Essay writing

1. Essay writing A method for preparation and execution By Keith Barker-Jones

2. Overview Main section Introduction Conclusion Paragraphs Title Structure Reference list and bibliography Separation & flow Link words Essay Font Drafting Presentation References and citations Plan Line spacing Research Notes Criteria

3. Introduction Comprises 5-10% of word count An introduction should: • Identify the subject of the essay • Signpost the shape and content of the argument • Highlight the major debates that lie ‘behind’ the question • Define terms • Establish a ‘position’ (sometimes) (Redman 2006, p41)

4. Main section The main section is essentially a detailed discourse; one that according to Redman (2006, p48) “needs a strong and coherent structure” As part of this structure a useful ‘rule of thumb’ is to discuss one point per paragraph Throughout the discourse the author should strive t0 build an argument which, according to Cottrell (2005), will hold reasons to support a point of view Cottrell (2005) then infers that the reasons should be aligned logically; creating a line of reasoning that leads the reader to a conclusion

5. Conclusion A conclusion should comprise approximately 10% of word count According to Redman (2006) it is “a final condensed version of the essay’s core argument that restates your position on the question” Redman (2006) goes on to characterise a conclusion as: • A recap of the key points in the argument • A summary and synthesis of the key debates raised by the question • An opportunity to identify absences in the argument; maybe to be explored in future work

6. Planning Research Use reliable, authoritative sources such as: • Text books • Current academic journals Beware of using ‘ad hoc’ websites, which can be unreliable or inaccurate

7. Planning In respect of gathering information, it is unrealistic to read in detail every potential source of information Prior to collating information look in the assessment criteria for: • Content words • Key words To economically access information it is advisable to locate information by ‘scanning’ texts.

8. Planning Murray and Hughes (2008) provide useful guidance in gathering relevant information through scanning: • Look for key words associated with ideas • Look for the names of scholars/writers/books and articles associated with ideas • Read abstracts of articles • Read information contained in the preface of books • Scan contents and indexes of books

9. Planning Be sure to collate and keep information. It is useful to keep a ‘research file’ for each assignment Further tips include to: • Take notes • Experiment with mind-maps • Note references as you go along • Use an essay pro-forma (planner) to map out introduction, main body and conclusion

10. References and citations An academic essay will contain: • Citations within the text • A list of references; containing full details of citations • A bibliography; contains full details of additional reading

11. Drafting Once information has been gathered through research, the writing process may begin. According to Murray and Hughes (2008, p111) drafting is a process that involves “writing a rough copy…” “which you will edit and refine later.” This process, although potentially laborious, is an essential part of academic writing With this in mind: • Never be content with the first draft (several drafts are necessary) • Each draft must be thoroughly proof-read

12. Separation and flow In the name of clarity, chunks of text are separated by paragraphs However, this does not mean that they are disparate elements Indeed, each paragraph must be linked to the last by use of link words to ensure a flowing, interlocking discourse

13. List of references Cottrell, S. (2005) Critical thinking skills: Developing effective analysis and argument. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan Murray, N. and Hughes, G. (2008) Writing up your university assignments and research projects: A practical handbook. Maidenhead: Open University Press Redman, P. (2006) Good essay writing. 3rd Ed. London: Sage Publications Ltd.