Tips on writing a sociology essay
Writing an essay for Sociology is not the same task as writing an essay for geography or English Literature. It is quite obvious that the same basic rules of literacy style should be observed! Clarity of expression, good grammar, accurate spelling. However, there are important differences.
The point that students usually find the hardest to accept is that social science essays are discussions. They deal with provisional knowledge. There is no definite conclusion. The student is usually asked at least in year one, to weigh up possible answers against each other. This encourages the development of ability to present arguments cogently, especially where the writer disagrees with them, to compare and contrast them, and to arrive at a conclusion, based on argument and evidence, that is still aware of all that remains undecided.
The stages that should be followed in the writing of a Sociology essay are as follows:
1. Read and study the question set
This is the most obvious and neglected stage. If the question is vague, then you should state exactly what you understand it to mean, and write your essay accordingly. Consider the key words and ideas in the title.
2. Assemble the relevant material
Essays normally require detailed references. You must realize that Sociology essays cannot be answered from a single textbook. Later read through the material and sift out the points relevant to a particular question. As relevant material is found, it should be noted on paper or better still, on cards or small piece of scrap paper.
3. Organizes the material: and produce an essay-plan
The points assembled can now be shuttled about to produce a logical sequence that is the essay plan.
There will probably be too much material at this stage, and pruning is needed. Is the material relevant? No? Then discard it.
Yes? Ask! Is it essential?
Yes? Include it.
No? Keep it in reserve in case there is a chance to slip it in somewhere.
An essay plan can usually be organized
The point that students usually find the hardest to accept is that social science essays are discussions. They deal with provisional knowledge. There is no definite conclusion. The student is usually asked at least in year one, to weigh up possible answers against each other. This encourages the development of ability to present arguments cogently, especially where the writer disagrees with them, to compare and contrast them, and to arrive at a conclusion, based on argument and evidence, that is still aware of all that remains undecided.
The stages that should be followed in the writing of a Sociology essay are as follows:
1. Read and study the question set
This is the most obvious and neglected stage. If the question is vague, then you should state exactly what you understand it to mean, and write your essay accordingly. Consider the key words and ideas in the title.
2. Assemble the relevant material
Essays normally require detailed references. You must realize that Sociology essays cannot be answered from a single textbook. Later read through the material and sift out the points relevant to a particular question. As relevant material is found, it should be noted on paper or better still, on cards or small piece of scrap paper.
3. Organizes the material: and produce an essay-plan
The points assembled can now be shuttled about to produce a logical sequence that is the essay plan.
There will probably be too much material at this stage, and pruning is needed. Is the material relevant? No? Then discard it.
Yes? Ask! Is it essential?
Yes? Include it.
No? Keep it in reserve in case there is a chance to slip it in somewhere.
An essay plan can usually be organized