ESSAY WRITING 101: HOW TO GET A FIRST/A* IN ANY ESSAY
I’ve been preparing to start my masters after a one-year break from academia, so I’m a little apprehensive about getting into essay writing again. I found a great resource on my University’s website, giving a universal guide to writing a First Class essay. If you’re about to start your first year at uni, want a refresher, or are taking essay-based classes at your high school, this is the post for you!
C O M P R E H E N S I O N
Use a wide range of relevant sources, well understood and fully appreciated.
What do I need to do?
Read beyond the recommended reading given to you or the textbook in class. Can you explain what you’ve read to someone who isn’t studying your course - if not, do you really understand it?
C R I T I Q U E
Ability to set sources and view points in context and evaluate contributions. Methodological awareness and theoretical appreciation.
What do I need to do?
I posted here about the WHAT-HOW-WHY paragraph structure. The critique is your WHY. WHY is the source written in that way? What was the context of the time or geographical location where it was written? Can either have impacted the writing? What are the limitations to the source - have they avoided discussing something that you believe vital to their argument? Critical thinking is the key to obtaining the highest marks in an essay.
A N A L Y S I S
Excellent answer to the question. Locates suitable concepts and makes a comprehensive assessment of issues involved. Understands the relevant theories and applies them to answering the question.
What do I need to do?
Answer the question. It seems silly but answer the question. What are you actually being asked to talk about, and are there any limiting factors (e.g. a specific time period)? Make sure that everything you’re saying is relevant to the question. If you’re anything like me, going off on a tangent is second nature. A good tip is to read your essay aloud to yourself - if you can sense you’re waffling on about something, then cut it out.
P R E S E N T A T I O N
Well structured and planned. Clear, articulate style (good spelling, grammar, and syntax.) Proper referencing and bibliography. Confident presentation and appropriate length.
What do I need to do?
Plan plan plan. I never really understood the importance of proper essay planning before I got to University, but it really cannot be emphasised enough. Try and plan in a cyclical sense, taking a thematic approach to your writing and ensuring your main thesis argument is clear throughout your writing. It can be good to break one large essay into 2 or 3 smaller ones, but make sure that they are well connected and don’t read in a disjointed manner. Linking your introduction and conclusion can be an excellent way to ensure that your essay reads fluidly. Another top tip for writing a conclusion is to point your reader to further reading in the area your writing about - this helps to place your work as part of the academic conversation on the topic.
