This document provides an overview of the structure and process for writing an essay for nursing students. It discusses the key components of an essay, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It also addresses how to get started by analyzing the essay question or topic, developing an essay plan, and conducting research and preparation. Additionally, the document covers writing the essay, editing, and proper referencing techniques. The overall structure and steps outlined are meant to guide nursing students in developing well-organized essays that effectively address the topic.

1. ESSAY WRITING WORKSHOP FOR
NURSING STUDENTS
STRUCTURE OF PRESENTATION
Essay structure
Getting started
Sample essay topic: group work activity
Conclusions

2. Essay structure
• Introduction
Steps….
1. Introduce topic: re-state in your own words
2. Give background/context to topic
3. Statement: specific essay argument and list sub-topics of main topic

3. Essay structure
• Body paragraphs
Steps….
1. Give clear and relevant topic sentence, usually at beginning of
each paragraph. Introduce general topic of paragraph, and what
will be discussed about the topic.
2. The following sentences develop / support / explain the topic of the
paragraph, using examples and details. The supporting sentences will
incorporate your research and cite your sources.
3. Summarise important points and link to the next paragraph.

4. Essay structure
• Conclusion
Steps…
1. Re-instate the argument in different words
2. Summarise main points / arguments of essay using different wording
3. Make recommendations (if relevant)
4. You may like to finish with an interesting statement or question
5. Avoid: introducing new ideas and discussion of specific examples. Just comment on what you
have already discussed.

5. Getting Started
• Analyse the question/topic
Example
‘Describe and discuss one of the Chronic Health Problems and how does it impact on the
client.’ (1500 words)
Strategies for tackling the question??

6. Getting started
 Identify ‘content’ words: words that deal with the subject matter of the topic.
E.G. : “ Chronic health problems”, “client”
 Identify ‘limit’ words: words that indicate the limitations of the essay.
E.G.: “One of the Chronic health problems”, “1500 words”
 Identify ‘direction’ words: Words that tell you what to do with the topic.
E.G. : “Describe and discuss”

7. Getting started
 Essay Plan
Example
“Describe and discuss one of the chronic health problems and how does it impact on the client’ (1500 words)
Introduction
General statements: Define topic, provide definitions.
Statement / Argument: restate topic and include sub-topics…
E.G. Essay Statement…
This essay will consider the following example of chronic health problems that exists: COPD, the pathophysiology,
the prognosis, diagnosis, treatments…..
Body
COPD
-pathophysiology
-diagnosis
-medical management

8. Getting started
 Essay Plan
Conclusion
Summarize main points / arguments of essay using different words.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a respiratory condition that affects many people. The condition is….
and is diagnosed by …….
Statistics show that most people who suffer from COPD have smoked or …….

9. Research and preparation
 Reading and making notes
-Select appropriate sources (databases, approved websites, books, newspaper articles and
journals)
-Avoid Google and Wikipedia
-Note carefully all bibliography sources and record them as you go
Reference:
http://www.ic.holmesglen.edu.au/

10. Writing the Essay
 Use signal words to show transition from one point to another.
E.G.
Show cause and effect:
Therefore, consequently, because, as a result….
Making comparison:
also, similarly, as well as…
Sequencing:
Firstly, secondly, finally, then
Concluding:
In conclusion, overall, in the end, summing up…

11. Editing
 Check for overall relevance of essay
 Check for logic and reasoning in your sentences and ideas
 Check structure: paragraphing, topic sentences are clear and relevant, paragraphs are well linked
 Check spelling, grammar, punctuation
 Check that sentence structure varies to avoid repetition
 Check that there is no colloquial expressions, slang, contractions (e.g. ‘do not’ rather than don’t)
 Check for sentence length: break sentence into separate ideas if it is three lines or more

12. Referencing
 Consult and adhere to the Holmesglen Referencing Guide
 Academic essay writing requires careful citing of sources in texts, and a reference list or bibliography at the
end
E.G.
 “Aboriginal people argue that their people simply do not access mainstream medical services because
they feel that such services discriminate against them” (Funnell, Koutoukidis & Lawrence 2009, p.21).
 Reconciliation Australia (2006) state that Division 2 nurses may have better understanding of the
behaviour of ATSI people.
 It is better for Division 2 nurses to learn about culturally sensitive communication skills when working with
ATSI people (Benson 2005).
ASU MATERIAL COPYRIGHT HOLMESGLEN 2010/12 SEPT.2010