1. Essay Writing: Structure

2. First Principles A good essay is usually an argument Takes a stance
Should the broadcast media be completely de-regulated?
International aid is completely undermined by international trade agreements. Discuss.
Women’s roles in Medieval England were subservient and focussed only on the home. Discuss.

3. Elements of a well structured essay
Clear
Good use of paragraphs – key sentence
Good use of evidence & references

4. Continuity

5. Continuity Links between paragraphs
Oppositions, chronological, thematic
“However, this does not take into consideration…”
“More recent analysis suggests…”
“Other writers looking at the role of take the view that…”
“In addition…”
“There are limitations to this model…”
“I will now demonstrate another perspective..”

6. Structure
Central
Idea
Distinct point

7. Essay Structure Planning
Paragraph Theme
Main Supporting Evidence
Linking Sentence

8. Themes

9. Structure Thematic For/ Against Two sides of the coin
General to specific
Specific to general
Problem, Cause, Solution
Advocacy

10. Thematic Structure 1 Introduction 2 First theme 4 Second theme
6 Third theme
3 First theme
5 Second theme
7 Third theme
8 Conclusion

11. Introduction
1 Support Argument
4 Counter Argument
2 Support Argument
5 Counter Argument
3 Support Argument
6 Counter Argument
Conclusion

12. Introduction
1 Support Argument
2 Counter Argument
3 Support Argument
4 Counter Argument
5 Support Argument
6 Counter Argument
Conclusion

13. General to Specific Introduction Examine the theory Examine the theory
Introduce specific case study/ situation
Examine how theory applies
Examine how theory applies
Examine how theory applies
Conclusion

14. Problem, Cause & Solution
1 Introduction
2 Identify problem
3 Look at causes
4 Look at causes
5 Look at causes
6 Solutions
7 Solutions
8 Solutions
Conclusion

15. Should we go to war with Iraq?
Arguments for
Humanitarian reasons
Torture & murder of political opponents
Abuse of sanctions
Use of poison gas against own citizens
Global Security
Iraq sponsors Hamas suicide bombers
Invaded Iran & Kuwait
Possesses weapons of mass destruction
Bring democracy to region
Kurdistan - female judges, more schools,

16. Should we go to war with Iraq?
Arguments against
Motives?
For oil
Create further instability
Evidence of western imperialism
Create anti-western sentiment amongst religious extremists
Moral right
Can we ever have the right to invade another sovereign country?
Why not invade other inhumane regimes?

17. For Against Structure Introduction Humanitarian Reasons
Civilian Casualties
Global Security
Increased Terrorism?
Restore Democracy
Moral Right to invade?
Conclusion

18. Introduction
Humanitarian Reasons
Civilian Casualties
Global Security
Increased Terrorism?
Restore Democracy
Moral Right to invade?
Conclusion

19. Themed Essay 1 Introduction Moral Case For War Global Security
World Community
6 Should we
intervene in
other
non-democracies?
4 US right to
Defend itself
2 Humanitarian
3 Imposed
Democracy
5 Will it cause
further
instability?
7 What cost?
8 Conclusion

20. Advocacy Introduction However, rogue state Hiding WMD Links to terror
Anxiety re: Civilian casualties, increased terror & morality
However, rogue state
Hiding WMD
Links to terror
Invasion of neighbours
Humanitarian
Conclusion

21. Conclusion Essay = Argument
Structure ought to be way of organising argument
Each paragraph must be
Self-contained
Clear
Be linked together