WRITING POSTGRADUATE ESSAYS
Horace Fletcher
Before you start writing
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1 Reading the question.
2 Interpretation of the question.
3 The significance of the question.
4 Planning the essay.
5 Format of the essay.
6 The introduction.
7 The body.
8 The conclusion.
READING THE QUESTION.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
At the postgraduate level, the questions asked are very carefully
worded to avoid any ambiguity. The answer required is therefore
very specific and reading each question carefully is of utmost
importance. Try to avoid jumping straight into a question you
think you have seen before in the past papers, because invariably
there is a slight change in the wording, with a totally different
answer required.
INTERPRETATION OF THE QUESTION
• KEY WORDS
• Write down the key words for each question,
at the time you are going to attempt the
answer
• Discuss, Describe
MANAGEMENT.
• This is a very common key word. You must
subdivide it into,
• taking a history; physical examination;
investigation and
• definitive treatment.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE QUESTION
• The question always has a significance or relevance to modern
Obstetric and gynaecological teaching practices and also
probably important medical and social implications topics are
usually
• Topics are chosen from subjects that are raging in the recent
literature
The medical and social importance of the topic must be looked
for. In many obstetric questions certain factors are of importance
because of their effecton maternal and foetal morbidity and
mortality
PLANNING THE ESSAY
• The plan is very important and you must take
enough time to do a very comprehensive outline
of what you plan to write
• The plan is a brief outline of the essay with an
introduction, a body and a conclusion. The key
words are written down first, beside each one
write their meaning and also jot down any other
important words as they come to mind
The plan
• The definition of one key word may be
important to begin the essay. This word will be
obvious, as it will that around which the
discussion will revolve.
• Next, write out what you think is the
relevance of the question as outlined above.
The Plan
• Then write an outline of the introduction, the
body and the conclusion.
• The plan should have a format where an idea of
each paragraph can already be seen.
• Each key word may have subheadings that may
come to mind, jot these down as soon as you
think of them lest you forget to include them in
the essay.
THE FORMAT OF THE ESSAY
• Each essay must have an introduction, a body
and a conclusion.
• The introduction and the conclusion are each
written as one paragraph, while the body has
several.
THE INTRODUCTION
• This is usually begun with a definition of the
topic.
• The incidence of the particular condition if
known can then be mentioned.
Introduction
• The next thing to mention is the significance of
the topic.
• The next two or three sentences should make a
statement or statements setting out the gist of
the essay in brief
• An outline may state the main points for and
against an argument to be put forward
Introduction
• Lastly the end of the introduction is usually a
statement outlining the consensus of the
argument or a conclusion.
• You may give a philosophical view as to what
you think is the direction that future
management should or may take
THE BODY OF THE ESSAY.
•
• The points set out in the plan and the
introduction are here further expanded.
• Each point may be put in sub headings and
• Each point is put in a different paragraph.
THE CONCLUSION.
•
• The last paragraph should have a statement
saying where the future lies for the factor
being discussed.
• Again you may give a philosophical but
relevant viewpoint.
OTHER FACTORS.
•
• The writing of a good essay requires a good grasp
of the relevant subject and good essay writing
technique as set out above.
•
• Penmanship. Your writing must be legible.
•
• Use of proper English. This
should be impeccable.
•
Other Points
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Abbreviations should not be used without prior explanation.
Proper spelling and punctuation are also of value.
Reading over the essay is very important.
Timing yourself to ensure that enough time is given to each essay
for planning writing and reading over.
Practise writing essays from the past papers so that these
points may be perfected.