Common faults in essay writing

A tendency to write down everything you know about the topic without addressing the actual question. Although you have to know your topic you also have to apply it to the question which means analysing and applying material in addressing the question.

Poor use of grammar

Writing in the same way as you speak will lead to you losing marks. When talking most people do not always use proper sentence structures often in an attempt to save time. Writing an essay involves the correct use of grammar including spelling. Marks will be lost if grammar is poor and could mean the difference between a grade and ultimately affect your career choice. The quality of the essay will be marred by poor grammar and the sense of your answer can be lost. Examiners find it particularly annoying if they have to “correct” grammar in order to understand the essay. If you have the opportunity, (outside of an examination environment), always spell check your work.

Structure

The essay should flow in a seamless fashion, with logical links throughout. A disjointed essay will interrupt the reader resulting in the sense being lost and the impact of the writing lessened.

Introduction

There is a great temptation to ignore stating the obvious. When answering an essay you should set the scene. This may seem obvious but is often overlooked. If a law essay question involves a set of facts involving a pub brawl and asks you to comment on the liability of the various characters, you should state that the question involves the criminal law and liability for offences against the person. State if you are going to examine the liability of the characters as they appear in the essay or in another way and your reasons for doing so.

Conclusion

Every student is familiar with the need for an introduction, the setting out of your arguments, followed by the conclusion. When concluding the essay it is common for students to think of a point they wish to make. Often this involves a fresh idea or new evidence which has not been referred to previously. This common but fundamental mistake will result in a lower mark. The new material should have been discussed previously so that it has been analysed and has its place within the essay. The conclusion is where the entire essay is condensed into a few paragraphs and the author’s own views are given. It is a summary of the preceding material in the essay and thus any new material must be discounted.

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