Don't let it bug you. Writing essays can be enjoyable, and goes a long way to helping you to understand. You need to be fairly systematic to be a scientist, and a bit systematic even in ordinary life, and planning essays can help you.
A. Value of Essays
Organises thoughts
Personal expression—own point of view
Diagnostic—discover strengths and weaknesses
Important practice for exams
Don’t treat as a chore—chance to show your ability.
B. Understanding the Task
Note the precise requirements:
general or specific?
broad or detailed?
objective survey or personal judgments?
particular sources of data?
purely descriptive or explanations?
discussion of implications?
applications? etc.
C. Collecting Material
Purpose essential:
promotes effective reading
saves time.
Ask questions at the outset
Ask more questions while researching
Start as soon as the essay is given:
you will be alert for relevant ideas
your unconscious mind will work on the problem.
Keep a notebook for ideas
Sources of information:
tutor’s references
references in books, journals, encyclopaedias, etc
library—staff will help
informal sources—lectures, tutorials, newspapers, conversations, etc.
Record the sources:
title, author, publisher, place, date
credit sources used (author, date).
D. Planning the Essay
Select the relevant material:
reject trivial,~obscure, tentative material
select enough to support the argument.
Write an outline:
use creative patterns
helps logical sequence (continuity) and fluency
saves time wasting, crossing out and re-writing unnecessarily.
Introduction:
comment on subject and treatment
survey background information.
Main body:
argue through 2 or 3 main ideas
support with examples and evidence.
Conclusion:
summarise the argument
what are the firm or tentative conclusions from the evidence
review the wider implications, signifance for the future, further work, etc.
E. Write First Draft
Write conclusions first:
gives a sense of purpose
gives a clear ending—not a “fadeoout”.
Style:
simple and direct
short sentences
be concise.
Iayout:
should help the reader
reflect the structure of the argument
each main idea—a new paragraph
illustrations save words
distinguish your ideas from others
name sources
for quotations—“quotation marks”
use headings and sub~headings
end with a brief bibliography.
F. Rewrite
Reasons:
more objective
fresh approach
chance to notice weaknesses
chance for criticism.
Criticise:
ask friends/colleagues to comment
check:
does it fulfil title?
are the main aspects covered?
is the depth of treatment right?
is it logical?
is it well supported with evidence?
are there any obscure or pompous phrases?
Eliminate all weaknesses.
Presentation:
Essay marking is subjective
must create a good impression
write legibly—illegible writing can cause the loss of a whole grade
examiners/tutors have a lot to mark—make it easier for them.
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Before you go, think about this…
40% of British Moslems want Sharia law in “predominantly Moslem” districts. It ought to be worrying to most Moslems besides secularists. Young Moslems already are pressurized to renounce secularism, especially young Moslem women in devout families. If Sharia law were an option, they would be pressurized to choose it, even if they didn’t want to. To be religious should not require political dominance of your religion. Religious people with any sense of history know the value of keeping religion out of politics. It might seem fine to allow religion into politics as long as your religion dominates. What if it does not? What do you do then? You are forced to obey the laws of another religion. Secularism treates all religions the same. Some Moslems argue that Sharia law will only apply to Moslems. Yet other religions would want the same privileges. Would marijuana be legal in Rastafarian districts? Would Suttee pyres be seen burning in Hindu suburbs? Keep religion out of politics.
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