Learning English as a Second Language is not an easy task. For most non-native speakers, English is fraught with grammatical inconsistencies and awkward phrases. An excellent exercise to promote fluency in English is to practice writing essays.

Practice outlining an essay. An important part of essay writing is the form. Each paragraph should have a topic and a purpose. For example, the first paragraph should be an introduction that clearly states the purpose of the essay, and each subsequent paragraph should have one main point. The last paragraph should be the conclusion. Making an outline is an easy first step for ESL students because it only requires a few simple words.

Practice introductions and conclusions. Use various topics, and drill in the vocabulary and grammar needed to construct these paragraphs. Since the two have very similar compositions, these drills will serve to reinforce each other to ESL students.

Practice writing topic sentences. Students can use an outline that they have created to make topic sentences. Students can also take previously written paragraphs and write their own sentences, a task that also tests comprehension skills.

Drill vocabulary words for transition and creating new paragraphs. If the essay is sequential, start by reviewing words like "first," "second," "next" and "also." If the essay is descriptive, review location words like "around," "above," "between" and "inside." Test for when to use the words in addition to the meaning of the words.

Have ESL students read example essays, and have them highlight the previous points. Make them highlight and identify transition words, topic sentences, introductions and conclusions. Ask them for their own substitutes for these key phrases.

Practice full essay writing. Select topics that are appropriate for the students' level. If they have just finished studying vocabulary related to color and shape, make them write a descriptive essay on a picture. Grade their essays with plenty of feedback, and give them the opportunity to rewrite the essays. Give them the opportunity to peer grade other essays to give them new ideas on essay writing.