For elementary learners writing their first essays and reports: topic, paragraph, conclusion, source, and research basics.
Free Academic English vocabulary flashcards at the A2 level — all 35 words with definitions and examples. Study them with spaced repetition and start using these words in everyday conversation.
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essay
a short piece of writing on one topic, usually for school.
subject
an area of study taught in school, such as maths or history.
topic
the main idea or theme that something is about.
grade
a letter or number that shows how well you did on a test or assignment.
research
the act of finding information about a subject by reading or asking questions.
method
a way of doing something, especially a planned and organised way.
explain
to make something clear so that another person can understand it.
compare
to look at two or more things to find how they are similar or different.
describe
to say what something or someone is like using words.
report
a piece of writing that gives information about a topic or event.
project
a piece of work on a topic done over a period of time, often in a group.
paragraph
a group of sentences about the same idea, set apart from the rest of the text.
introduction
the first part of a piece of writing that tells the reader what it is about.
conclusion
the final part of a piece of writing that summarises the main points.
fact
a piece of information that is true and can be checked.
opinion
what a person thinks or believes about something, not necessarily a fact.
discuss
to talk about a topic with other people and share different ideas.
review
to read or study something again to check it or prepare for a test.
outline
a plan showing the main points of a piece of writing before you write it.
source
a book, website, or person that provides information.
summary
a short version of a longer text that includes only the main points.
organise
to arrange things in a clear and logical order.
choose
to pick one option from several possible ones.
prepare
to get ready for something in advance.
submit
to hand in a piece of work to a teacher or institution.
deadline
the date or time by which a task must be finished.
partner
a person you work with on a task or activity.
audience
the people who read, watch, or listen to something.
purpose
the reason why something is done or written.
clear
easy to understand; well expressed and without confusion.
main
most important; central to the topic.
detail
a small but specific piece of information about something.
title
the name given to a book, essay, or piece of work.
library
a place where books and other resources are kept for people to borrow or read.
notes
short pieces of writing that help you remember what you have read or heard.