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Article written by Caitlin Graham, Lancaster University LLB graduate.
Once you receive your essay question, before trying to identify your own primary and secondary sources, a good starting point is to have a look at your university’s further reading list for whichever topic the question is based upon and then research any of the relevant sources listed. Also, you can find sources by checking the further reading list of the relevant chapter in your main textbook. You can also ask for help from professional research paper writers
Produce a plan which outlines what all of your main arguments are, how you will make the points, which sources you plan to use, and what your conclusion will be. By having all of your notes and research in your plan in one place, this will prevent any confusion or stress trying to find something later on.
You need to answer the question. To ensure you do this, at the end of each key point, include a sentence or two which links it back to the main question.
Making a list of words that are commonly used in essay writing and having it to hand or in a separate tab on your computer can be really useful if you get stuck whilst writing.
Using sentence starters will help ensure your writing is fluent and flows.
It is not necessary to directly quote every academic commentator that you are making reference to in your essay; instead, for the most part, paraphrase.
It is very important that you not only proofread your essay before you submit it but that you do so out loud. This will help you filter out any incorrect punctuation and ensure that your writing flows.
You should aim to do four things in your introduction:
The main body of the essay refers to the two or three main arguments. Aim to use a range of primary and secondary sources in this part. It is crucial that critical analysis is used in this section in order to achieve a higher grade. This will mean engaging with primary and secondary sources and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each point. Furthermore, whilst you should acknowledge both sides of the argument, you should finish by clarifying which side you find more convincing and why.
A conclusion should:
Do not address any new points or arguments in the conclusion; only refer to ideas that you have already discussed. Keep the conclusion relatively brief – a few sentences should be sufficient.
