Writing An Essay
Writing an Essay
Essays are usually written
• to inform your reader about your position in relation to a particular issue
• to argue for change or recommend action
• to analyse problems and present solutions
• to present and evaluate research findings.
Writing an essay is an opportunity for you to develop new ideas and apply concepts and theories
from your course. You will develop a thesis (or position) and use reasoning and evidence to
support your point of view.
A tertiary essay is similar to essays you’ve written at secondary school, particularly those written
in your last couple of years at school. However, there are some differences you need to be aware
of:
• Citing all the sources you use is extremely important. If you do not, you will be guilty of
plagiarism, which is taken very seriously by the university. You can find out how to cite
your sources and write reference lists in the Super Tips sheet on Referencing or in the
Learning Lab.
• Most essays will be longer than you have written at secondary school (most are between
1500 and 2500 words) and will be worth a large percentage of your semester’s marks.
• You will usually be expected to analyse issues at a deeper level than you did at
secondary school.
This resource has some useful hints on how to analyse your essay topic, plan and write your
essay.
Steps in the essay writing process
Although no two writers work in the same way, there is a general system that many good writers
follow. This system involves following the step-by-step process outlined below. Skim through the
main points now, and when you need to write an essay check out the extra information about
each point.
1. Analyse the question
- underline key words
- put question into own words
- look for hints on structure
2. ‘Brainstorm’ the question
- to take stock of what you already know
- to give you a focus for your reading
- to give you the beginnings of a plan
3. Start your research
- begin with general...
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