· A good essay reflects the student’s informed ideas and opinions.

· Plan your arguments. Organize your information. Decide on the point of view. Sequence your information.

· Write your plan using linear notes or a mind-map. Your plan should have: main sections and sub-sections, sufficient supporting evidence for your purpose, a logical sequence. Your approach to the plan should be flexible; revision may be necessary.

· Use language to structure your argument: use words and phrases as signposts to show the reader where you are going (Eg.: Firstly, secondly…). Link paragraphs. Use headings and sub-headings if appropriate. Use effective introductions and conclusions to give your argument unity.

· Introductions: think about the kind of introduction required to introduce your reader to your argument. You can: state briefly the ideas or points that will be introduced later; explain what the situation is at present with regard to the topic; raise a question that you intend to answer in the rest of your essay.

· Conclusions: depending on the nature of the essay question, your conclusion might also include one or more of the following: the limitations of your argument; predictions for future developments; ongoing research on the field; suggestions and recommendations.

· Remember: express ideas accurately; support generalisations with evidence; do not over-generalise; qualify your generalisations and/or use tentative language (use words such as: a few, little, much, many; always, usually, hardly ever or use words to indicate probability).

(Adapted from: MURRAY, S. & JOHANSON, L., Write to Learn, 1991)