The document provides guidance on how to plan and write different types of essays. It discusses discursive and persuasive essays and their purposes. It emphasizes that essays deepen learning and develop writing and critical thinking skills. The document outlines a structure for essays, including an introduction, paragraphs for and against a topic, and a conclusion. It also covers style, linking words, common mistakes, and referencing.

1. ESSAY
WRITING
HOW TO PLAN AND WRITE YOUR
ESSAY

2. Types of essay –
discursive and persuasive
 Discursive - systematically presents arguments in favour
of both sides through specific examples, reasons, and
justifications. After finishing this type of discursive
essay, the informed reader should be able to reach a
concrete conclusion given available information.
 Persuasive - to persuade readers and often deals with a
contentious topic or one over which there are conflicting
opinions.
 Current affairs issues are a rich source of persuasive
essay topics - whether the monarchy is an outdated
institution and same-sex marriage etc.

3. Essays are important
because…
 It deepens your learning of the
subject you are studying
 You learn to use ideas to argue a
case
 It enables you to enter into a dialogue
with your tutors
 You can extend and refine your
thinking and your writing skills

4. PLAN YOUR ESSAY
 Introduction – what the topic is and what
it involves. Signpost what you will be
looking at in the essay.
 3 paragraphs which deal with points in
favour of the issue.
 3 paragraphs which deal with points
against the issue.
 A conclusion in which you reflect upon
the issue and detail your own point of
view.

5. STYLE
 The style should be formal
 No contractions such as
didn‟t, couldn‟t, wouldn‟t, shouldn‟
t
 No slang
 No use of “I”
 Use quite long, complex
sentences

6. STYLE - LINKING
 Introducing a contrast
 Making connections
 However  Furthermore
 On the other hand  Additionally
 Alternatively  In addition to
 Despite this  As well as
 Having said that  Moreover
 Although
 Therefore
 Nevertheless
 Likewise
 but
 also

7. Top essay mistakes!
 The student fails to address what is being asked of them
– for example, they are asked to „discuss‟ an issue but
they present a one-sided-argument
 The essay is poorly structured, perhaps missing an
introduction or failing to reach a conclusion based on the
evidence presented
 The arguments are weak, not supported by
evidence/reason or authority, or are non existent
 The materials used are not properly referenced or no
supporting material is cited
 The student has included too much background or
description and not enough critical analysis

8. REFERENCING
 You must reference any quoted material and
include a bibliography at the end of your
essay.
 Use the Harvard System …but more about
that in the next slideshow
 I have put some information on the blog for
you under the useful website section