Essay writing checklist AS and A2

You should produce summary sheets that help fulfil the criteria for A grade essays set out below. On this site you will find the materials to help you do this, for example, evaluative quotes from academics listed under each topic area.  It’s important you use your own summary sheets as the filtration process of putting these together helps you learn.

1. Highlight key terms and phrases in essay title.

2. Repeat key essay title terms and phrases in essay.

3. List relevant technical vocab for inclusion in essay.

4. Discuss selected key authors, original/contemporary.

5. Contrast different views/theories/authors.

6. Learn and use key quotes.

7. Avoid vague generalization like the phrase”some people argue”.

8. Practise writing for 35 minutes.

9. Practise first and last paragraphs.

10. Conclude with your view, especially with “discuss”.

11. Check exam specification for likely future questions.

12. Use mind maps etc to explore links, key points.

Timing is critical. In the exam, you must never go over allotted time for each question. If you do, it is likely you are simply repeating yourself and so gaining no credit.