Key essay question terms and their meanings

account for explain, clarify, give reasons for

analyse break down into component parts; discuss the parts and how they relate to each other

argue make a case for (and against), drawing on evidence and expert opinion*
assess weigh up the value, or importance, drawing on evidence and expert opinion

comment on provide an explanation or opinion, backed by evidence and expert opinion

compare discuss things in relation to each other, bringing out similarities and differences

contrast discuss two things bringing out the differences

criticise discuss strengths and weaknesses in the light of evidence and different points of view

debate present different points of view, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each and
their relation to each other

define explain the meaning of something

describe present a full and detailed account

discuss outline competing points of view; weigh up arguments for and against; draw on
evidence; consider implications

distinguish draw out differences between

evaluate weigh up strengths and weaknesses, drawing on evidence and expert opinion

examine explore in detail, drawing on evidence and expert opinion

explain outline clearly how and why something is the case

illustrate use an example to show how an argument works, or to describe a situation

justify give reasons for conclusions, taking account of other points of view and drawing on
evidence and expert opinion
outline briefly describe and explain key features, leaving out details

present set out

review outline key features and consider strengths and weaknesses

state set out clearly

summarise bring together the main points to give a clear explanation or account

trace identify key stages in the development of something

ESSAY WRITING
  Planning the process
 Studying
 Reviewing material
 Noting ideas
 Organising possible content
 Writing a draft answer
 Improving and finishing

Where possible, if your essay is a course or exam assignment, try

to demonstrate your knowledge and familiarity with course
material, as this is what you are being examined on! Try also to
present a balanced argument, and do not simply accept a
statement or assumptions in the question as true without some
questioning! The examiner may be seeking to provoke a reaction,
so explore the other possibilities.
When you reach the end of your essay, you should briefly review
the arguments presented and pull together the main points that
you are seeking to communicate into a well written conclusion.

Do Don’t

Structure your essay logically. Jump about between disconnected points.

Develop and signal your argument. Leave your best ideas and recommendations to the end.

Make it clear and obvious what you mean. Use jargon and unexplained acronyms.

Provide citations for quoted material. Use everyday phrases only understood in particular contexts.
Proof read your final version. Trust your predictive spell checker to give you the right word!

KEY POINTS
 Planning and researching an academic essay and organising
your ideas should be done before you start writing.
 Give adequate and equal attention to researching and
presenting different arguments and evaluating their strengths
and weaknesses in different contexts relevant to the question.
 Consider using an essay planning template to help you
structure your essay and organise your ideas and resource
material.
 Give careful attention to the voice, style and language that
you will use.
 Review, spell check and proof read your final essay.
Referencing, citations and
bibliographies
Key Points

 The Harvard Referencing System guidelines sets out formats

for the consistent referencing all types of source material.
 Use of a consistent style for referencing and citations is very
important.
 Citations make reference to all material quoted or
summarised in your text, and have a corresponding entry in
the bibliography.
 As far as possible choose source material with identifiable
authors and dates, as this gives more assurance of the
reliability of your sources.
 When referencing material found online include an ‘Accessed
date’ indicating the date you found the material online, as it
may later be moved or removed from the web link where you
found it.
 A bibliography includes full references to all source material
cited in your text as well as material that you may have read
or viewed when you were working on your material, but have
not cited in your main text.
 Endnote and footnotes enable you to make reference to
material that is of interest, but not directly relevant to your
piece of work. You should choose to use one or the other but
not both.
Interpreting and assessing
quality of evidence
Key points
 Academic debate can present complex
arguments which at times are influenced by
values, emotions and subjective judgements
related to credibility.
 The validity of an argument needs to be

objectively examined (where possible) with

reference to the underlying evidence and
data.
 The quality of the evidence that underlies

academic arguments needs to be critically

assessed.
 It is very important to develop the quality of

our own skills in interpreting the strength of

an argument.
 Close attention needs to be paid to the

relevance of piece of work to different

contexts.
 Assessment of the quality of a body of

evidence needs to give attention to technical

 design, context, consistency of findings and
the size of the body of evidence

Answering examination
questions
Summary
The key points to note for this section are as
follows:

 Emotional and physical well-being are very

important for effective and enjoyable study.
 Allow time to do a practice paper under

examination conditions.
 Dedicate your final few days to examination

preparation rather than revision.

 Make sure you are aware of the practical

arrangements for the examination.

 Take time to critically read and understand

the examination questions.

 Allocate sufficient time to each question and

stick to this time plan.

 Present your answer in an attractive and
tidy way that the examiner will be able to
read.