Essay Writing / Writing the CEV essay
.docxTips for writing the CEV essay
Like any assignment, it is extremely important that you understand the question/task. This is the first step in the process of writing.
Example question:
Do you agree with Peter Singer’s suggestion that we donate as much as we can afford to charity?
Task (use the space below):
Highlight the key words in the question.
Paraphrase the question (What do you have to do?).
Create an outline of what you might include in your essay.
Paraphrase:
Outline:
The process of writing
Plan
Check how many parts there are to the question and what you need to do in order to answer them. Note down your ideas in a mind-map or any way that you are comfortable with planning. Decide what your views are – the essays require you to put forward a critical opinion.
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Organise Put those ideas into an outline for your essay. How many sections will you have? What will you discuss in each section?
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Write Structure the essay into paragraphs (introduction, body and conclusion). Include references. Add a reference page at the end.
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Check After you have finished, check that your writing is answering the question fully. Have you forgotten any section? Is it logical? Does it make grammatical sense? Is there an introduction and conclusion?
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Re-write Make any necessary changes and re-write.
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Proof-read / take to SLS
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Complete final editing and submit
Essay structure
Introduction:
This should be very brief. Include necessary background but not too much. Finish with a thesis statement that tells the reader what the essay is going to talk about.
Body:
Describe the relevant situation (the arguments, the myth, the doctrine)
Put forward your arguments in support of or against the philosopher’s views. Make a critical assessment of the ideas. Why do you agree / disagree? What evidence do you have to support your opinion? Relate the topic to your own knowledge, ideas and experience. What have other writers said about the subject?
Find relevant quotes and citations from the primary and secondary sources used in the course to support your ideas. (Remember not to use too many quotes; two or three is probably enough, but make sure they are not too long. They must also be completely relevant. Often a paraphrase will be more useful).
Cite any works referenced in the essay as well as at the end on a reference page. (Use any referencing system but be consistent. APA is the system most commonly used in HSS).
Make sure your arguments are clear and check for accuracy of grammar and expression
Conclusion:
This should be a brief summing up of the view you have expressed throughout the essay. You do not have a lot of words in this essay so both introduction and conclusion should be short.
Things to keep in mind
Answer only one of the questions.
Ensure you answer all parts of the question (some may have two parts).
Proof-read your essay before submission or get someone else to check it for you.
If you need help with grammar and organisation, take your writing to Student Learning Support and have an advisor look over it – they will not ‘proof-read’ it but will help you to find mistakes / problems and give you tips for correcting them. (Remember to make your appointment well in advance otherwise you may not be able to see someone at the time you want. SLS timetables are available 2 weeks in advance.)
Stick to the word limit.
Back up (save) your work as you write – your tutor won’t care if your computer crashed.
Know the due date / time and make sure you are ready to submit in plenty of time – don’t leave it till the last minute.
Submit 2 copies – one electronic copy via turnitin, and one hard copy to be handed in at HSS reception (2nd floor, round the corner from the MLC).
Include a cover sheet and ensure all your details are on each page of your assignment as a header or footer (name, SID, tutor’s name, tutorial day/time, essay topic).
Read all instructions for writing this assignment on the CEV ilearn site and make sure you know exactly what you need to do.
If you have any questions about the assignment, don’t be afraid to ask your tutor.
Keep it simple. The lecturer wants to know your ideas as clearly as possible. Don’t use words you are not familiar with.
Don’t try and write about something you don’t understand! Watch the lecture again (they are recorded) and go over the lecture notes/summary.
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