Essay writing refresh

University courses Medicine & Psychology
1

Here are some structure tips I followed during my essay exams ensuring I was clearly and concisely answering the question asked.

Planning

What is the question asking

‘Evaluate/Critically ’ – weigh arguments for and against something assessing the strengths of evidence on both sides

    • Understand implications of research rather than taking detail about bits \
    • Evaluate evidence – methods, stats, conclusion supported by data.
    • Evaluate a theory – theory can be testes? Supported with evidence? What can it not explain? Well rounded ?

‘Summarise/outline’ – draw out the main points only, omitting details or examples

‘Compare ’ – Show how two or more things are similar and the relevance of the similarities

‘Contrast’ - Show how two or more things are different and the relevance of the differences

‘Criticise’ – Discuss the merits of a study, idea or theory in light of your opinions, and/or support contradictory facts with other evidence from studies or theories.

‘Discuss’ – Write about the most important aspects of something, including critical evaluation, provide arguments for and against and consider implications.

‘Analyse’ – Look at each element of the topic in detail

‘Examine’ – investigate the nature of the topic

‘Assess’ – Substantiate with supporting and critical evidence

Structure

Consider levels of detail and what evidence you need to support your  and which refernces

Introduction

– Could you briefly define the key terms/background?

– Could you outline the main points of your argument?

– This is an excellent way to delimit what you will be talking about in your answer

– And, a really good opportunity to structure your answer clearly from the outset

Main body – flow from point to point

(1 Point, per PEEL and per paragraph)

P.E.E.L

    • Point  what is paragraph abut
    • Evidence  explain evidence + reference
    • Evaluation  evaluation or examples to justify point (what does research show?), + reference
    • Implications of research
    • Link  to next point and to exam question

P.E.E.L.

Conclusion

– Could you sum up these same threads from the main body?

– Use this to clarify how you have answered the question

– Could you leave the reader with something else to think about? (e.g. future research, practical implications).

– Do NOT use bullet points

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2

Great tips for essay exams! Planning is key, and your breakdown of different question types is very helpful

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3

Thanks for sharing these essay exam tips! i like the PEEL method for organizing paragraphs – it keeps things focused. Will definitely keep these in mind!

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