Essay Writing Structure First Principles A good essay

Essay Writing: Structure

First Principles • A good essay is usually an argument • Takes a stance – Should the broadcast media be completely deregulated? – International aid is completely undermined by international trade agreements. Discuss. – Women’s roles in Medieval England were subservient and focussed only on the home. Discuss.

Elements of a well structured essay • Clear • Good use of paragraphs – key sentence • Good use of evidence & references

Continuity

Continuity • Links between paragraphs – Oppositions, chronological, thematic • “However, this does not take into consideration…” • “More recent analysis suggests…” • “Other writers looking at the role of take the view that…” • “In addition…” • “There are limitations to this model…” • “I will now demonstrate another perspective. . ”

Structure Distinct point Central Idea Distinct point

Essay Structure Planning Paragraph Theme Main Supporting Evidence Linking Sentence Paragraph Theme Main Supporting Evidence

Themes

Structure • • Thematic For/ Against Two sides of the coin General to specific Specific to general Problem, Cause, Solution Advocacy

Thematic Structure 1 Introduction 2 First theme 4 Second theme 6 Third theme 3 First theme 5 Second theme 7 Third theme 8 Conclusion

Introduction 1 Support Argument 4 Counter Argument 2 Support Argument 5 Counter Argument 3 Support Argument 6 Counter Argument Conclusion

Introduction 1 Support Argument 2 Counter Argument 3 Support Argument 4 Counter Argument 5 Support Argument 6 Counter Argument Conclusion

General to Specific Introduction Examine the theory Introduce specific case study/ situation Examine how theory applies Conclusion

Problem, Cause & Solution 1 Introduction 2 Identify problem 3 Look at causes 4 Look at causes 5 Look at causes 6 Solutions 7 Solutions 8 Solutions Conclusion

Should we go to war with Iraq? • Arguments for • Humanitarian reasons – Torture & murder of political opponents – Abuse of sanctions – Use of poison gas against own citizens • Global Security – Iraq sponsors Hamas suicide bombers – Invaded Iran & Kuwait – Possesses weapons of mass destruction • Bring democracy to region – Kurdistan - female judges, more schools,

Should we go to war with Iraq? • Arguments against • Motives? – For oil • Create further instability – Evidence of western imperialism – Create anti-western sentiment amongst religious extremists • Moral right – Can we ever have the right to invade another sovereign country? – Why not invade other inhumane regimes?

For Against Structure Introduction Humanitarian Reasons Civilian Casualties Global Security Increased Terrorism? Restore Democracy Moral Right to invade? Conclusion

Introduction Humanitarian Reasons Civilian Casualties Global Security Increased Terrorism? Restore Democracy Moral Right to invade? Conclusion

Themed Essay 1 Introduction Moral Case For War 2 Humanitarian 3 Imposed Democracy Global Security World Community 4 US right to Defend itself 5 Will it cause further instability? 8 Conclusion 6 Should we intervene in other non-democracies? 7 What cost?

Advocacy Introduction Anxiety re: Civilian casualties, increased terror & morality However, rogue state Hiding WMD Links to terror Invasion of neighbours Humanitarian Conclusion

Conclusion • Essay = Argument • Structure ought to be way of organising argument • Each paragraph must be – Self-contained – Clear – Be linked together