Hi Bizface - I have made a post on general guidelines for putting together and essay for the course I tutor at Birkbek which may be useable more generally


Notes on essay writing and preparation

Reconnaissance and unpacking the question
-Unpacking the question, underline all key words and check their definitions. Even seemingly innocuous terms such as ‘might’ should be assessed – does that mean there is the alternative option of ‘might not’? (Understand the purpose of word in the sentence *and why the questioner used the word in that way)
-Continue to deconstruct the question – what is the counter argument?
-When we see critically examine or similar constructs we are being asked to provide an alternative or being asked to probe for weaknesses and counter argument?
-What assumptions are being made behind the question?

Writing the assignment

-Read broadly at first, make notes of key things that will be important for the essay, but leave a column on the side so you can note counter arguments or alternative evidence that you find as your read.
-If you are not sure about an article, read the abstract, introduction and conclusion – that is often enough.
-If you see a quote that says it all make a very careful reference of the page number - it’s a devil of a job later finding the quote page.
-Ensure your reading includes some very up to date articles (and always focus your reading on peer reviewed journal articles - use only sparingly the trade ---press like the HBR or Sloan Management Review).
-Prepare a mind-map of all you think is relevant, then jot down potential order to be discussed (and be firm, cut out things that might not be relevant).
-Focus – on the specific question! The most common reason for failure is answering the wrong question answer this question - not everything you know about the subject.
-Summarise readings, don’t describe, use to answer question and be concise (use references to support).
-Use evidence and examples, (not personal experience) but again, be concise – one or two sentences and a reference not paragraphs of description.
-Check again that all your material is relevant, helps answer the question, sounds logical and minimises use of adverbs or covering words.
-After each paragraph, ask yourself how this is relevant to the question, and say so explicitly.
-At the end of a section state explicitly how what you have said answers the question. ( I have shown that …)
-Whenever you discuss ideas, concepts, or research – make sure you also analyse these, tell us what the assumptions are, problems with the method, counter-evidence you have found etc., be critical/analytical.
-Avoid any sweeping generalisations!

Post Writing Review

-Put aside for a week or two if possible and then come back to it – allows you to see it afresh.
-Read the marking guidelines, look at the example essays, and look also at the marking sheet – it is very explicit about the need to define terms, develop an argument, take a critical approach etc.
-Get your partner to read it through - it is better to have someone unfamiliar with the subject to check for psychobabble

Review this pre-Flight checklist before you submit the essay:

Have I answered this question – in an ongoing manner?
If it is in two parts, have I answered both?
Have I defined all key terms?
Have I really unpacked the question, considered alternative arguments?
Have I covered all the main aspects?
Have I arranged the material logically?
Is there a clear introduction saying how I will answer the question, flow between paragraphs, clear conclusion?
Is each main point supported by examples, evidence, and argument?
Have I acknowledged all sources and references, including page numbers for direct quotes?
Have I written plainly and simply, and sorted out clumsy or muddled phrasing?
Have I presented a convincing case which I could justify in a discussion?

General Points

-if I answer a question that’s in two parts I construct the essay around the two parts (rather than trying to mix the answer) This leads the marker through the question in a logical flow - what we are going to say, say it, what have we said.
-Set down a plan in the introduction (First I am going to this , then I am going to do that, and close by considering …) then stick to the plan.
-Stick to the mainstream theory - and use the course materials. Be wary of bringing in theory from outside the bounds of OA or OC.
-We are only doing a 3000 word essay and all the essays are literature based so rough Guide: Intro 400, first part 1000, second part 1000 conclusion 600.
-Don't be too rigid with this guideline but use it to make sure you answer all the elements of the question in enough depth.
-Rough guide I like to see about 10 references per 1000 words.


Royston