University essays differ from school essays in that they focus less on what you know and more on how you construct an argument to address the question. To write a strong essay, start by analyzing the question thoroughly and use this understanding to plan your essay before writing.
For guidance, consider these resources:
- Tips for Successful Essay Writing: This resource offers advice on planning your essay and understanding different types of essay questions.
- Answering the Question: This guide helps you interpret essay questions effectively, ensuring your response aligns with what’s being asked.
Additionally, you might find it helpful to watch this seven-minute video on six tips for essay writing, which outlines how to interpret essay questions and provides advice on planning and structuring your writing.
By utilizing these resources, you can enhance your essay planning skills, leading to more coherent and compelling arguments in your writing.
Structuring Your Essay
The body of your essay should expand on the issues introduced in your opening section and build a compelling argument that directly answers the question. Each paragraph should be self-contained, presenting a specific point supported by evidence, and must clearly relate back to your essay question or overarching argument.
Conclusion:
Your essay should end with a conclusion that reiterates your argument in light of the evidence provided without introducing any new information.
References:
Include all sources you used in your essay, whether as footnotes, in-text citations, or in a bibliography at the end. Since citation methods vary across disciplines, be sure to consult your tutor and review your department or faculty guidelines for the appropriate citation style.
If you’re writing an essay for a science subject, you may need to address additional elements, such as presenting data effectively or incorporating diagrams. A brief five-minute video offers valuable advice on how to approach your reading list, decide which information to include, and write in a way that resonates with a scientific audience.
Extended Essays and Dissertations
Longer academic works like extended essays and dissertations may seem challenging compared to standard essays, but the key is to begin with a clear plan and stay focused on addressing the question.
Planning Your Time Effectively:
Start writing as soon as you have ideas to capture, rather than waiting until the deadline. Early drafts might not appear in the final version, but they help solidify your ideas and structure your argument for a clear, well-concluded paper.
Structuring Your Dissertation:
Although many advise writing the introduction last, it’s beneficial to consider its content early on. Your first draft of the introduction should outline your argument, present your research data and methods, and provide a framework for the chapters to come. While the introduction may evolve, it will guide your entire dissertation.
The structure of an extended essay or dissertation varies by discipline and question but typically includes:
- Background and context: often presented as a literature review.
- Focus and Significance: Explaining the value of your research to the field.
- Aims and Objectives: clearly stating what you intend to achieve and noting any areas outside the scope.
- Main Body: Detailing your methodology, presenting research results, and developing your argument.
- Conclusion: summarizing the impact of your research and suggesting future directions.
Tips for Writing Longer Works:
Treat each chapter as a standalone essay with its own introduction, main body, and conclusion. Chapter conclusions can also introduce the next section, ensuring a smooth transition throughout your work.
For a practical demonstration, you might find it helpful to watch a real Oxford tutorial on essay writing: