Essay Writing Step by

Step

Why write an Essay?

Organise your thoughts.

Argue your viewpoint.
Research something in-depth.
Communicate your ideas to others.

What makes a Good Essay?

Answers the question asked.
Shows understanding of the subject.
Uses a range of sources.
Puts forward a clear argument.
Is logically structured and ordered.

Introduction

Historical Background

Main Content of Essay

Rebuttal
Conclusion

Word Count
Introduction 200 words
Historical Background 300 words
Main Content

Point 1 300 words

Point 2 300 words
Point 3 300 words
Point 4 300 words

Rebuttal 100 words

Conclusion 200 words

Introduction
Introduce the topic why is it interesting?
Lay out a roadmap for the reader.
State the thesis or argument.

Remember:
Write your introduction after the main body of the essay.

Historical Background
Contextualises the essay.
You might include:
Main art movements of the time,
Other artists or designers,
Social or cultural movements.

Historical Background:
Information on the
Renaissance.
Setting the scene.
His early career.
Artists who influenced
him.
Other sculptors
working at the time.
Topic Michaelangelos Sculptures

Main Body
3 to 5 main points.
Each point:
Introduce,
Back up with expert opinion,
Summarise.

1. Tell them what youre going to tell them.

2. Tell them it.
3. Tell them what youve told them.

Rebuttal
5% - not essential in first year.
Show how others have disagreed
with your argument.
Bring in other voices.
Respond to them.
Strengthens your argument.

Writing an Essay Step by Step

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Understand the Question.

Research and gather references.
Brainstorm.
Plan.
Write.
Proof.

Understanding the Question

What is the nature of museum display? What effects does it have on
the objects displayed as part of museum collections? What effects does
it have on the experience of museum visitors?

1. Nature of museum display.

2. Effect on objects displayed.
3. Effect on visitor experience.

Research
Find Sources:
- Library,
- Nival,
- Online Journal Articles.
Evaluate Sources:
- Relevant,
- Reliable,
- Varied.
Collect citation information.

Research - Avoiding Plagiarism

Common problem.
Not always deliberate.
A result of poor organisation.
Have a system in place.

Brainstorm

Plan out your Essay

Remember the Five Parts
1. Intro
2. Historical Background
3. Main Body divide into your key points
4. Rebuttal
5. Conclusion

Ways to Plan your Essay

Historical - essay follows a timeline.
Sequential follows a clear path or idea.
Bullet Points,
Section headings,
Doodles,
Mind Maps,
Talk it out.

Write
Have question and plan in front of you.
Follow your structure.
Refer back to question.
Each paragraph:
introduce,
backup with evidence,
summarise.

Proof and Edit

What to look for:

Strategies:

Has it answered the question?

Did you bring in expert
opinions?
Spelling/Grammar,
Word count,
Correct referencing.

Spellcheck
Text to Speech
Swap with a Friend
Print out and doodle

Structure of an Essay
Introduction

Historical Background

Main Content of Essay

Rebuttal
Conclusion

Essay Writing Step by Step

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Understand the Question.

Research and gather references.
Brainstorm.
Structure.
Write.
Proof.