Writing An Academic Essay
Writing An Academic Essay
Writing An Academic Essay
Introduction
The introduction sets the scene for the whole essay. You should not rewrite
the essay question. Instead, the purpose of the introduction is to identify the
topic, the position being argued and the main reasons for that position.
The introduction will normally move from more general statements related to
the question, to a specific statement of the main idea or argument that will be
discussed in the body.
Body
Here you use evidence from scholarly readings to explain and support
in detail the reasons for your point of view given in the introduction. The body
contains a number of paragraphs that link together to develop a strong
argument or discussion of the topic. Generally, a paragraph needs to be at
least four to six sentences long. A single sentence does not form a paragraph
in an academic essay and bullet points are usually not acceptable.
Conclusion
The purpose of the conclusion is to summarise and make final evaluative
comments on the ideas presented in the essay. It should not contain new
ideas or examples. It is crucial to link the conclusion to the essay question.
The key to writing a good academic essay is having a good plan (for help on planning go here).
Also, see our hand-out on mind mapping for an effective way to plan an academic essay.
Another key to writing a good essay is being able to construct a good paragraph (go here).
One key to writing a good paragraph is being able to construct a good sentence (go here).
We are here to help you succeed in your studies. Refer to the My Support area of
TANZeCampus.com to see the services available, including how to contact your personal advisor.
This document has been created by Learning Support@Student Success, Otago Polytechnic
TANZeCampus.com Writing an academic essay
Describe your membership in any group of your own choice eg. family, friends,
workplace. Identify and describe the group processes present and the
strategies used for dealing with those processes, using relevant literature to
guide your discussion. Using Gibbs' (1989) reflective cycle as a tool, provide a
summary of your learning from this experience.
Do the reading.
Start with the recommended reading list for your assignment. Scan or survey chapter
headings, summaries, indexes etc to find key information. You will not have time to read
everything. Once you find useful material, make notes from it, always recording the name of
the article or book, the author, and the date and place of publication.
We are here to help you succeed in your studies. Refer to the My Support area of
TANZeCampus.com to see the services available, including how to contact your personal advisor.
This document has been created by Learning Support@Student Success, Otago Polytechnic
TANZeCampus.com Writing an academic essay
Revise and edit your first draft.
If you have enough time, try to leave at least one day between the first and second drafts.
When you return to it and read it through (aloud) with a fresh approach you will be able to
make necessary changes and find errors more easily. Ask yourself the following questions:
Have I actually answered the question and covered all the requirements of the topic?
Does what I've written make sense?
Is there a good, logical flow from paragraph to paragraph?
Do the sentences actually make sense? (Read them aloud)
Am I using appropriate vocabulary that I understand?
Do I have a good clear introduction and conclusion?
Have I referenced my assignment correctly, within the text and in the list of references?
Make the appropriate changes and ensure that your writing shows your understanding of the
issues. At this stage it is a good idea to get someone else to read it through and tell you if it is
easy to read, makes sense and flows well. Ask for realistic feedback.
Characteristics of a ‘good’ essay (Adapted from the ETV video "Learning Skills")
Ideas are clearly expressed Correct referencing in body and reference list
Stays focused on topic Demonstrates analysis and understanding of
topic
Easy to read
Good presentation
Logical structure
Conclusion summarises the topic, draws themes
Introduction indicates intention of essay together, restates findings and does not contain
Body develops ideas and demonstrates broad new material
reading
We are here to help you succeed in your studies. Refer to the My Support area of
TANZeCampus.com to see the services available, including how to contact your personal advisor.
This document has been created by Learning Support@Student Success, Otago Polytechnic
TANZeCampus.com Writing an academic essay
Possible essay structure (1000 word essay)
Paragraph 1 - Introduction
About
General introduction to topic (relevant background 50 -100
information) words
Paragraph 2 - Body
Topic or opening sentence (first key point).
The topic sentence is usually the first
sentence, but it can also be situated elsewhere
in the paragraph.
Remainder of paragraph expands on, clarifies,
and provides examples to support opening
sentence
Link
Paragraph 3 - Body
Second key point and relevant supporting
evidence e.g. paraphrases or quotes from
Link
Paragraph 4 - Body
Third key point and relevant evidence.
Link
Paragraph 5 - Body
Fourth key point and relevant evidence.
Link
Paragraph 6 - Conclusion
Summarise the main points
Tie “loose ends” together
Check that you’ve answered the question(s) About
Link your answer back to your introduction 50 -100
words
Do not include any new ideas
We are here to help you succeed in your studies. Refer to the My Support area of
TANZeCampus.com to see the services available, including how to contact your personal advisor.
This document has been created by Learning Support@Student Success, Otago Polytechnic
TANZeCampus.com Writing
Writing an
an academic
academic essay
essay
Essay question instruction words
When you are given your essay question or instructions it is important to understand exactly what
you are being asked to do. Following are brief explanations of common instruction words.
Analyse: break down the topic into smaller pieces and discuss these in detail.
Argue: develop a case or argument to support a particular position or viewpoint.
Assess/evaluate: make a judgement about something based on evidence.
Comment: give your opinion about something. Discuss and explain the topic.
Compare: find similarities. In some cases you also need to mention differences.
Contrast: find differences. If you are asked to compare and contrast highlight similarities and differences.
Criticise: make a judgement about the value or truth of something. Discuss limitations and good points.
Define: Describe the nature of something. For example: 'Define the features which distinguish a networked
computer system from a standalone set-up.' Or,
State the meaning of something. For example: 'Define the term symbiosis'. Or,
Describe the scope of something. For example: 'Define the role of a nurse in private practice.'
Demonstrate/Illustrate: give examples to explain or show your understanding of something.
Identify: select relevant details and discuss these. For example: 'Identify the major features of an ergonomically
safe work environment'.
Justify: prove, or give reasons/evidence for something. The aim is to convince the reader.
Review: critically examine or assess a subject.
State: briefly and clearly present the main points.
Summarise/outline: find the key points and use these to create an overview of the topic.
Reference: Rountree, K. (1991). Writing for success: A practical guide for New Zealand students. Auckland, New Zealand: Longman Paul.
We are here to help you succeed in your studies. Refer to the My Support area of
TANZeCampus.com to see the services available, including how to contact your personal advisor.
This document has been created by Learning Support@Student Success, Otago Polytechnic