Essays need a structure

• jot down a simple plan
• make sure you know where the essay is going before you start writing i.e. your conclusion

Essays must be a response to a specific title

• avoid writing everything you know on a given topic, irrelevant material gains no marks
• respond to the command words in the question

Do not forget the essay title

• refer back to the question regularly - probably at the end of every paragraph
• every paragraph should answer the question set, aim for one theme per paragraph

Avoid one-sided essays

• usually the only questions that A level examiners will set are ones which can provoke differing viewpoints
• always consider what your argument depends upon i.e. the factors or assumptions inherent in your argument

Demonstrate your depth of knowledge

• analyse the question with care to show your understanding of the subject content i.e.
• avoid paragraphs of textbook description
• use appropriate graphs which must be accurate
• use topical examples to back up your points
• make references to other writers if appropriate (see Study Skills for information on References and Bibliographies)

Remember the higher order skills of analysis and evaluation

• break down the material in a way that helps reveal the issues involved
• use relevant business concepts to explore causes and effects
• examine arguments critically
• state which arguments you believe to be the most important and why

Try to please the examiners!

• use appropriate concepts and terminology
• avoid slang e.g. 'The firm will go bust....'
• be concise and relevant
• leave enough time to write a conclusion