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ESSAY WRITING

-You are reminded of the need for good English and clear presentation in your answers.

-In answering questions on the history of Zimbabwe one must avoid generalizing points and
he/she must be specific.

-Irrelevant information does not earn one any marks but only waste ones time.

-There is no restriction on which question to answer first.

-Use of colourful language does not give any credit

-Historical terms should be used

-Use of pronouns must be avoided e.g. I, You, We, etc.

-Smooth flow of ideas should be seen in the essays

-Take note of key words in order to obtain full marks, e. g Discuss, Comment

THE INTRODUCTION

1. Clear statement of the subject you are going to discuss.

2. Definitions of terms that the reader needs to understand in order to follow your argument.

3. A statement of what you think the question requires you to do and how you are going to go
about it

4. A good introduction should wet the appetite of the reader (examiner)

Food for thought: An introduction should be like a womans skirt; long enough to cover the
essentials; short enough to retain interest.

BODY OR MAIN PART OF THE ESSAY

1. Follow the plan you have made, giving a paragraph to each point

2. Link the paragraphs together to avoid abrupt changes of subject. The reader expects a smooth
journey. A bumpy journey will harm both you and the reader.

3. Ensure that there is coherence in this part of the essay.

4. Keep in mind the title of the essay and make sure all points you make are relevant to it.
WHAT GOES INTO A POWERFUL CONCLUSION

1. The conclusion should not simply repeat what has already been said.

2. The conclusion must draw together all the main points in the essayuse fresh words.

3. The conclusion should refer closely to the question and show how the points you have made
lead you to arrive at your verdict (judgement).

4. Do not sit on the fence when making your judgement show that you are capable of making a
judgement and arguing a case persuasively.

PARAGRAPHING

A paragraph is a distinct passage or section in a book. Paragraphs are constructed on the basis of
content, each one being a logical unit. Rhetorical paragraphs, sometimes consisting of one
sentence, are used to achieve effects such as emphasis and variety.

The unified paragraph is one in which all sentences relate to the same purpose. The central idea
is normally stated in a single sentence (topic sentence). In expository writing (descriptive,
explanatory writing), it is generally the first sentences. In other types of writing, it may be the
last. In some cases a paragraph is framed by first and last sentences that say essentially the same
thing but in different words.

A fairly typical paragraph begins with a topic sentence that makes a general statement. The
sentences that follow then support or develop the statement with details, examples and evidence.

Paragraph

P-(point)

E-(explanations)

E- (examples)

L- (link-to the question)

BE LOGICAL

Unity of ideas, however, will not make a coherent paragraph. If related ideas are not arranged
logically, or if events are not recorded in the correct sequence, a paragraph may well be coherent.
CONJUCTIONS AND TRANSITIONS

Conjunctions and transitions link sentence to sentence, paragraph to paragraph, as well chapter to
chapter.

Transitional word- links sentence to sentence. Some of the most common transitional words and
phrases are listed below-

Words/phrases used when showing contrastchanging sides

-However

-on the other hand

-nevertheless

-nonetheless

-in contrast to the above

-in spite of etc

Phrases/ words linking ideas for the same side

-moreover

-in addition to

-also

-again

-to add more

-in relation to

-firstly

-secondly etc

SOME OF THE COMMON CUE WORDS IN QUESTIONS

Account for- give reasons for an event

Analyse- examining in detail/ depth in order to discover meaning, essential features


Assess- judging the worth, importance of something, examining closely with a view to
measuring, weighing up a particular situation, consider strengths and weaknesses or points for
and against in your conclusion state your judgement clearly.

Criticise- express your balanced judgement about the merit or truth of the material in question.
Give the results of your scrutiny establishing both strengths and weaknesses

Comment- state your opinion on the material in question, clearly giving reasons. Support your
view with reference to suitable evidence or explanations as appropriate

Compare- look for qualities or characteristics that resemble each otheremphasize similarities

Contrast-stress the differences between items in question

Consider- look at something closely

Discuss- examine and analyse carefully, giving reasons for and against, advantages and
disadvantages. Make sure your discussion is detailed and complete. Consider all sides of the
issue and try to reach a balanced conclusion.

Explain- clarify and interpret the material. Give the reasons for the important features or
developments and try to analyse causes.

Evaluate- decide how something is worth. Carefully appraise the subject describing both
advantages and disadvantages. Weigh the particular subject, whether it is worth or not

Estimate- to form an opinion about something judge

Illustrate- use specific examples, figures to explain, demonstrate or clarify an argument or point
of view

Justify- prove or give reasons for your decision or conclusion

Why- give reasons

Examine-critically look at something

Wish you the best in your final examinationsfailing to plan is planning to fail.

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