooling and voice.
Simple rubric (teacher & self-check)
| Area | What to see | Score (0–3) |
|---|---|---|
| Unity | Stays on one main topic all through. | __ |
| Coherence | Clear order; smooth links between ideas. | __ |
| Relevance | No extra or stray details. | __ |
| Proportion | Space given as per importance. | __ |
| Language | Clear sentences; correct grammar and spelling. | __ |
| Presentation | Neat title, margins, and paragraphing. | __ |
Quick FAQ
How should I start an essay?
Begin with a small lead: a short definition, a brief setting, or one direct line that states the focus. The starts may define or describe the topic first.
How many paragraphs are enough?
For school essays, 4–6 paragraphs usually work well: one for the intro, 2–4 for the body, and one for the end.
What if I have too many points?
Group close points and choose the best examples. Remove repeats to keep relevance and proportion.
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