These are the criteria for getting the best grades

1) Hardly any mistakes in grammar (including spelling and punctuation)

2) Effective use of varied sentence structures
3) Wide vocabulary, used expressively/precisely
4) Good and relevant points
5) Coherence in paragraphing
6) Well-organised paragraphing
7) Essay is very interesting and shows originality

Here are the tips on how to write a good essay, based on each criterion:

1) Hardly any mistakes in grammar (including spelling and punctuation)

Good essays should be without any major grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors.

2) Effective use of varied sentence structures

When you write an essay, use a variety of sentences - simple, compound, complex, sentences
in both the active voice and passive voice, etc.

3) Wide vocabulary, used expressively/precisely

To score high marks, you need to show that you have a wide vocabulary. For example, you
can use 'delighted' or 'overjoyed' instead of 'happy'. Instead of using 'sad', use 'upset' or
'downhearted'. Try not to use the same word repeatedly. Use different words with the same
meaning to impress the examiner. It is also important that you use a word precisely or
accurately.

4) Good and relevant points

When writing an essay, it is important to write about relevant points, or write about what the
question ask for.

5) Coherence in paragraphing & 6) Well-organised paragraphing

'Coherence' is 'the situation in which all the parts of something fit together well'. For instance,
when writing an essay entitled 'My Hero', it is advisable to write about things that are of the
same nature in a paragraph.

7) Essay is very interesting and shows originality

An interesting essay does not talk about the boring stuff. For example, you decide to write an
essay entitled 'Describe an enjoyable weekend you have experienced' and describe a camping
trip at the beach with your family. Avoid including stuff like:

"When I woke up that morning, I went to the toilet to brush my teeth and wash my face. After
that, I dressed up and went downstairs to have my breakfast. I have bread and butter for
breakfast..."

You can put it this way:

"When I woke up that morning, I was excited as my whole family would be going on a
camping trip at the beach. After getting everything ready, we set off for the beach in my
father's van..."

You can continue the essay by describing all the interesting things that you and your family
saw and did at the beach. It is a good idea to write about your own experience, since it shows
originality. When writing essays, it is also important to write about logical things.