Introduction and Bibliography
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Week3Skills-EssayWriting-GettingStarted.pptxEssay Writing
Workshop delivered by Bridget Cotter
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Questions about the Module?
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Remember to avoid using emails by:
Asking in the seminar
Asking in this lecture
Using the discussion board (answered by the Module Leader
Only use email when it is confidential.
Most questions are asked multiple times!
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Essay Writing: Getting Started
PIR Level 4 Skills: Political Ideas in Action
Dr. Bridget Cotter
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Essay Planning/interpreting questions, and Introductions (intro to essay structure)
Seven Steps to a Good Essay Answer
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Answer the question!
Follow the Module instructions
Construct an argument
Provide evidence to support your argument
Create a structure with a guiding narrative
Edit for sequence and relevance (Re-draft)
Proofread and correct (Re-draft again)
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Seven Steps to a Good Essay Answer
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Answer the question!
Follow the Module instructions
Construct an argument
Provide evidence to support your argument
Create a structure with a guiding narrative
Edit for sequence and relevance (Re-draft)
Proofread and correct (Re-draft again)
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1. Answer the Question
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ANALYSE the Question
Formulate a thesis or an opening argument or statement that helps you answer this question
Use political examples that are relevant to this question
Use theories and literature (academic readings) that are relevant to this question
Consider the context for this particular question
The discipline and sub-discipline of the module
The module learning outcomes
Where this question fits into the narrative of the module
Which weeks (lectures, seminars, reading lists) are relevant to this question
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Understand it so you answer the RIGHT question
Length, or things that must be included
How do I Analyse the QUESTION?
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Identify the “WHAT” of the question
Key Content Words? (define these)
Which are/is most important? What is the subject?
Identify the “HOW” of the question
What do the Process Words mean?
What am I being asked to do?
If “how” is unspecified then take decisions on how
Find the claim(s) in the question
Look for the debate(s) suggested by the question
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Understand it so you answer the RIGHT question
Length, or things that must be included
| Analysing the Question | Sample Question: “Democracy is best when the people remain relatively uninvolved.” Discuss. |
| Content words? | |
| Process Words (or how to approach it) | |
| The “claim”? | |
| The debate(s)? | |
| My thesis (my view) | |
| Readings | |
| Evidence: List theories/theorists, research studies, and real examples. |
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Key words? ALL NEED A DEFINITION
CoMPARE: key features of democracy (in your definition of democracy) with features of SOCIAL CONTRACT
What is Social Contract Theory and can it justify democracy?
How does representation make democracy ‘practical’, and what concerns does it raise?
If political concepts are ‘Essentially Contested’ (Gallie), what does this mean for political conflict.
How might deliberative and local democracy improve electoral democracy?
What is Lukes’s ‘third dimension’ of power and can it ever be ‘overcome’?
In what ways have markets ‘hollowed out’ democracy?
What is political apathy and does it pose a threat to democracy today?
Is politics a science?
How well does democracy in the UK embody the ideals of democracy?
| Analysing the Question | Sample Question: “Democracy is best when the people remain relatively uninvolved.” Discuss. |
| Content words? | Democracy; the people; “uninvolved” (implies political participation or lack of participation) |
| Process Words (or how to approach) | |
| The “claim”? | |
| The debate(s)? | |
| My thesis (my view) | |
| Readings | |
| Evidence: List theories/theorists, research studies, and real examples. |
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Key words? ALL NEED A DEFINITION
CoMPARE: key features of democracy (in your definition of democracy) with features of SOCIAL CONTRACT
What is Social Contract Theory and can it justify democracy?
How does representation make democracy ‘practical’, and what concerns does it raise?
If political concepts are ‘Essentially Contested’ (Gallie), what does this mean for political conflict.
How might deliberative and local democracy improve electoral democracy?
What is Lukes’s ‘third dimension’ of power and can it ever be ‘overcome’?
In what ways have markets ‘hollowed out’ democracy?
What is political apathy and does it pose a threat to democracy today?
Is politics a science?
How well does democracy in the UK embody the ideals of democracy?
| Analysing the Question | Sample Question: “Democracy is best when the people remain relatively uninvolved.” Discuss. |
| Content words? | Democracy; the people; “uninvolved” (implies political participation or lack of participation) |
| Process Words (and type of question) | Discuss. The format: a claim (not a fact) and then “discuss” suggests a debate because a claim can be contested. |
| The “claim”? | |
| The debate(s)? | |
| My thesis (my view) | |
| Reading | |
| Evidence: List theories/theorists, research studies, and real examples. |
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Key words? ALL NEED A DEFINITION
CoMPARE: key features of democracy (in your definition of democracy) with features of SOCIAL CONTRACT
What is Social Contract Theory and can it justify democracy?
How does representation make democracy ‘practical’, and what concerns does it raise?
If political concepts are ‘Essentially Contested’ (Gallie), what does this mean for political conflict.
How might deliberative and local democracy improve electoral democracy?
What is Lukes’s ‘third dimension’ of power and can it ever be ‘overcome’?
In what ways have markets ‘hollowed out’ democracy?
What is political apathy and does it pose a threat to democracy today?
Is politics a science?
How well does democracy in the UK embody the ideals of democracy?
| Analysing the Question | Sample Question: “Democracy is best when the people remain relatively uninvolved.” Discuss. |
| Content words? | Democracy; the people; “uninvolved” (implies political participation or lack of participation) |
| Process Words (or how to approach) | Discuss. The format: a claim (not a fact) and then “discuss” suggests a debate because a claim can be contested. |
| The “claim”? | The quotation is a claim. It’s already stated in this question – a claim can be evidenced and contested. |
| The debate(s)? | |
| My thesis (my view) | |
| Readings | |
| Evidence: List theories/theorists, research studies, and real examples. |
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Key words? ALL NEED A DEFINITION
CoMPARE: key features of democracy (in your definition of democracy) with features of SOCIAL CONTRACT
What is Social Contract Theory and can it justify democracy?
How does representation make democracy ‘practical’, and what concerns does it raise?
If political concepts are ‘Essentially Contested’ (Gallie), what does this mean for political conflict.
How might deliberative and local democracy improve electoral democracy?
What is Lukes’s ‘third dimension’ of power and can it ever be ‘overcome’?
In what ways have markets ‘hollowed out’ democracy?
What is political apathy and does it pose a threat to democracy today?
Is politics a science?
How well does democracy in the UK embody the ideals of democracy?
| Analysing the Question | Sample Question: “Democracy is best when the people remain relatively uninvolved.” Discuss. |
| Content words? | Democracy; the people; “uninvolved” (implies political participation or lack of participation) |
| Process Words (or how to approach) | Discuss. The format: a claim (not a fact) and then “discuss” suggests a debate because a claim can be contested. |
| The “claim”? | The quotation is a claim. It’s already stated in this question – a claim can be evidenced and contested. |
| The debate(s)? | Active participation vs elitism; participatory democracy vs representative democracy – idea of political elite vs political equality. Popular sovereignty vs parliamentary democracy. |
| My thesis (my view) | |
| Readings | |
| Evidence: List theories/theorists, research studies, and real examples. |
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Key words? ALL NEED A DEFINITION
CoMPARE: key features of democracy (in your definition of democracy) with features of SOCIAL CONTRACT
What is Social Contract Theory and can it justify democracy?
How does representation make democracy ‘practical’, and what concerns does it raise?
If political concepts are ‘Essentially Contested’ (Gallie), what does this mean for political conflict.
How might deliberative and local democracy improve electoral democracy?
What is Lukes’s ‘third dimension’ of power and can it ever be ‘overcome’?
In what ways have markets ‘hollowed out’ democracy?
What is political apathy and does it pose a threat to democracy today?
Is politics a science?
How well does democracy in the UK embody the ideals of democracy?
| Analysing the Question | Sample Question: “Democracy is best when the people remain relatively uninvolved.” Discuss. |
| Content words? | Democracy; the people; “uninvolved” (implies political participation or lack of participation) |
| Process Words (or how to approach) | Discuss. The format: a claim (not a fact) and then “discuss” suggests a debate because a claim can be contested. |
| The “claim”? | The quotation is a claim. It’s already stated in this question – a claim can be evidenced and contested. |
| The debate(s)? | Active participation vs elitism; participatory democracy vs representative democracy – idea of political elite vs political equality. Popular sovereignty vs parliamentary democracy. |
| My thesis (my view) | I disagree because…. I agree because…. They have a point because… but….. How do I view democracy? |
| Readings | |
| Evidence: List theories/theorists, research studies, and real examples. |
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Key words? ALL NEED A DEFINITION
CoMPARE: key features of democracy (in your definition of democracy) with features of SOCIAL CONTRACT
What is Social Contract Theory and can it justify democracy?
How does representation make democracy ‘practical’, and what concerns does it raise?
If political concepts are ‘Essentially Contested’ (Gallie), what does this mean for political conflict.
How might deliberative and local democracy improve electoral democracy?
What is Lukes’s ‘third dimension’ of power and can it ever be ‘overcome’?
In what ways have markets ‘hollowed out’ democracy?
What is political apathy and does it pose a threat to democracy today?
Is politics a science?
How well does democracy in the UK embody the ideals of democracy?
| Analysing the Question | Sample Question: “Democracy is best when the people remain relatively uninvolved.” Discuss. |
| Content words? | Democracy; the people; “uninvolved” (implies political participation or lack of participation) |
| Process Words (or how to approach) | Discuss. The format: a claim (not a fact) and then “discuss” suggests a debate because a claim can be contested. |
| The “claim”? | The quotation is a claim. It’s already stated in this question – a claim can be evidenced and contested. |
| The debate(s)? | Active participation vs elitism; participatory democracy vs representative democracy – idea of political elite vs political equality. Popular sovereignty vs parliamentary democracy. |
| My thesis (my view) | I disagree because…. I agree because…. They have a point because… but….. How do I view democracy? |
| Readings | Week X Readings (list specific sources here) |
| Evidence: List theories/theorists, research studies, and real examples. |
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Key words? ALL NEED A DEFINITION
CoMPARE: key features of democracy (in your definition of democracy) with features of SOCIAL CONTRACT
What is Social Contract Theory and can it justify democracy?
How does representation make democracy ‘practical’, and what concerns does it raise?
If political concepts are ‘Essentially Contested’ (Gallie), what does this mean for political conflict.
How might deliberative and local democracy improve electoral democracy?
What is Lukes’s ‘third dimension’ of power and can it ever be ‘overcome’?
In what ways have markets ‘hollowed out’ democracy?
What is political apathy and does it pose a threat to democracy today?
Is politics a science?
How well does democracy in the UK embody the ideals of democracy?
| Analysing the Question | Sample Question: “Democracy is best when the people remain relatively uninvolved.” Discuss. |
| Content words? | Democracy; the people; “uninvolved” (implies political participation or lack of participation) |
| Process Words (or how to approach) | Discuss. The format: a claim (not a fact) and then “discuss” suggests a debate because a claim can be contested. |
| The “claim”? | The quotation is a claim. It’s already stated in this question – a claim can be evidenced and contested. |
| The debate(s)? | Active participation vs elitism; participatory democracy vs representative democracy – idea of political elite vs political equality. Popular sovereignty vs parliamentary democracy. |
| My thesis | I disagree because…. I agree because…. They have a point because… but….. How do I view democracy? |
| Readings | Week X readings…. |
| Evidence: List theories/theorists, studies, and real examples. | Democratic theorists; elitist theorist, Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, Benjamin Constant |
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Key words? ALL NEED A DEFINITION
CoMPARE: key features of democracy (in your definition of democracy) with features of SOCIAL CONTRACT
What is Social Contract Theory and can it justify democracy?
How does representation make democracy ‘practical’, and what concerns does it raise?
If political concepts are ‘Essentially Contested’ (Gallie), what does this mean for political conflict.
How might deliberative and local democracy improve electoral democracy?
What is Lukes’s ‘third dimension’ of power and can it ever be ‘overcome’?
In what ways have markets ‘hollowed out’ democracy?
What is political apathy and does it pose a threat to democracy today?
Is politics a science?
How well does democracy in the UK embody the ideals of democracy?
Relevant theorists
Seven Steps to a Good Essay Answer
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Answer the question!
Follow the Module instructions
Construct an argument
Provide evidence to support your argument
Create a structure with a guiding narrative
Edit for sequence and relevance (Re-draft)
Proofread and correct (Re-draft again)
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2. Follow the Module Instructions
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Always see module-specific instructions for coursework
Module priorities, emphasis, learning outcomes, general topic (context again)
Required word length and formatting
Module Handbook regulations, marking criteria, essay tips provided, clarifications from Module Leader
Referencing style?
Specific texts?
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Understand it so you answer the RIGHT question
Length, or things that must be included
Seven Steps to a Good Essay Answer
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Answer the question!
Follow the Module instructions
Construct an argument
Provide evidence to support your argument
Create a structure with a guiding narrative
Edit for sequence and relevance (Re-draft)
Proofread and correct (Re-draft again)
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3. Construct an Argument
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Claim + Evidence + Explanation = Argument
Do I give MY opinion?
Being objective vs being neutral
Be discursive
Avoid Polemics: give a fair hearing
Attend to subtleties and nuances
Use narrative to make your argument… (more later)
Include an introduction and conclusion
Write a thesis statement or a good opening sentence
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Considered Arguments
Explanation spells out why
Write a great Introduction!
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What is included?
Around 10% of the essay word limit
A thesis statement or a good opening sentence (or two)
An indication of the sequence of material and arguments
An indication of any major theorists or examples you’ll be using
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Considered Arguments
Consider a Thesis Statement!
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Starting with a thesis statement
Focuses you – and your reader
It sets you up to explain and defend your argument
Makes a bold statement!
A Thesis Statement is one sentence at the beginning of your essay that answers the question directly. It is a claim and it acts as a road map to your argument.
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Considered Arguments
Sample Thesis Statement!
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A Thesis Statement is one sentence at the beginning of your essay that answers the question directly. It is a claim and it acts as a road map to your argument.
Sample Question: “Democracy is best when the people remain relatively uninvolved.” Discuss.
Examples of thesis statement:
Democracy is not democracy unless all of the people are actively involved in directly formulating laws.
Democracy comes in different forms, not all of which require active public involved.
Democracy is more efficient when public participation in politics is low.
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Considered Arguments
Or use one or two clear Opening Sentences Less bold, but clearly signposts what the essay is about…
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Another good way to start an essay is by restating the question or by defining the problem you are tackling in one or two sentences.
Sample Question: “Democracy is best when the people remain relatively uninvolved.” Discuss.
Example opening sentences:
Political theorists from Plato to Burke have suggested that democracy is better when the mass of uneducated people remain relatively uninvolved in politics. Others, such as Thomas Paine have countered that democracy is characterised by the active involvement of the common man.
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Considered Arguments
Write a great Introduction!
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Introduction without the bold thesis statement: Sample Question: “Democracy is best when the people remain relatively uninvolved.” Discuss.
Example introduction
Political theorists from Plato to Burke have suggested that democracy is better when the mass of uneducated people remain relatively uninvolved in politics. Others, such as Thomas Paine have countered that democracy is characterised by the active involvement of the common man. By examining opposing definitions of democracy as well as the examples of modern Britain and China, this essay will weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of each argument, and conclude that, although democracy does not require active involvement of everyone in every aspect of government, a minimal involvement in the form of periodic elections is needed to ensure legitimacy.
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Considered Arguments
Write a great Introduction!
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Introduction with the thesis statement: Sample Question: “Democracy is best when the people remain relatively uninvolved.” Discuss.
Example introduction:
Democracy is not democracy unless all of the people are actively involved in directly formulating laws. This argument is supported by comparing the referenda approach - as used in the 2016 UK Brexit referendum - with the idea of a “citizen’s assembly” approach as used ahead of the Irish vote on abortion in 2018. While, both referenda and citizens assemblies are forms of direct democracy, the latter provides deeper involvement in the political process. It is, of course, not without it’s practical problems, including the cost in time and resources. After examining the pros and cons of the two processes and the arguments and evidence for and against them, the conclusion is reached that the citizen’s assembly approach demonstrates how a more informed citizenry are able not only to make a firmer decision, but to emerge from the decision-making process more unified than before.
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Considered Arguments
Seven Steps to a Good Essay Answer
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Answer the question!
Follow the Module instructions
Construct an argument
Provide evidence to support your argument
Create a structure with a guiding narrative
Edit for sequence and relevance (Re-draft)
Proofread and correct (Re-draft again)
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4. Provide Evidence
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What is it for?
Illustration, explanation, proof
Where do I put the evidence?
AFTER the argument/point/claim
How much detail should I provide?
ONLY as much as is needed to support the point
Case Studies: more detail but only to help explain the larger point
What kind of evidence?
Bear in mind types and ‘weightiness’ of evidence (more on this in future weeks)
What DOES the case of Bosnia tell us about humanitarian intervention in general, Watson??
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Where: it’s purpose is to support arguments, so it should follow the arguments.
In a paragraph, you make a point and then follow it with an example or a supporting study, or a supporting argument or a reference.
Bigger evidence: case study: more detail. Says more about the case, but you must still use it to say something about the larger point being made in the essay.
What does this particular case of humanitarian intervention show us about the principles of humanitarian interventions in general???
Seven Steps to a Good Essay Answer
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Answer the question!
Follow the Module instructions
Construct an argument
Provide evidence to support your argument
Create a structure (with a guiding narrative)
Edit for sequence and relevance (Re-draft)
Proofread and correct (Re-draft again)
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5. Create a Structure….
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Generating ideas before you write!
Activity: Generating ideas Note down in your map:
Answers to your smaller questions or instructions from the assignment title
Any material concerning the subject to rise up from your memory from lectures/seminars/own knowledge and prior reading
Any key themes and ideas you could cover
Any relevant theoretical concepts and key academics!
It is much better to have too much material and to be able to reject what you find you do not need later
Resources: How and Where?
PIA Reading List
Library Search
Google Scholar
Converting mind maps into plans!
Linear Plan
Introduction
Idea 1
- subtheme
Idea 2
Idea 3
Idea 4
Idea 5
- subtheme 1
- subtheme 2
Conclusion
Bibliography
Order/prioritise your points
Put into a logical order
5. Create a Structure…. Using an Essay Plan
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1500 word essay on (Write out the Question here)
Intro (150 words)
Arguments and evidence for the claim (400 words) List examples, theorists, research studies
Arguments and evidence against the claim (400 words) List examples, theorists, research studies
Weighing up the arguments (400 words)
Conclusion (150 words)
More in later weeks on…
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Types of Essay Structure
Guiding Narratives
Elaborating your points
Using Evidence
Conclusions
Editing and redrafting
Proofreading
Bibliographies and Referencing
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Referring back to the question
rguments
Questions?????
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