WHAT IS AN ESSAY?

 

An organised collection

of YOUR IDEAS

about literary texts

well written

and clearly presented .

 

 

 

ANALYSING THE ESSAY QUESTION

 

Read the question (aloud if it helps!) several times.

Underline the words that tell you what approach to take.

(e.g. discuss, assess, compare – see list ,"Key Words in Essay Titles, below))

Highlight key words relating to the subject matter.

Circle any other significant words that identify the scope of what you have to write about.

(e.g. simply, fundamentally, only, merely, currently, respectively)

Note any terms that you need to define

Write the question out in your own words.

In your introduction say how you interpret the question (e.g. by rephrasing in your own words)

In your conclusion, refer back to the question; show the reader that you are still answering the set question.

Write the question out in full on plans, notes and drafts to make sure you never lose sight of it.

 

HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR ESSAY

 

Introduction

Arouse the reader’s interest using a strong statement to answer the question

Define or explain key terms if necessary

Identify the issues that you are going to explore

Give a brief outline of how you will deal with each issue, and in which order

 

Argument/Main Body

Contains the points outlined in your introduction, divided into paragraphs:

 

Paragraph 1

Covers the first thing you said you would address.

The first sentence (the topic sentence) introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

Other sentences develop the topic.

Include relevant examples, details, evidence, quotations, references.

 

Paragraph 2 and other paragraphs

The first sentence links the paragraph to the previous paragraph then introduces the main idea of the paragraph

 

The Conclusion

Draw everything together

Summarise the main themes

State your general conclusions

Make it clear why those conclusions are important or significant

Do not introduce new material

In the last sentence, sum up your argument very briefly, linking it to the question

 

EXPRESSING YOUR IDEAS CLEARLY IN ESSAYS

Be clear in your own mind what you want to say.

Express ideas clearly – the reader can’t ask questions to clarify.

Get to the point – avoid "filler" or "padding" phrases.

Be precise – avoid generalisations and vagueness.

(Specify who, what, where, when, and especially, how and why)

Use short, straightforward sentences.

Use plain English and familiar words.

Avoid cliches.

Avoid ambiguous words and sentences.

Make every word and sentence count - avoid repetition and unnecessary words.

Check your punctuation – it should help, not confuse, the reader.

Check your spelling. Make a point of learning to spell words used commonly in your subject and in academic writing generally

 

EDITING YOUR DRAFT FOR STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

Re-read your draft, checking for structure and meaning:

 

Does the main body do what the introduction says it will do?

Is it clear what each paragraph is about?

(Some people sum up the topic in the margin and colour code it.)

Is everything in the paragraph relevant to the main "topic"?

Is there enough in each paragraph to support the "topic"?

Is anything superfluous?

Is everything in the right place?

Are the sentences in each paragraph in the right order?

Is every paragraph relevant to the question?

Does every paragraph relate clearly to the others?

Is it clear how each paragraph leads to the next?

Are the ideas clearly expressed?

Have you cited references correctly and listed them at the end (Bibliography)?

 

 

KEY WORDS IN ESSAY TITLES

 

Account for

Give reasons for; explain why something happens

 

Analyse

Break up into parts; investigate

 

Comment on

Identify and write about the main issues; give your reactions based on what you’ve read/heard in lectures. Avoid just personal opinion.

 

Compare

Look for the similarities/differences between two things. Show the relevance or consequences of these similarities.Perhaps conclude which is preferable.

 

Contrast

Bring out the differences between two items or arguments. Show whether the differences are significant. Perhaps give reasons why one is preferable.

 

Critically evaluate

Weigh arguments for and against something, assessing the strength of the evidence on both sides. Use criteria to guide your assesment of which opinions, theories, models or items are preferable.

 

Define

Give the exact meaning of. Where relevant, show you understand how the definition may be problematic.

 

Describe

Give the main characteristics or features of something, or outline the main events.

 

Discuss

Investigate or examine by argument; sift and debate; give reasons for and against; examine the implications.

 

Distinguish between

Bring out the differences between

 

Evaluate

Assess and give your judgement about the merit, importance or usefulness of something. Back your judgement with evidence.

 

Examine

Look closely into something.

 

Explain

Make clear why something happens, or is the way it is; interpret and account for; give reasons for.

 

Explore

Examine thoroughly; consider from a variety of viewpoints.

 

Illustrate

Make something clear and explicit, giving examples of evidence.

 

Interpret

Show the meaning and relevance of data or other material presented

 

Justify

Give evidence which supports an argument or idea; show why a decision or conclusions were made; answer the main objections which might be made.

 

Narrate

Outline what happened

 

Outline

Give the main points/features/general principles; show the main structure and interrelations; omit details and examples.

 

Relate

Narrate

Show similarities and connections between

 

State

Give the main features briefly and clearly

 

Summarise

Draw out the main points only; omit details and examples.

 

To what extent

Consider how far something is true, or contributes to a final outcome. Consider also ways in which it is not true.

 

Trace

Follow the development or history of an event or process.

 

Source: http://web.apu.ac.uk/stu_services/essex/learningsupport/OL-EssayWrting1.htm