1. Modern Studies Higher Essay Technique
Tips for writing good essays

2. The Essay Structure
The essay needs a basic structure to build up your ideas. There are certain ‘ingredients’ needed for a successful essay.
PREPARATION
- Plan your answer
- Unlock the question
- make decision
- Decide balance
Nothing elaborate – just a few notes to keep the focus on the question. Without an essay plan, you might wander off topic and lose time and marks.

3. INTRODUCTION
Your introduction must unlock the question and show the decision or judgement you have to make. You need to also show how you intend to answer the Q.
Example
To what extent is there a link between income and health (Study Theme 2)
This intro is weak
“There is a health divide in Scotland between the rich and the poor. People in the richest postcodes have better health statistics than people in the poorest postcodes”

4. INTRODUCTION Why is the intro weak?
Does not mention the decision that has to be made
No reference to how close the link is between income and health
Does not link back to the question
Does not show the marker how the question will be answered.
Would not receive any marks!

5. INTRODUCTION This intro is much better
“ There is a significant link between income and health. Factors connected with poor health such as poverty, lower social class, unemployment, healthy lifestyle and bad diet are all inked to low income. However, there are exceptions. Some people from higher socio-economic backgrounds also suffer from poor health as a result of poor lifestyle choices. This illustrates that income is not the only factor to impact on a person’s health.”

6. INTRODUCTION Why is this introduction better?
It links clearly to the question
It states the decision that has been made
It shows where the essay is heading, by listing the points that will be developed later.
It shows balance by referring to both sides of the argument and providing a conclusion.
The marker can see this is a well-planned, well-structured essay.

7. DEVELOPMENT (MIDDLE SECTION)
“ It is essential that information is constantly updated....candidates should be encouraged to use statistics correctly or not at all.”
Principal Assessors Report
The middle section is where you show your knowledge and understanding (KU), balance and analysis
This includes;
A sentence at the beginning of each paragraph pointing out what it’s about
Analysis of the main point of the paragraph
Accurate, detailed descriptions /examples in each paragraph
Clear links between the paragraph and the question – link back
Balanced comment on the issue being discussed

8. How to write a paragraph
P POINT
- Sentence giving your point of view in response to the Question
E EXAMPLE
- Use a current example to illustrate the point.
A ANALYSIS
- Explain what your point and example show
- Expand to show how your point fits into your argument
- Link by providing a mini-conclusion and moving to the next point

9. Using P, E, A
STEP 1
- Unlock the question – understand what it is asking
- “To what extent” = “how much”......
STEP 2
The key to a fully developed paragraph is your opening sentence – must give scope for further analysis and development
STEP 3
Choose an example that can be explained.
- Not too specific and factual. It should open up the paragraph and allow other points to be brought in.

10. Using P, E, A - continued STEP 4
Explain and expand your example. Develop it by providing evidence to support the point you’re making.
STEP 5
Link your paragraph back to the question by using balanced comment – is it for or against? Is it a good point or a bad point? Does it show a strong point or a weakness?
Link your point to the next part of your essay. This allows your essay to flow.

11. Length of essay
Remember for most essays you are writing them in just over 20 minutes.
By providing balance within each of your paragraphs, you should aim for at least three fully developed paragraphs.
It is better to balance your points within the paragraph rather than in separate paragraphs. You essay will flow more easily and not read as straight ‘for’ and ‘against’ arguments.

12. CONCLUSION
“A conclusion at the end is a sign of a mature candidate, as long as it is not a summary of previous points.”
Principal Assessors Report
Markers will accept an essay without a conclusion as long as you provide balanced comment in ‘mini-conclusions’ throughout your essay. Writing a short conclusion is a good way of pulling your various points of your argument together.

13. CONCLUSION
In your conclusion, make your mind up about the issue raised in the question:
- State your decision or judgement
- Prioritise your main points / arguments
Do not make rash statements, no matter how strongly you feel
Don’t use the first person – “I think ”
Conclusion must be balanced
Don’t introduce new facts
Decide which of the main points your have raised in the intro and analysed in your essay are the most important in answering the question.
Your conclusion should give a definite statement that makes your decision completely clear to the marker.

14. What markers like
- Strong start - Focus on the question - Strong / decisive line or argument - Analysis and discussion of all points - Recent and detailed examples - Links back to the question - Balanced comment - Links between sections - Conclusions that prioritises main points

15. What Markers don’t like
Turning the question
Too little specific information
Simple references
Lack of developed points – just mentioning a fact
Out of date examples
No links to the question
Lack of balance in your arguments
Lists and bullet points
Summary, not a conclusion