Essay writingA method for preparation and execution

By Keith Barker-Jones

Overview

Essay

Structure

Introduction

Main section Conclusio

n

Presentation

Font

Line spacing

Plan

Research

NotesCriteria

References and citations

Separation & flow

Paragraphs

Link words

Drafting

Title Reference list and bibliography

Introduction

Comprises 5-10% of word count An introduction should:Identify the subject of the essaySignpost the shape and content of the argumentHighlight the major debates that lie ‘behind’

the questionDefine termsEstablish a ‘position’ (sometimes)

(Redman 2006, p41)

Main sectionThe main section is essentially a detailed discourse; one that according to Redman (2006, p48) “needs a strong and coherentstructure”

As part of this structure a useful ‘rule of thumb’ is to discuss onepoint per paragraph

Throughout the discourse the author should strive t0 build an argument

which, according to Cottrell (2005), will hold reasons to support a point of view

Cottrell (2005) then infers that the reasons should be aligned logically; creating a line of reasoning that leads the reader to a conclusion

ConclusionA conclusion should comprise approximately 10% of word count

According to Redman (2006) it is “a final condensed version of the

essay’s core argument that restates your position on the question”

Redman (2006) goes on to characterise a conclusion as:A recap of the key points in the argumentA summary and synthesis of the key debates raised by the

question An opportunity to identify absences in the argument; maybe

to be explored in future work

PlanningResearchUse reliable, authoritative sources such as:Text booksCurrent academic journals

Beware of using ‘ad hoc’ websites, which can be

unreliable or inaccurate

PlanningIn respect of gathering information, it is unrealistic to read in detail every potential source of information

Prior to collating information look in the assessment criteria

for:Content wordsKey words

To economically access information it is advisable to locate information by ‘scanning’ texts.

PlanningMurray and Hughes (2008) provide useful

guidance in gathering relevant information through

scanning: Look for key words associated with ideasLook for the names of scholars/writers/books

and articles associated with ideasRead abstracts of articlesRead information contained in the preface of

booksScan contents and indexes of books

PlanningBe sure to collate and keep information. It is

useful to keep a ‘research file’ for each assignmentFurther tips include to:Take notesExperiment with mind-mapsNote references as you go alongUse an essay pro-forma (planner) to map out introduction, main body and conclusion

References and citationsAn academic essay will contain: Citations within the textA list of references; containing full details

of citationsA bibliography; contains full details of

additional reading

DraftingOnce information has been gathered through research, the writing process may begin.

According to Murray and Hughes (2008, p111) drafting is a process that involves “writing a rough copy…” “which you will edit and refine later.”

This process, although potentially laborious, is an essential part of academic writing

With this in mind:Never be content with the first draft (several drafts are

necessary)Each draft must be thoroughly proof-read

Separation and flowIn the name of clarity, chunks of text are

separated by paragraphs

However, this does not mean that they are disparate

elements

Indeed, each paragraph must be linked to the last by use

of link words to ensure a flowing, interlocking discourse

List of referencesCottrell, S. (2005) Critical thinking skills: Developing effective analysis and argument. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

Murray, N. and Hughes, G. (2008) Writing up your university assignments and research projects: A

practical handbook. Maidenhead: Open University Press

Redman, P. (2006) Good essay writing. 3rd Ed. London: Sage Publications Ltd.