Introduction to academic writing

Watch the following video of an academic describing what makes a good essay and write down the main points:  

So what makes a good essay?

Writing at University means that your essay needs to meet the expectations of your markers. Can you identify the criteria that your examiners use to mark your work? You also need to consider how your essays will be different at postgraduate level.

Reflect on the feedback you have received from previous year(s) and begin to draw up a list of what you think will make a good essay. Compare your list to the suggestions below.

Good essays:

• present a logical, reasoned argument in response to a specific question/brief/title/issue
• have an effective structure that helps your argument unfold clearly to the reader
• present your argument in a focused and progressive way, not simply listing ideas
• are critical and analytical showing, how you interpret the information you have read from a wide range of good quality academic resources
• show how your informed thoughts, based on the literature you have read, contribute to understanding the topic you are researching