How to write an Essay!

STRUCTURE

Title Page

Prepare title pages (including page for declaration/word count)

Table of Contents

Other than for short assignments with a single focus, it is a good idea to prepare a Table of Contents.
This will include a list of sections or chapters, appendices, diagrams and graphs as appropriate.
Even with short assignments there should be an introduction, body of text and conclusion.
Initially the table of contents will be a draft but the final version should include the appropriate page numbers.
This is quite easy to set up when using a word processing package.

Introduction

All papers should begin with an introduction of 1-2 paragraphs (this may be longer depending on the length of the paper).
The introduction should set the context and purpose of the work and describe the main elements to be addressed; if it is appropriate definitions of terms can be included.
From reading the introduction the focus of the essay should be made clear to the reader.
Where you are given the opportunity to select an area, then reasons for you interest in the topic can be included, particularly if it relates to an area of practice.
It is always worthwhile to go back and review your introduction when the essay is complete to check that it adequately reflects the content of your work; edit if appropriate.

Main body of text

The discussion section should include an exploration and review of the relevant literature, particularly highlighting any recent developments.
Your ideas should be presented in sequence with points following logically. Use paragraphs to improve the clarity of your work and each paragraph should be used to develop or explore a single theme.
Try to have a logical flow to the material and clear interlinking of themes and ideas throughout.
Avoid simple description (though some will be required) and endeavour to incorporate some criticalanalysis into your work.
If you have been asked to 'discuss' a topic then you must present alternative viewpoints, which should
be supported by the literature.
Use references to the articles and books you have consulted to support your arguments.
For balance always present the case for both sides, using research and articles from peer reviewed journals, avoiding anecdotal comments.
Sometimes it may be difficult to choose as to the prevailing perspective on the concept but select an argument that you agree with and defend your choice.
Though you should select literature that supports your argument you must also recognise the alternative view.
Throughout the essay any statement you make should be backed up by a reference to the article or book, which gave you that information.
This is particularly important where you are making strong or controversial statements.
Though you can use your own experience in your writing be careful about producing anecdotal evidence in support of your arguments.
One other important point to consider, just as good practice should be evidence based, a good essay will utilise evidence to support the points made.
This involves taking a critical and discursive approach to research and frequently linking various pieces of research to illustrate or support your argument.
Where appropriate, essays should relate to your own area of practice.
You should try to interpret and analyse the literature and relate it to clinical practice.
Where an assignment has different areas of discussion, these should be placed under different headings.
A summary should help to link sections together.

Summary/Conclusion

A summary and/or conclusion should terminate your paper.
For short assignments this should be brief (1-2 paragraphs).
If you have long sections in your paper it is also a good idea to give short summaries at the end of each section.
New literature should never be introduced in a conclusion or summary, if it is relevant to your argument this literature should be incorporated into the body of your text.
Summaries and conclusions are used to reiterate the main points presented or discussed in the text and to close the paper.
It can include recommendations for practice and recommendations for further research (if relevant).
A good introduction and conclusion demonstrate a good understanding of the topic being explored.

Note

Always carefully proof read your final draft and check your references before submission.
It may help to ask a colleague to also read your work.
Through this process you will pick up small mistakes and typographical errors.
It is essential to check your paper for both spelling and grammatical errors, Tipex/correction fluid should not be used.

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