Essay WritingThe 10 Golden Rules

Rule #1Answer the specific question set – relevance is essential!

Rule #2Underline the key words to focus your planning and ensure you will answer the right question.

Rule #3Make a paragraph by paragraph plan which presents a developing argument to answer the question

Rule #4Avoid waffling in your opening paragraph – focus immediately on the given issue or topic.

“This is a very important issue and there are many different approaches that can be taken in considering it. Many experts have pondered the matter, but there is no definitive position. There are arguments for and against and certainly people are provoked to strong feelings when regarding the topic.”

Rule #5Spend the rest of the first paragraph outlining the ground you intend to cover in the essay

Rule #6Make one point in each subsequent paragraph using a topic sentence, developing it with close textual reference and end with a summary or link it to the next paragraph.

Rule #7Use linking words at the beginning of paragraphs to help your readers follow the development of your essay.

Nevertheless,…We can see, then, that…Furthermore…Thus…With this in mind…Another means by which…However,…Consequently…Similarly…In contrast…

Rule #8Your concluding paragraph must return to the topic or issue raised in the question and draw a conclusion.

Rule #9Any sources used must be clearly identified either in the body of your essay or in the footnotes & bibliography.

Rule #10You should carefully check your essay for technical control and accuracy before you hand it in ON TIME!