Some tips about writing the essay

Writing the essay

Drafting

Write a first draft to try out the structure and framework of your essay. A draft essay will help you work out how you will answer the question and which evidence and examples you will use; and how your argument will be structured.

Once you have a draft, you can work on writing well. Your first draft will not be your final essay; think of it as raw material you will refine through editing and redrafting.

Structure

Structure your essay to communicate your ideas and answer the question. All essays should include the following structure:

1. Introduction The introduction moves from general to specific. This is where you: • open with a short orientation (introduce the topic area(s) with a general, broad opening sentence (or two); • answer the question with a thesis statement; and • provide a summary or ‘road map’ of your essay (keep it brief, but mention all the main ideas).

2. Body The body of your essay consists of paragraphs. Each is a building block in the construction of your argument. The body is where you: • answer the question by developing a discussion. • show your knowledge and grasp of material you have read. • offer exposition and evidence to develop your argument. • use relevant examples and authoritative quotes. If your question has more than one part, structure the body into sections that deal with each part of the question.

3. Conclusion The conclusion moves from specific to general. It should: • restate your answer to the question; • re-summarise the main points and; • include a final, broad statement (about possible implications, future directions for research, to qualify the conclusion etc). However, NEVER introduce new information or ideas in the conclusion - its purpose is to round off your essay by summing up.

Tips:

Essay paragraphs Each paragraph in the body of the essay should deal with one main point/ aspect of your answer. Each paragraph should contain: 1. a topic sentence that states the main or controlling idea; 2. supporting sentences to explain and develop the point you’re making; 3. evidence. Most of the time, your point should be supported by some form of evidence from your reading, or by an example drawn from the subject area. 4. analysis. Don’t just leave the evidence hanging there - analyse and interpret it! Comment on the implication/ significance/impact. Finish off the paragraph with a critical conclusion you have drawn from the evidence. Tips for effective writing Start writing early - the earlier the better. Starting cuts down on anxiety, beats procrastination, and gives you time to develop your ideas. Don’t try to write an essay from beginning to end (especially not in a single study session). Begin with what you are ready to write - a plan, a sentence. Start with the body and work paragraph by paragraph. Write the introduction and conclusion after the body. Once you know what your essay is about, then write the introduction and conclusion. Keep the essay’ question in mind. Don’t lose track of the question or task. Keep it in mind as you draft and edit and work out your argument. Revise your first draft extensively. Make sure the entire essay flows and that the paragraphs are in a logical order. Put the essay aside for a few days. This allows you to consider your essay with a fresh eye. Proof-read your final draft carefully. Check spelling and punctuation.