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Contents
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Apart
from the basic structure of an essay other elements come into play, which can
make just an average essay into a good one.
The
following 8 points have been prioritized in order of importanc 1.
Always
answer the question set If
you have researched and planned the essay thoroughly, and written it up well,
the chances are it will answer the essay question set pretty well.
But it doesn't necessarily follow.
Many students fail to understand the question and consequently answer it
inadequately or write a great deal of irrelevant material.
You
must be absolutely clear what the question means and ensure that your essay
answers it directly and fully.
Ask yourself after each sentence,
"Does it contribute directly towards the answering of the question I
have been set?"
If it does not, then you may be advised to scrap it and think again. 2.
Have
a clear and defined structure Planning
an essay is like building a house.
It must have a solid foundation with a number of clearly defined rooms.
Writing the essay is like leading a guest around your house, showing off
its features.
Nothing is more obvious to an experienced tutor than an essay with either
no plan at all or a plan which is inadequate or poorly thought through.
Always organize your ideas and arguments before staring to write an
essay. 3. Clarity of thought This
is essential and will demonstrate your ability to identify different types of
issues and to argue them through logically; to organize material into a coherent
essay structure; to make important distinctions and insights.
With effort and determination, you can train yourself to think in terms
of specific areas and demonstrate your abilities effectively. 4.
Arguments
or ideas need to be well supported Give
evidence to support your arguments and ideas.
Essays should never be a series of unsupported personal ideas.
When you cite evidence, be sure that it is accurate -
check your sources
- and attribute accurately through the use
of footnotes.
Never plagiarize, trying to pass off someone else's thoughts as your own
never works, but agree with them by all means.
Use quotations to support your arguments but always reference them
appropriately
-
(remember cheats never prosper!)
In
general
5. Give evidence of wide reading and understanding of the subject If
you show you have read widely and understood thoroughly, you demonstrate
competence in the subject under discussion.
Never base an essay on just one book or on the other hand, too many.
Four or five major references is a good standard practice.
Give an honest and accurate bibliography in support of your research. 6.
Use
an appropriate style For
an academic essay the third person rather than the first is preferred, though
occasional use of 'I' is accepted by most tutors, especially when a personal
view is specifically requested in the title.
Beware the use of humour - you come badly unstuck if a tired and critical
tutor or examiner decides he/she does not share your sense of it.
Remember
that your essay should flow easily, drawing the reader's interest along
naturally with your arguments and ideas.
Try to adopt the correct 'tone'.
Don't talk down to your reader or seek to ingratiate yourself, but
imagine you are addressing someone who is intelligent and reasonably, but not
well informed in the subject upon which you are writing.
Your
style should be grammatically accurate: spelling mistakes, poor punctuation and
sentence construction, mixed tenses and metaphors give a bad impression. 7.
Good
presentation Make
sure your essay is neatly written and presented.
Researchers have shown that assessments given for
the same work can carry by up to a whole grade (10%) depending upon the quality
of the handwriting.
Avoid submitting work, which looks like a draft, with frequent crossing
out, corrections and so forth.
It is not an essential requirement, but submitting typed essays will help
tutors' comprehension, especially if your handwriting is not particularly neat.
In some cases it is now compulsory for you to submit work that is typed. 8.
Demonstrate
originality of thought Often
really high marks are given to the essay, which displays that something extra
original ideas or an unusual, imaginative approach, such essays seem fresh and
exciting.
However, don't try to be different for the sake of it: you run the risk
of appearing pretentious or, at worst, ridiculous.
Don't pressurize yourself into coming up with an original thought.
It's hard to achieve them, especially if, for instance, your subject area
has been studied or discussed for centuries. Remember:
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Introduction
Glossary
of Essay Terms
