Intermediate 2

1
Intermediate 2

• Short Essay Guide

2
The Short Essay Has

• Introduction a short background to the issue,
  define any terms and outline the content/argument
  of the essay.
• Main Section paragraphs with a different point
  discussed in each paragraph.
• Conclusion this should sum up the points raised
  and the argument of the essay to then answer the
  essay question set.

3
Introduction

• Set the Scene
• You have to provide some background to the story.
• Define any Terms
• If there is a word that should be define, for
  example, immigrant or sectarianism, then give a
  one sentence definition.
• Signpost your argument
• This simply means tell the reader what different
  factors you will discuss in the essay.

4
The Main Section

• This is made up of around three to five
  paragraphs (one for each reason), depending on
  the essay.
• The first sentence of each paragraph should tell
  the reader what the paragraph will be about, that
  is, the point you will be making in that
  paragraph.
• Once you have developed the point raised, you
  have to use that point to help answer the
  question set. Every paragraph should go some way
  to answering the question. If it doesnt bin
  it!
• The last sentence of the paragraph should lead
  into the next paragraph.

5
The Conclusion

• Begin In conclusion.. or To sum up.. or To
  conclude..
• Give a summary of the main points of the
  argument, for and against, push and pull, etc.
  What is the main point(s) of the findings? Make a
  judgement.
• Finally, finish off the essay by answering the
  question set.

6
What you must avoid doing

• Dont personalise do not write I am going to
  tell you or other such childish stuff like,
  In my essay I will tell you
• Instead of saying In this essay, I will tell
  you about all the push and pull reasons why the
  Irish left Ireland, write this, There were many
  reasons why the Irish left Ireland between 1830
  1930, all which can be organised into push and
  pull reasons.

7
Remember

• Answer the question. ATQ! Make sure you regularly
  look back at the question to make sure you are
  answering it properly. You dont want to waste
  time on something that is not tackling the
  question. You will get no marks for it.
• Remember the Essay Structure. 3 out of the 8
  marks are given for a clear introduction,
  separate paragraphs and a conclusion that answers
  the question.
• Keep an eye on the webpage for help and advice.
• History at Huntly