Some of the points to remember when writing an essay are that you should:
a. Avoid personal opinion.
b. Be factually accurate.
c. Avoid generalisation.
d. Construct your arguments using full sentences.
e. Avoid the use of colloquial language.

The list below makes it plain what markers mean you to do when answering a question containing one of the terms listed:
‘Account for’ Give reasons for
‘Analyse’ Separate into component parts/factors
‘Assess’ Say how important it is
‘Compare’ Show similarities and differences
‘Consider’ Take into account, weigh advantages and disadvantages
‘Contrast’ Look for the differences between
‘Define’ Give the meaning of
‘Demonstrate’ Show how, prove with examples
‘Describe’ Write in detail about the characteristics of
‘Differentiate’ Explain the differences between, distinguish
‘Discuss’ Describe the important aspects, point out the pros and cons
‘Evaluate’ Judge the importance of
‘Examine’ Investigate, enquire into
‘Explain’ Make clear, give reasons for
‘How far …’ Present and evaluate evidence for and against
4
‘Illustrate’ Give examples
‘Outline’ Indicate the important aspects, omit minor details
‘Relate’ Show the connections between
‘State’ Set down briefly the main point
‘Summarise’ Bring together the main points
‘To what extent’ How true is it to say that; give evidence

Structure. Your essay is to include an introduction, a body of text which may be subdivided into several sub-sections, and the conclusions.
Introduction. The introduction tells the reader briefly what the essay is about, its
precise scope, the framework or structure adopted for the discussion, and what you intend
to demonstrate (your conclusions). It is important to get this right, because this is what
your essay will be judged against. The introduction should also arouse the reader’s
interest and lead into the subject without any excess verbiage. Begin with a broad review
of your subject and end with your conclusion(s). Tell the reader what to expect in the
essay: ‘This essay will examine…’ or ‘This essay will show that…’ or ‘After examining …
this essay will discuss…’.
Body or discussion. This should develop the discussion within the limits the writer
has specified and follow the outline given. All material must be pertinent and arranged in
such a manner that the reader can readily appreciate the flow of thought and realise that
the essay is leading directly from the aim to a logical conclusion, a descriptive summary,
or a satisfying explanation as appropriate. Avoid the 3-part essay (for, against and
conclusions) because this rarely devotes sufficient attention to your conclusion. It is
important to provide your arguments with authoritative evidence. Telling detail and short
quotations are useful for this.
Conclusion(s). The purpose of the conclusion is to bring the discussion to an end
in the most effective way and answer the question. If the essay is argumentative, the
most appropriate ending will be a statement of inferences or conclusions drawn from the
main body of the essay. You may wish to end by re-emphasising a central theme, or
finish with something that will stimulate further thought on the subject. Only very rarely
will a recapitulation or a précis of the essay be satisfactory. In any event, it is essential
that the ending leaves the reader in no doubt that you have achieved the stated aim of
answering the question. The conclusion should aim to be brief.

What is a paragraph?
● Paragraphs are clusters of sentences on the same topic.
● Within each paragraph, there should be one main idea, which should appear in the topic or ‘signpost’ sentence. This should come at or near the start of the paragraph.
● The other sentences in the paragraph should expand on this idea, either by developing the argument or providing illustrations.
● Each new main idea should form the basis of a new paragraph.
● Paragraphs can be linked by transitional words or phrases such as however, on the other hand, conversely, in conclusion. These are often referred to as linking words and can help your essay flow easily from one paragraph to another

Colons (:).
● A colon marks a pause for explanation, expansion, enumeration, or elaboration. Use a colon to introduce a list: ‘There are three minerals in this rock: quartz, feldspar, and mica.’
● Use a colon to pause and explain: ‘The strategies have proven ineffective: compromises and concessions have left labour in a weakened position.’
● Use a colon to introduce a block quotation or a list of bullet points: ‘As he lay in his deathbed, Oscar Wilde pointed to the wall and said: “My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go.” Then, he died.’
Semicolons (;). A semicolon separates items in a series when the items already contain commas. The semicolon allows the writer to imply a relationship between nicely balanced ideas without actually stating that relationship: ‘Shakespeare’s comedies seem natural; his tragedies seem forced.’