Try breaking the question down into sub- questions
Top tip:
Set the question in context – how does it fit with the key issues, debates and controversies in your module and your subject as a whole? An essay question often asks about a specific angle or aspect of one of these key debates. If you understand the context it makes your understanding of the question clearer.
Planning and structuring
Before reading – generate some ideas..
- What do you already know about the topic – from lectures, seminars, general knowledge?
- What things don't you know about the topic, but need to find out in order to answer the question?
- What are your initial responses or answers to the question – what you think your conclusion might possibly be?
After reading – summarise your findings..
Use 1 A4 page
Spider diagram
Bring together key points
Begin mapping an essay structure
Planning and structuring
Introduction: Address the question, show why it's interesting and how you will answer it.
Main Body: Build your argument. Put your groups of ideas in a sequence to make a persuasive argument. One main point in each paragraph.
In pairs or small groups, discuss what you have learned today during this workshop, and talk about what you wish you could ask/ still are unclear about.
