Quick Essay Survival Guide PDF

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QUICK HISTORY ESSAY SURVIVAL GUIDE: EIGHT SIMPLE TIPS UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN Remember: general advice on essay writing and other study skills is available from the Student Learning Service

1. Focus on the task

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sls/

Think about what you’re being asked to write. Normally, your

task will be to form and express a view — often on an important existing debate. Ask yourself: Why is this interesting to historians? What are the key terms and ideas? What do I really most need to find out? 2. Read strategically

Be realistic. Start with recommended texts and textbooks. Use the

library catalogue, library databases (J-Stor), and help from tutors and librarians to find relevant reading. (Most courses have a recommended number of items per essay.)

Many of the texts you read will be secondary sources, which express the views of historians. You may also use primary sources, produced during the period you’re studying.

3. Decide on your ‘argument’

Think about the differing viewpoints you’ve found in your reading

and how they fit together — or clash. Now identify your own academic point of view on the essay

subject at this point in time. (It’s OK if this changes later!) Consider how you’ll express this point of a view in a logical ‘argument’. 4. Plan the structure

For History essays, specifically, keep this clear and simple:

•

introduction

importance of question, definitions of terms, brief outline of argument

•

argument

series of evidence-based points backing up your point of view

•

conclusion

summary and final statement on your point of view

Each student, each marker, each essay is different, so tailored help may be useful in some cases. You can seek help from a History student adviser, your course tutor, or the course co-ordinator.

5. Write

You need to push an opinion about which interpretation of a particular aspect of history seems

to work best, and support this with evidence from your reading, Use a clear, plain style. Refer to

your reading frequently. Perhaps use direct quotation (in quote marks or indented) to back up your point of view. Remember that both direct quotes and paraphrases of what you have read (the ideas expressed in your own words) must have references to the original sources. Use the History

Referencing Guide to get the style right. 6. Check Read back to check: your expression is clear and correct, your argument hangs together, you’ve only included relevant information, your referencing is accurate, and your presentation makes your essay easy to read and professional-looking. Create at least one new draft if possible. 7. Submit

Follow the course guidelines. Try to avoid dropping marks by submitting late.

The late penalty is usually one mark per two weekdays (or one weekend).

8. Get feedback Be brave! Thinking (and ideally talking) about feedback will really help!

More information

History markers use a special version of the University of Aberdeen Common

Grading Scale to mark your work. Getting to know it will help you understand what you’re aiming for. You can find it here: MyAberdeen < DHP Student Information for Undergraduates < Discipline Areas < History < HI CGS Expanded Band Descriptors https://abdn.blackboard.com/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_19453_1&content_id=_592566_1#

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