Tips for writing good essays
The Essay Structure
 The essay needs a basic structure to build up your ideas.
There are certain ‘ingredients’ needed for a successful
essay.
 PREPARATION
- Plan your answer
- Unlock the question
- make decision
- Decide balance
 Nothing elaborate – just a few notes to keep the focus on
the question. Without an essay plan, you might wander off
topic and lose time and marks.
INTRODUCTION
 Your introduction must unlock the question and show
the decision or judgement you have to make. You need
to also show how you intend to answer the Q.
Example
 To what extent is there a link between income and
health?
 This intro is weak
“There is a health divide in Scotland between the rich and
the poor. People in the richest postcodes have better
health statistics than people in the poorest postcodes”
INTRODUCTION
 Why is the intro weak?
 Does not mention the decision that has to be made
 No reference to how close the link is between income
and health
 Does not link back to the question
 Does not show the marker how the question will be
answered.
 Would not receive any marks!
INTRODUCTION
 This intro is much better
“ There is a significant link between income and health.
Factors connected with poor health such as poverty,
lower social class, unemployment, healthy lifestyle and
bad diet are all inked to low income. However, there are
exceptions. Some people from higher socio-economic
backgrounds also suffer from poor health as a result of
poor lifestyle choices. This illustrates that income is
not the only factor to impact on a person’s health.”
INTRODUCTION
Why is this introduction better?
 It links clearly to the question
 It states the decision that has been made
 It shows where the essay is heading, by listing the
points that will be developed later.
 It shows balance by referring to both sides of the
argument and providing a conclusion.
The marker can see this is a well-planned, wellstructured essay.
DEVELOPMENT
(MIDDLE SECTION)
 “ It is essential that information is constantly
updated....candidates should be encouraged to use
statistics correctly or not at all.”
Principal Assessors Report
 The middle section is where you show your knowledge and
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understanding (KU), balance and analysis
This includes;
A sentence at the beginning of each paragraph pointing out what
it’s about
Analysis of the main point of the paragraph
Accurate, detailed descriptions /examples in each paragraph
Clear links between the paragraph and the question – link back
Balanced comment on the issue being discussed
How to write a paragraph
P
POINT
- Sentence giving your point of view in response to the
Question
E
EXPLAIN
- Explain your point in detail and link to an Example
E
EXAMPLE
- Use a current example to illustrate the point fully.
A
ANALYSIS
- Explain what your point and example show
- Expand to show how your point fits into your argument
- Link to the question by providing a mini-conclusion and
Using P, E, A
 STEP 1
- Unlock the question – understand what it is asking
- “To what extent” = “how much”......
- “Examine the claim…..” = how good is the claim….?
STEP 2
 The key to a fully developed paragraph is your opening
sentence – must give scope for further analysis and
development
STEP 3
 Choose an example that can be explained.
- Not too specific and factual. It should open up the
paragraph and allow other points to be brought in.
Using P, E, A - continued
STEP 4
 Explain and expand your example. Develop it by
providing evidence to support the point you’re making.
STEP 5
 Link your paragraph back to the question by using
balanced comment – is it for or against? Is it a good
point or a bad point? Does it show a strong point or a
weakness?
 Link your point to the next part of your essay. This
allows your essay to flow.
Length of essay
 Remember for most essays you are writing them in just
over 20 minutes.
 By providing balance within each of your paragraphs,
you should aim for at least three fully developed
paragraphs.
 It is better to balance your points within the
paragraph rather than in separate paragraphs. You
essay will flow more easily and not read as straight ‘for’
and ‘against’ arguments.
CONCLUSION
 “A conclusion at the end is a sign of a mature
candidate, as long as it is not a summary of
previous points.”
Principal Assessors Report
 Markers will accept an essay without a conclusion as
long as you provide balanced comment in ‘miniconclusions’ throughout your essay. Writing a short
conclusion is a good way of pulling the various lines of
your argument together.
CONCLUSION
 In your conclusion, make your mind up about the issue raised in
the question:
- State your decision or judgement
- Prioritise your main points / arguments
 Do not make rash statements, no matter how strongly you feel
 Don’t use the first person – “I think.......”
 Conclusion must be balanced
 Don’t introduce new facts
 Decide which of the main points your have raised in the intro
and analysed in your essay are the most important in answering
the question.
 Your conclusion should give a definite statement that makes your
decision completely clear to the marker.
What markers like.......
- Strong start
- Focus on the question
- Strong / decisive argument
- Analysis and discussion of all points
- Recent and detailed examples
- Linking back to the question
- Balanced comment
- Links between sections
- Conclusion that prioritises main points
What Markers don’t like
Turning the question to suit you
Too little specific information
Simple references
Lack of developed points – just mentioning a fact
Out of date examples
No links to the question
Lack of balance in your arguments
Lists and bullet points
Summary, not a conclusion