How to Write an Essay on the Hazards of Smoking

Writing an essay on the hazards of smoking is easy in some respects; there is a plethora of information on the health risks. On the other hand, writing a persuasive essay takes a certain amount of skill. The writer should structure the essay so it flows well and follows a logical route. The essay should combine facts with argument. Don't just present a series of scary facts, though some of these could be included. A good essay has to be more than just a health risk presentation; the writing and style need to be excellent.

Instructions

• 1

  Write an introduction to your essay that sets the scene for the information and arguments you are going to present. Write an attention-grabbing first sentence, if possible presenting a surprising fact or anecdote. You could say a cigarette contains 400 chemical compounds and at least 400 toxic substances. However, do not become immersed in too much detail at this stage. Give an indication of the stand-point the essay is going to take. The introduction can go on for a few paragraphs. Lead seamlessly into the body of the essay with the closing sentence of the introduction.

• 2

  Discuss the main facts in the body of the essay. Make this the longest section. Write a little about the history of tobacco smoking, and give a historical perspective on the realization of its dangers. Write about the death rates; for instance that cigarette smoking is responsible for nearly 2 million deaths a year in the developed countries, and that half of these are in the middle years, ages 35-69.

• 3

  Write about the different illnesses caused by cigarette smoking. Ninety percent of lung cancers are caused by smoking. However, your readers may not know of some of the other hazards, such as coronary and other vascular conditions, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Include a paragraph on the benefits of quitting smoking.

• 4

  Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points you have presented. Refer back to the introduction and what you set out to do. This helps to bring the essay together in the mind of the reader. Try to finish in a way that stimulates the reader's mind to explore the issue further.