(7) What is the most persuasive mereological account of the relationship between parts and wholes? Defend your answer.

SOME TIPS ON ESSAY WRITING

q  Carefully read the question in hand, and make sure you answer it (i.e., and don’t just write down everything you know about that general topic).

q  Write clearly and stick to the point. Avoid giving unnecessary details. q  Remember that you get marked on the knowledge that you demonstrate, so

make sure that you properly explain your points, and that you always define terms/position/principles (etc) that you introduce.

q  Always argue for your points. Do not simply state opinions. Relatedly, remember that philosophy is not journalism, in that you are not bound to be even-handed (it is more akin to law).

q  That said, you should always be careful to describe the opposing view as charitably as possible. Avoid ‘straw men’.

SOME TIPS ON ESSAY WRITING

q  Use examples to illustrate your points (ideally your own), as this demonstrates that you’ve understood the points that you’re making.

q  Aim to structure your essay. For example, don’t discuss a view for several pages and only then explain what the view involves. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to sketch an essay plan before writing (particularly in an exam situation).

q  You don’t have to cover everything. In general, it’s better to cover less ground and cover it in style than to cover lots of ground superficially. Note that you can still demonstrate that you are aware of other aspects of the debate by mentioning them and then setting them to one side (e.g., describe three objections to X in outline, but then state that you will in what follows be focussing on just one of them).

q  Don’t plagiarise!