Essay Writing

Getting Started
Have a plan for your essay.

Exercise 1: Good / Bad (5 mins)

Divide into two groups. The first group lists characteristics of a poorly written essay. The second group lists characteristics of a well written essay. Now compare your results and come up with a set of instructions about how you are going to write your essay.

Exercise 2: Order (10 mins)

Listed below are some steps necessary to complete an assignment. Rearrange them in the most useful order:

1. Write a rough draft
2. Analyse the question
3. Write out references
4. Research the topic
5. Complete a final draft
6. Write out a plan
7. Make a final check and proof-read
8. Reflect on the research and information you have..
9. Organise content..
10. Check length and marking scheme

Now make a timetable starting from the deadline, including dates for completing each stage.

(Possible answer:  10  2  6  9  4  8  1  5  3  7)

Exercise 3: Getting Started (10 mins)

What stops you from getting started?  If you find you delay starting essays try and discover why this might be (e.g. poor time management, lack of confidence, lack of motivation etc).

Brainstorm as many suggestions as possible as to how to get you started.

Discuss with the group what works for you.

(Possible answers: write down everything you can about the subject in a couple of minutes, write headings, ask questions, who? why? how? use a mind map, discuss with a friend, use a word processor, brainstorm, say to yourself you are only going to study for 15 minutes, etc)

Exercise 4: Writing the Essay (45 mins)

Starting Your Essay (15 mins)

1. Examine the question carefully. Do you understand all the concepts? What is the subject? What are you expected to do with this subject? Does the way the question is phrased suggest an essay structure to you? Write out the question in your own words.
2. Brainstorm the subject - write down as many points as possible on the subject. What do you think are the main issues? What do you need to find out? Ask why and how? What are the causes? What evidence do you have? (You may want to use a diagram or a mind map)
3. Now begin to write up a plan. Although there are many ways to write an essay you may choose to write notes under the simple structure of: introduction, middle section and conclusion.

Introduction (10 mins)

What do you consider to be the most important points to include in an introduction?

1. Comments on the subject (what do you understand by the essay and why is it important)
2. Aims, i.e. telling the reader what you intend to talk about.
3. Definition of terms
4. Refer to the title and how you interpret it
5. Any others?

Middle Section (10 mins)

This is where you have to deliver your line of argument. You need to go back to the question in order to decide on the structure of your answer. Remember to back up your ideas with solid examples.

Write down four main points you can make and place them in order of priority.

Conclusion (10 mins)

What do you need to do in the conclusion? Write some brief notes about what you would like to include in your conclusion.

1. Summarise main ideas
2. Answer the original question
3. Provide an overview
4. Look at areas that need to be researched further
5. Mention any limitations your essay may have
6. Give your own opinion
7. Anything else?

Congratulations - you should now have an outline plan for your essay!