Essay structure
The Essay Writing Structure 3
1. Topic/Title/Theme:
2. Introduction
Introduce the topic [theme/thesis/title] and the sector context relating to your programme.
State the purpose of the essay – what is the essay setting out to achieve e.g. analyse, discuss.
Define any key or unfamiliar terms (only if needed at this stage of the essay).
Outline the key major points/issues/themes to be addressed within the body of the essay.
Consider the structure, sequence and content of the essay as key features to guide you through. For example, outline the sequence of key issues.
In some cases, state the possible conclusion(s).
[Note: The length of this section varies, normally, about 5% to 10% of your word count.]
3. Body of the Essay
Presents a number of major [key] points relating to the topic question, for example:
Major Point #1
Major Point #2
Major Point #3
Major Point #4
Significant Points
Each major point may have minor [sub] point(s) e.g. Major Point #1 – Minor Point #A, #B
Deal with each point in a logical order and in separate paragraphs. Take each point and develop the appropriate level of assessment [Introduction, Commentary, Conclusion]. Each point to develop the subject theme should (where necessary, reflect some or all of the following points):
(a) Introduce the point/theme/issue/question.
(b) Define/explain the idea(s) [if necessary].
(c) Provide evidence (factual/supporting data).
(d) Provide arguments/analysis/discussion and justification which utilise the available data.
(e) Reference key theories, theorists and contributors.
(f) Reference to practice [workplace or operational activity] to contextualise the assessment.
(g) Use quotations [where appropriate] and/or illustrations to support analysis, aid understanding, and demonstrate breadth and depth of research.
(h) Provide interpretation [your assessment/position/opinion] which must be clearly evident, and supported with additional referencing to theory and authors.
1. Topic/Title/Theme:
2. Introduction
Introduce the topic [theme/thesis/title] and the sector context relating to your programme.
State the purpose of the essay – what is the essay setting out to achieve e.g. analyse, discuss.
Define any key or unfamiliar terms (only if needed at this stage of the essay).
Outline the key major points/issues/themes to be addressed within the body of the essay.
Consider the structure, sequence and content of the essay as key features to guide you through. For example, outline the sequence of key issues.
In some cases, state the possible conclusion(s).
[Note: The length of this section varies, normally, about 5% to 10% of your word count.]
3. Body of the Essay
Presents a number of major [key] points relating to the topic question, for example:
Major Point #1
Major Point #2
Major Point #3
Major Point #4
Significant Points
Each major point may have minor [sub] point(s) e.g. Major Point #1 – Minor Point #A, #B
Deal with each point in a logical order and in separate paragraphs. Take each point and develop the appropriate level of assessment [Introduction, Commentary, Conclusion]. Each point to develop the subject theme should (where necessary, reflect some or all of the following points):
(a) Introduce the point/theme/issue/question.
(b) Define/explain the idea(s) [if necessary].
(c) Provide evidence (factual/supporting data).
(d) Provide arguments/analysis/discussion and justification which utilise the available data.
(e) Reference key theories, theorists and contributors.
(f) Reference to practice [workplace or operational activity] to contextualise the assessment.
(g) Use quotations [where appropriate] and/or illustrations to support analysis, aid understanding, and demonstrate breadth and depth of research.
(h) Provide interpretation [your assessment/position/opinion] which must be clearly evident, and supported with additional referencing to theory and authors.