Tips for writing good essays

The Essay StructureThe essay needs a basic structure to build up

your ideas. There are certain ‘ingredients’ needed for a successful essay.

PREPARATION - Plan your answer

- Unlock the question - make decision - Decide balance

Nothing elaborate – just a few notes to keep the focus on the question. Without an essay plan, you might wander off topic and lose time and marks.

INTRODUCTIONYour introduction must unlock the question

and show the decision or judgement you have to make. You need to also show how you intend to answer the Q.

ExampleTo what extent is there a link between income

and health?This intro is weak“There is a health divide in Scotland between the

rich and the poor. People in the richest postcodes have better health statistics than people in the poorest postcodes”

INTRODUCTIONWhy is the intro weak?

Does not mention the decision that has to be made

No reference to how close the link is between income and health

Does not link back to the questionDoes not show the marker how the question

will be answered.Would not receive any marks!

INTRODUCTIONThis intro is much better“ There is a significant link between income and

health. Factors connected with poor health such as poverty, lower social class, unemployment, healthy lifestyle and bad diet are all inked to low income. However, there are exceptions. Some people from higher socio-economic backgrounds also suffer from poor health as a result of poor lifestyle choices. This illustrates that income is not the only factor to impact on a person’s health.”

INTRODUCTIONWhy is this introduction better?

It links clearly to the questionIt states the decision that has been madeIt shows where the essay is heading, by

listing the points that will be developed later.It shows balance by referring to both sides of

the argument and providing a conclusion.The marker can see this is a well-planned,

well-structured essay.

DEVELOPMENT (MIDDLE SECTION)“ It is essential that information is constantly

updated....candidates should be encouraged to use statistics correctly or not at all.”Principal Assessors Report

The middle section is where you show your knowledge and understanding (KU), balance and analysis

This includes; A sentence at the beginning of each paragraph pointing

out what it’s aboutAnalysis of the main point of the paragraphAccurate, detailed descriptions /examples in each

paragraphClear links between the paragraph and the question –

link backBalanced comment on the issue being discussed

How to write a paragraphP POINT - Sentence giving your point of view in response to the

QuestionE EXPLAIN - Explain your point in detail and link to an ExampleE EXAMPLE - Use a current example to illustrate the point fully.A ANALYSIS - Explain what your point and example show - Expand to show how your point fits into your argument - Link to the question by providing a mini-conclusion and

moving to the next point

Using P, E, ASTEP 1 - Unlock the question – understand what it is asking - “To what extent” = “how much”...... - “Examine the claim…..” = how good is the

claim….?STEP 2The key to a fully developed paragraph is your

opening sentence – must give scope for further analysis and development

STEP 3Choose an example that can be explained. - Not too specific and factual. It should open up the

paragraph and allow other points to be brought in.

Using P, E, A - continuedSTEP 4Explain and expand your example. Develop it by

providing evidence to support the point you’re making.

STEP 5Link your paragraph back to the question by

using balanced comment – is it for or against? Is it a good point or a bad point? Does it show a strong point or a weakness?

Link your point to the next part of your essay. This allows your essay to flow.

Length of essayRemember for most essays you are writing

them in just over 20 minutes.By providing balance within each of your

paragraphs, you should aim for at least three fully developed paragraphs.

It is better to balance your points within the paragraph rather than in separate paragraphs. You essay will flow more easily and not read as straight ‘for’ and ‘against’ arguments.

CONCLUSION“A conclusion at the end is a sign of a

mature candidate, as long as it is not a summary of previous points.”Principal Assessors Report

Markers will accept an essay without a conclusion as long as you provide balanced comment in ‘mini-conclusions’ throughout your essay. Writing a short conclusion is a good way of pulling the various lines of your argument together.

CONCLUSIONIn your conclusion, make your mind up about the issue

raised in the question: - State your decision or judgement - Prioritise your main points / argumentsDo not make rash statements, no matter how strongly

you feelDon’t use the first person – “I think.......”Conclusion must be balancedDon’t introduce new factsDecide which of the main points your have raised in

the intro and analysed in your essay are the most important in answering the question.

Your conclusion should give a definite statement that makes your decision completely clear to the marker.

What markers like....... - Strong start - Focus on the question - Strong / decisive argument - Analysis and discussion of all points - Recent and detailed examples - Linking back to the question - Balanced comment - Links between sections - Conclusion that prioritises main points

What Markers don’t like Turning the question to suit youToo little specific informationSimple referencesLack of developed points – just mentioning a

factOut of date examplesNo links to the questionLack of balance in your argumentsLists and bullet pointsSummary, not a conclusion