Essay writing- A general guide.
A good essay will be well constructed, well supported with contemporary examples, logical and conclusive. Above all else it will provide a relevant and considered argument in response to the question. In short, it will answer the question (not the one you wanted to be asked!). There are far too many pre-prepared answers being written that simply do not respond to the requirements of the particular question asked.
It is important to note that a PLANNED essay is a good essay! Before you plan you need to understand the question.
Underline key words and let them guide your answer.
Introductions:
Introductory paragraphs can be where essays are "won or lost".
Body of essay:
Conclusion:
Please remember that effective analysis is not possible without looking at BOTH sides of the question! It is worthwhile that you stop and consider the approach BEFORE proceeding to write your answer. In other words, decide what the question is asking, the points that are going to be raised and the conclusion that is going to be stated PRIOR to beginning to write the essay.
It is important to note that a PLANNED essay is a good essay! Before you plan you need to understand the question.
Underline key words and let them guide your answer.
Introductions:
Introductory paragraphs can be where essays are "won or lost".
- State the topic of the essay- restate the issue/s raised by the topic
- Define key terms required for understanding
- Outline the argument to be used in the essay and the broad points of evidence that are going to be explored in outlining the argument
- In your introduction you do not need to definitively answer the question but outline competing points of view. Also remember that in working towards a particular argument in response to the question it is necessary to examine and explore counterarguments to indicate your understanding of the debates and issues inherent in essay questions.
Body of essay:
- Each major point should be contained in a separate paragraph
- Each paragraph should contain a certain topic sentence an explanatory sentences that further explain and illustrate topic senctences
- Paragraphs must contain evidence- supportive and counterarguments- i.e. contemporary examples, case studies, statistics, court decisions, dates, facts and figures
- It is in the use of evidence that good students will demonstrate their mastery of the topic. Students who present good amount of relevant evidence linked to their arguments will be rewarded with higher marks
- Each paragraph should contain a final statement which links the topic back to the question
Conclusion:
- Briefly restate the main points made in the essay
- Indicate the understanding reached in the essay
- Say something relevant and conclusive in response to the question but do not simply restate a sentence/s from your opening paragraph
- Students who are able to present strong concluding arguments that are based on key examples will be rewarded with higher marks
Please remember that effective analysis is not possible without looking at BOTH sides of the question! It is worthwhile that you stop and consider the approach BEFORE proceeding to write your answer. In other words, decide what the question is asking, the points that are going to be raised and the conclusion that is going to be stated PRIOR to beginning to write the essay.
how_to_write_a_poleg_essay.doc |
pl_essay_writing.docx |
Task.
Here are some sample essay questions. Practice planning and creating two sided arguments. You may also want to the attachment below to complete a rough plan. Come and see me if you need more!
- Evaluate the extent to which Australia’s constitutional founding fathers were influenced by different systems in constructing the Australian constitution.
- 3. Explain how the doctrine of the separation of powers works in theory as opposed to how it actually works in practice in Australia today.
- 1. The Western Australian criminal justice system is not a perfect system. With reference to recent high profile cases in WA, compare the strengths and weaknesses of this system.
- Compare the key political and legal structures between one democratic and one non-democratic system that you have studied.
- Laws in Australia can be a made a number of ways. Explain the various ways in which laws can be made and outline the strengths and weaknesses of each method.
- Explain the ways in which political parties and pressure groups have participated in a recent election.
- The way in which a nation state elects its representatives determines the make-up of the legislative bodies. Compare the key structures of the Australian electoral system with the electoral system of one other country.
- The principle of fair elections should be a fundamental tenet of any electoral system.
- How fair is the Australian electoral system? Compare the fairness of the Australian model with that of one other country.
essay_planning_guidelines.pdf |