Learning Skills
Essay Writing
The essay writing process
Step 1: Analyse question
Some questions are written in such a way that the content and structure of the essay is outlined in the essay question. This often occurs in a long question, so don’t be put off by the length of the question.
However, other questions require that you first analyse the question to determine the direction that is required and the level of analysis needed. When this occurs the following key word analysis will help ensure that you answer the question.
1. Look for the content words that determine what you will need to research; that is, what you are expected to write about. Pay attention to words that indicate the:
- general topic (this often assists you with a good introductory sentence for your introduction); which can be different to the,
- focus of the question (this is, what the lecturer wants you to specifically address).
2. Note the task, or directional words, that will dictate how you are expected to approach the question. These are sometimes contained within the instructions leading up to the question.
Task words are important because they determine the depth of analysis or thinking required. At tertiary level task words such as compare, contrast, analyse, discuss and evaluate are common and require that you demonstrate your thinking about your research, not just describe what you found. Words such as describe, explain and outline often accompany short answer questions. More commonly at tertiary level, you will be asked to express your point of view. In other words, you have to argue your case supporting your statements with evidence, discussion and valid reasoning.
3. Finally, note any limitations, that will guide your reading through time, place and of course word limit. For example, the question might ask that you restrict your answer to the 'Australian context', 'crime in rural Australia' or 'events after 1900'
Analysis of the following question might look like this:
Question: The UAI (Universities Admissions Index) is a reliable predictor of success at university. Discuss this statement.
Content: Topic: Success at university
Focus: Whether the UAI is a reliable predictor
Task: To discuss, that is, investigate and examine by argument giving the reasons for and against. Present a point of view that will require both description and interpretation. Your opinion must be supported by carefully chosen authoritative evidence.
Limitations: Tertiary study. Note you are not limited to time or place. You might assume the lecturer wants you to concentrate on the current Australian context. However, this would be a good question to ask on your subject forum. Word count (not supplied here) will of course impact on how wide you go. For example, 1500 words will significantly restrict you. 5000 words will give you much more room to discuss this question from a number of perspectives. The term UAI is also a guide as it is a relatively recent term replacing the term TER.
A critical thinker would be asking themselves "What is success?"
Go to Step 2 >>