Essay writing part 1

When you read a question there are three things you must do in order to ensure that you answer the question asked.

1.       Identify and underline how many parts there are to the question. For example in the question: To what extent were language, religion and education used to promote Irish cultural identity during the period, 1920-1949 (Leaving Cert 2006)

There are clearly three elements to this question. You must refer to examples of how (1) language, (2) religion and (3) education were used to promote Irish culture. While there would be no need to set out the same amount of points on each part of the question, it is essential that some references be made to the separate elements of the question. If you fail to do so, marks will be lost.

2.       Always check the dates of the question. Avoid writing long paragraphs of background information. You will only be awarded a small amount of marks out of 60 for information outside the dates given in the question. You must also ensure that you deal with the range of dates indicated in the question. For example In the question about the dates are from 1920-1949, if you only address attempts to promote cultural identity from 1930-1949 you will lose marks.

3.       Key words. Forty per cent of the marks for each essay are awarded for an overall evaluation of the treatment of the question. Students often lose marks here by failing to read the question properly. This can be avoided by identifying key words:

Why was the choice of Coleraine as the site for Northern Ireland’s second  university controversial?

The key words in this essay are “Coleraine” and “controversial”. This is not a general essay on Coleraine. You must highlight the controversial aspects of the events surrounding the decision. You must answer the question asked. A general factual essay about the narrative of events will only receive an average grade. Continuous comment and analysis on the controversial aspects of the events will result in a high grade.