ESSAY WRITING

HOW TO PLAN AND WRITE YOUR ESSAY

Types of essay – discursive and persuasive

Discursive - systematically presents arguments in favour of both sides through specific examples, reasons, and justifications. After finishing this type of discursive essay, the informed reader should be able to reach a concrete conclusion given available information.

Persuasive - to persuade readers and often deals with a contentious topic or one over which there are conflicting opinions.

Current affairs issues are a rich source of persuasive essay topics - whether the monarchy is an outdated institution and same-sex marriage etc.

Essays are important because…

It deepens your learning of the subject you are studying

You learn to use ideas to argue a case

It enables you to enter into a dialogue with your tutors

You can extend and refine your thinking and your writing skills

PLAN YOUR ESSAY

Introduction – what the topic is and what it involves. Signpost what you will be looking at in the essay.

3 paragraphs which deal with points in favour of the issue.

3 paragraphs which deal with points against the issue.

A conclusion in which you reflect upon the issue and detail your own point of view.

STYLE

The style should be formal No contractions such as didn’t, couldn’t, wouldn’t, shouldn’t

No slang No use of “I”Use quite long, complex sentences

STYLE - LINKING

Making connections

Furthermore Additionally In addition to As well as Moreover Therefore Likewise also

Introducing a contrast However On the other hand Alternatively Despite this Having said that Although Nevertheless but

Top essay mistakes!

The student fails to address what is being asked of them – for example, they are asked to ‘discuss’ an issue but they present a one-sided-argument

The essay is poorly structured, perhaps missing an introduction or failing to reach a conclusion based on the evidence presented

The arguments are weak, not supported by evidence/reason or authority, or are non existent

The materials used are not properly referenced or no supporting material is cited

The student has included too much background or description and not enough critical analysis

REFERENCING

You must reference any quoted material and include a bibliography at the end of your essay.

Use the Harvard System …but more about that in the next slideshow

I have put some information on the blog for you under the useful website section