A short guide to essay planning and structure 5 You could use a diagram like this to help you order your ideas. Write each of your main points into a section of the structure. Introduction Introductory paragraph Second introductory paragraph if necessary Body of essay 1st main point 2nd main point 3rd main point 4th main point 5th main point.
The essay begins with a general lead into the broad topic by indicating the inadequacy of traditional teaching alone. It sets up a problem that the essay will solve. See essay introduction. Format: Spacing. Essays are usually double-spaced or 1.5-line spaced. See formatting and layout. Structure: Introductions.
Well done! You have got into university to read history, one of the most interesting subjects on offer. One reason it is very interesting is that there is a clear progression from the challenges at A level to the requirements of a degree. And that is your problem. You have been set your first essay and you are not clear about these requirements.
The introduction usually starts by providing some background information to your particular topic, so the reader understands the key problem being addressed and why it is an issue worth writing about. However, it is important that this is brief and that you only include information that is directly relevant to the topic.
An example of an essay plan Why plan? An essay plan helps you organise your ideas and you can be modified as you read, think or discuss more. It is a basic outline of your essay and is useful if you want to discuss your writing with your lecturer, tutor or with an Academic Support person. Here is an example of an essay topic and a possible plan.
This example is based on a 1000 word essay. In relation to Content words your focus is clear: chocolate! In relation to Limiting words, you need to consider what healthy food actually means. A good way to expand your vocabulary is to look at the Academic Word List (developed by Averil Coxhead at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand).