What Is An Essay?

What Is An Essay? Since your essay will be processed electronically, use the spell checker! But don’t rely on it exclusivelyâ€"proofread your essay carefully as well. You may feel that a diagram could help illustrate a point. Highlight the major issues which “lie behind” the question. Let the reader know how you will focus your essay by identifying the main themes to be discussed. Identify the subject of the essay and define the key terms. Evidence suggests psychoanalytic therapy works best if the client is motivated and has a positive attitude. E.g. is the essay asking you to compare, justify, argue, discuss etc. Also underline the key words/ideas that have been used like workplace diversity, communication etc. Unless you are told otherwise by the course instructor, use the Departmental conventions. This plan could be in the form of a mind map, a summary table, or by writing a core statement . The number of points that you make will depend on the word count (1500 words, 4-5 paragraphs). Secondly identify and highlight the instructional words. Repeating citations unnecessarily disrupts the flow of an essay. When you have finished the first draft of your essay you must check if it 'flows'. As a general rule make sure there is at least one citation (i.e. name of psychologist and date of publication) in each paragraph. Critical Evaluation - arguments should be supported by appropriate evidence and/or theory from the literature. Evidence of independent thinking, insight and evaluation of the evidence. Each paragraph should comprise a main theme which are illustrated and developed through a number of points . Now let us look at what constitutes a good essay in psychology. After writing your plan conduct supplementary reading and refine your plan and make it more detailed. You should only use a quotation when you are unable to say something better, not just because you can’t be bothered to summarize a point of view! For example, if an author has summed up their argument in one pithy phrase, then it might be worth repeating. Poor spelling, reasonably or not, gives the impression of carelessness and laziness. The reference section is the list of all the sources cited in the essay . Finally, only repeat citations when it is unclear which study / theory you are discussing. This is an important feature of quality of communication . Introductions are very important as first impressions count and they can create a halo effect in the mind of the lecturer grading your essay. If you start off well then you are more likely to be forgiven for the odd mistake later one. It is very important to elaborate on your evaluation. Don't just write a shopping list of brief evaluation points. Instead make sure you expand on your points, remember, quality of evaluation is most important than quantity.