C1 Expression Formal 2 min de lectura

This essay consists of

Academic essay writing expression

Use this phrase in formal introductions to clearly outline the structure of your writing.

En 15 segundos

  • A formal way to list the sections of a paper.
  • Acts as a structural roadmap for the reader.
  • Best used in academic essays and professional reports.

Significado

This phrase is like a 'road map' for your writing. It tells your reader exactly what parts or sections they will find in your work.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Writing a university history paper

This essay consists of an analysis of the war and its economic impact.

This essay consists of an analysis of the war and its economic impact.

💼
2

Writing a formal business proposal

This essay consists of three main sections: research, strategy, and budget.

This essay consists of three main sections: research, strategy, and budget.

💼
3

Explaining a long, serious email to a colleague

My email consists of the project updates and the new deadlines.

My email consists of the project updates and the new deadlines.

🤝
🌍

Contexto cultural

Western academic writing prioritizes 'writer-responsible' communication. This means the author is responsible for making the structure perfectly clear to the reader. Using 'signposting' phrases like this became a standard way to ensure clarity in university-level discourse.

💡

The Rule of Three

Academic readers love the 'Rule of Three'. Try to list three main parts after this phrase for a balanced feel.

⚠️

Don't confuse 'of' and 'in'

Never say 'consists in' when listing parts. 'Consists in' means 'the essence of something', which is very rare!

En 15 segundos

  • A formal way to list the sections of a paper.
  • Acts as a structural roadmap for the reader.
  • Best used in academic essays and professional reports.

What It Means

Think of this phrase as an ingredients list for your writing. Imagine you are building a Lego set. You show the pieces first. That is exactly what this essay consists of does. It tells the reader, "Here is what I made, and here are the parts."

How To Use It

You usually put this at the end of your introduction. It follows your main idea or thesis statement. You follow the phrase with a list of your main sections. Use commas to separate the different parts. For example: This essay consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It is simple but very powerful.

When To Use It

Use this when you write for university or work. It is perfect for formal assignments. It works great in business reports too. If you want to look organized, this is your best friend. It shows you have a clear plan for your reader. It makes you look like a pro.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this in a casual text message. Imagine telling a friend, "My text consists of a greeting and a question." It sounds very stiff! Your friends might think you are a robot. Avoid it in creative stories or poems too. Creative writing likes to keep things a bit more mysterious.

Cultural Background

In English academic culture, we love signposting. This means we tell the reader what is coming next. We do not like to leave the reader guessing. It is considered polite to be very clear and transparent. This phrase is a classic signpost used for decades in Western schools.

Common Variations

You can say This paper is divided into for a similar feel. You might also try This study comprises if you want to sound very fancy. If you are writing a shorter piece, This work outlines is a good choice. But consists of is the most common and reliable version you will find.

Notas de uso

This is a high-formality expression. It is almost exclusively used in written English. In spoken English, it only appears in formal presentations or lectures.

💡

The Rule of Three

Academic readers love the 'Rule of Three'. Try to list three main parts after this phrase for a balanced feel.

⚠️

Don't confuse 'of' and 'in'

Never say 'consists in' when listing parts. 'Consists in' means 'the essence of something', which is very rare!

💬

The 'Roadmap' Secret

In the UK and US, teachers often call this a 'Roadmap Sentence'. It is literally the most requested sentence in 101 writing classes.

Ejemplos

6
#1 Writing a university history paper
💼

This essay consists of an analysis of the war and its economic impact.

This essay consists of an analysis of the war and its economic impact.

Classic academic use to show the paper's scope.

#2 Writing a formal business proposal
💼

This essay consists of three main sections: research, strategy, and budget.

This essay consists of three main sections: research, strategy, and budget.

Used here to organize a long professional document.

#3 Explaining a long, serious email to a colleague
🤝

My email consists of the project updates and the new deadlines.

My email consists of the project updates and the new deadlines.

Slightly less formal but still very organized.

#4 A student joking about their poorly written paper
😄

This essay consists of 10% research and 90% caffeine-induced panic.

This essay consists of 10% research and 90% caffeine-induced panic.

Using a formal structure for a funny, relatable truth.

#5 Writing a heartfelt letter to a mentor
💭

This essay consists of my deepest thanks and a summary of my journey.

This essay consists of my deepest thanks and a summary of my journey.

Adds a sense of weight and importance to a personal message.

#6 Texting a friend about a long rant you just sent
😊

Sorry, that essay consists of all my feelings about the movie.

Sorry, that essay consists of all my feelings about the movie.

Using 'essay' metaphorically for a long text message.

Ponte a prueba

Complete the introductory sentence for a formal report.

This essay ___ of a literature review and a case study.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: consists

We use the singular 'consists' because the subject 'This essay' is singular.

Choose the correct preposition to follow the verb.

This essay consists ___ four distinct chapters.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: of

The standard phrasal verb for listing components is 'consist of'.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality Level of 'This essay consists of'

Casual

Talking to friends or family.

My story is about...

Neutral

Emails or blog posts.

This post covers...

Formal

Academic papers and reports.

This essay consists of...

Very Formal

Legal or highly technical documents.

The present work comprises...

Where to use 'This essay consists of'

This essay consists of
🎓

University Thesis

Outlining chapters in the intro.

📊

Business Report

Listing the data sections.

📝

Application Essay

Explaining your background parts.

🔬

Scientific Paper

Defining the study components.

Preguntas frecuentes

11 preguntas

It means 'is made up of' or 'contains'. It is used to list the specific components of a larger whole, like an essay.

Yes! You can say This book consists of twelve chapters. It works for any structured piece of writing.

It might sound a bit too stiff. For a casual email, try This email is about... or I'm writing to... instead.

Comprises is even more formal. You don't use 'of' with it (e.g., This essay comprises three parts).

The best spot is at the very end of your first paragraph. It acts as a bridge to the rest of your writing.

Technically yes, but it sounds very scientific. Usually, we just say The ingredients are... for food.

If you are talking about one essay, use consists of. If you are talking about multiple essays, use consist of.

Yes, it is standard in all major varieties of English, including British, American, and Australian academic writing.

No, that is a common mistake. The correct preposition is always of.

You should only use it once per essay, usually in the introduction. Using it more than once makes your writing feel robotic.

Yes, is composed of is a perfect synonym. It is slightly more elegant but means the exact same thing.

Frases relacionadas

is divided into

Shows how a whole is split into smaller sections.

comprises

A very formal way to say 'is made up of'.

outlines

To give a summary of the main points or structure.

is composed of

To be formed or made up of specific parts.

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