Introduction
Arouse the reader’s interest
Set the scene
Explain how you interpret the question set
Define or explain key terms if necessary
Identify the issues that you are going to explore
Give a brief outline of how you will deal with each issue, and in which order
Argument/Main Body
Contains the points outlined in your introduction, divided into paragraphs:
• Paragraph 1
Covers the first thing you said you’d address.
The first sentence (the topic sentence) introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
Other sentences develop the topic.
Include relevant examples, details, evidence, quotations, references.
• Paragraph 2 and other paragraphs
The first sentence links the paragraph to the previous paragraph then introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
The Conclusion
Draw everything together
Summarise the main themes
State your general conclusions
Make it clear why those conclusions are important or significant
Do not introduce new material
In the last sentence, sum up your argument very briefly, linking it to the title
Set the issues in a broader perspective/wider context
Discuss what you’ve failed to do – answers not clear, space limited
Suggest further questions of your own
Essy Writing – The Main Stages.
Analyse the question
Make a rough outline plan
Use plan to guide research
Review, revise and refine the plan
Write first draft
Edit draft for structure and content
Edit draft for style
Check referencing
Proof read for spelling/punctuation
Produce final copy
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