tips for writing good essays. the essay structure the essay needs a basic structure to build up your...
TRANSCRIPT
The Essay StructureThe essay needs a basic structure to build up
your ideas. There are certain ‘ingredients’ needed for a successful essay.
PREPARATION - Plan your answer
- Unlock the question - make decision - Decide balance
Nothing elaborate – just a few notes to keep the focus on the question. Without an essay plan, you might wander off topic and lose time and marks.
INTRODUCTIONYour introduction must unlock the question
and show the decision or judgement you have to make. You need to also show how you intend to answer the Q.
ExampleTo what extent is there a link between income
and health?This intro is weak“There is a health divide in Scotland between the
rich and the poor. People in the richest postcodes have better health statistics than people in the poorest postcodes”
INTRODUCTIONWhy is the intro weak?
Does not mention the decision that has to be made
No reference to how close the link is between income and health
Does not link back to the questionDoes not show the marker how the question
will be answered.Would not receive any marks!
INTRODUCTIONThis intro is much better“ There is a significant link between income and
health. Factors connected with poor health such as poverty, lower social class, unemployment, healthy lifestyle and bad diet are all inked to low income. However, there are exceptions. Some people from higher socio-economic backgrounds also suffer from poor health as a result of poor lifestyle choices. This illustrates that income is not the only factor to impact on a person’s health.”
INTRODUCTIONWhy is this introduction better?
It links clearly to the questionIt states the decision that has been madeIt shows where the essay is heading, by
listing the points that will be developed later.It shows balance by referring to both sides of
the argument and providing a conclusion.The marker can see this is a well-planned,
well-structured essay.
DEVELOPMENT (MIDDLE SECTION)“ It is essential that information is constantly
updated....candidates should be encouraged to use statistics correctly or not at all.”Principal Assessors Report
The middle section is where you show your knowledge and understanding (KU), balance and analysis
This includes; A sentence at the beginning of each paragraph pointing
out what it’s aboutAnalysis of the main point of the paragraphAccurate, detailed descriptions /examples in each
paragraphClear links between the paragraph and the question –
link backBalanced comment on the issue being discussed
How to write a paragraphP POINT - Sentence giving your point of view in response to the
QuestionE EXPLAIN - Explain your point in detail and link to an ExampleE EXAMPLE - Use a current example to illustrate the point fully.A ANALYSIS - Explain what your point and example show - Expand to show how your point fits into your argument - Link to the question by providing a mini-conclusion and
moving to the next point
Using P, E, ASTEP 1 - Unlock the question – understand what it is asking - “To what extent” = “how much”...... - “Examine the claim…..” = how good is the
claim….?STEP 2The key to a fully developed paragraph is your
opening sentence – must give scope for further analysis and development
STEP 3Choose an example that can be explained. - Not too specific and factual. It should open up the
paragraph and allow other points to be brought in.
Using P, E, A - continuedSTEP 4Explain and expand your example. Develop it by
providing evidence to support the point you’re making.
STEP 5Link your paragraph back to the question by
using balanced comment – is it for or against? Is it a good point or a bad point? Does it show a strong point or a weakness?
Link your point to the next part of your essay. This allows your essay to flow.
Length of essayRemember for most essays you are writing
them in just over 20 minutes.By providing balance within each of your
paragraphs, you should aim for at least three fully developed paragraphs.
It is better to balance your points within the paragraph rather than in separate paragraphs. You essay will flow more easily and not read as straight ‘for’ and ‘against’ arguments.
CONCLUSION“A conclusion at the end is a sign of a
mature candidate, as long as it is not a summary of previous points.”Principal Assessors Report
Markers will accept an essay without a conclusion as long as you provide balanced comment in ‘mini-conclusions’ throughout your essay. Writing a short conclusion is a good way of pulling the various lines of your argument together.
CONCLUSIONIn your conclusion, make your mind up about the issue
raised in the question: - State your decision or judgement - Prioritise your main points / argumentsDo not make rash statements, no matter how strongly
you feelDon’t use the first person – “I think.......”Conclusion must be balancedDon’t introduce new factsDecide which of the main points your have raised in
the intro and analysed in your essay are the most important in answering the question.
Your conclusion should give a definite statement that makes your decision completely clear to the marker.
What markers like....... - Strong start - Focus on the question - Strong / decisive argument - Analysis and discussion of all points - Recent and detailed examples - Linking back to the question - Balanced comment - Links between sections - Conclusion that prioritises main points