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Essays are a common form of assessment, for example in disciplines such as Business, International Relations, Law, History, Geography, Theology, Communication Studies, Education and Economics.

Glossary

discipline (disciplines) N-COUNT A discipline is a particular area of study, especially a subject of study in a college or university.

There are many reasons why essays are still the most popular type of assignment. One of them is that they ask students to demonstrate more than just knowledge. To demonstrate the purpose of essays, let’s have a look at the difference between an ordinary question and an essay question.

Ordinary question:

Why did William of Normandy win the Battle of Hastings?

Essay question:

William of Normandy’s victory at the Battle of Hastings has often been attributed to his large and well-prepared army. However, without strategy and good fortune, he might well have lost the battle. Discuss.

The answer to the ordinary question could be a list of items, in no particular order of importance. The essay question directs the writer more: the student has to mention the size and the preparedness of the army, describe William’s strategy and the fortunate circumstances, and decide how important these elements were for the victory. In order to come to a conclusion about this, the writer has to do research. This is indicated in the language: in the first sentence ‘has often been attributed to’ tells the student that there are a lot of sources which she should look at to explain this point of view, and ‘However’ in the second sentence suggests that there is also evidence available for a contrasting opinion. The word ‘Discuss’ makes it clear that there are different points to be made, which should be mentioned and commented on, so that the writer can make a decision about which side she is on.

Glossary

attribute to (attributes to, attributing to, attributed to) VERB If you attribute something to an event or situation, you think that it was caused by that event or situation.

seminar (seminars) N-COUNT A seminar is a class at a college or university in which the teacher and a small group of students discuss a topic.

convention (conventions) N-COUNT Academic conventions are traditional methods or styles of academic writing.

Clearly, a finished essay demonstrates more than just the knowledge students were taught about a subject. The writers will have:

 found out much more than what they were taught in lectures and seminars

 weighed up the evidence about different points of view

 developed their own point of view

 increased their knowledge and their depth of understanding

 trained their memory to remember the important facts

 undertaken activities that prepare them for their future profession.

By writing the information down in essay form, they will have:

 organized their thoughts

 practised and improved their ability to communicate in writing

 shown awareness of the reader, of academic conventions and the way others write in their discipline.

If you plan your time so that you can read up on a topic, think critically about it, follow the essay instructions, and express your view clearly in a well-organized text, you deserve a good grade.

For more information on all these aspects, see later chapters.