JMSS Written Expression Guidelines Notes
JMSS Written Expression Guidelines
Essay Purpose Analysis:
Carefully analyze and interpret the essay’s purpose (e.g., to discuss, compare, assess, seek funding, explain benefits).
Planning:
Always plan ahead, dedicating sufficient care, thought, or time to the process.
Research the topic and gather evidence.
Essay Writing Expectations:
Structure essays clearly and concisely to make the best of your ideas.
An essay is a formal argument: an idea or claim supported by logic and/or evidence.
Essay Structure:
Every good essay has three basic parts: introduction, body, and conclusion.
Supporting references should be placed in the Appendix.
Use footnotes or hyperlinks to URLs for references.
The Introduction
Importance: Every sentence and paragraph is important, but introductions are extra important.
Goal: Create a great first impression.
Content:
Clearly set out the aims of what you are about to write.
Refer to the subject under investigation, if applicable.
State what the essay will try to achieve.
Briefly mention some of the main points you will consider.
Purpose:
Give the marker an overview of your argument.
Show that your thought process is logical and coherent.
Demonstrate that you have carefully thought the question through.
Depth: Don’t go into key points in depth in the introduction, as they will be covered later.
'Either Or' Questions: If the question is an 'either or' or a 'how far do you agree' question, set out both sides of the argument briefly in the introduction.
Analogy: Think of your introduction as a thumbnail picture of the whole essay.
Length: In longer essays, the introduction does not need to be limited to a single paragraph, but generally it will be.
example
"In this essay, I will explore the impact of social media on modern political campaigns. Social media has rapidly transformed how political candidates communicate with voters, mobilize support, and disseminate information. This essay argues that while social media offers unprecedented opportunities for engagement and outreach, it also presents significant challenges related to misinformation and echo chambers. I will examine both the positive and negative aspects, considering the role of platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram in shaping public discourse and influencing election outcomes. By analyzing case studies from recent elections, this essay aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted influence of social media on contemporary politics."
↪Setting out the aims: Clearly stating the purpose of the essay (exploring the impact of social media on political campaigns).
Referring to the subject: Mentioning the subject under investigation (social media and its transformation of political communication).
Stating what the essay will achieve: Indicating the essay's argument (social media's opportunities and challenges).
Briefly mentioning main points: Outlining the examination of positive and negative aspects, and the consideration of platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Providing an overview: Giving the reader a comprehensive understanding
The Body
Length: The body is the longest part of the essay.
A short essay will have at least three full paragraphs; a long essay considerably more.
Paragraph Structure:
Start a new paragraph for each major new idea.
Each paragraph should begin with a signpost sentence that sets out the main point.
Refer back to the title of the essay in the signpost sentence to remind the examiner of the relevance of your point.
Content:
Expand and back up your point in greater detail with relevant examples.
The paragraph should not contain any sentences that are not directly related to the issue set out in the signpost sentence.
Focus: Each paragraph deals with one idea or subject.
The Conclusion
Length: In general, this will be a single paragraph in shorter essays, but can go on to two or three for slightly longer discussions.
Purpose:
Summarise the main points of your argument.
Draw a final decision or judgement about the issues you have been discussing, if appropriate.
Connect the essay to broader issues or areas of further study, sometimes.
Important Rule: Do not introduce any new ideas in the conclusion.
Content: Refer back to the title in the conclusion to make it very clear that you have thoroughly answered the question.
Reminder: Remind the examiner of your argument by very concisely touching on each key point.
Rewriting
Good essays are not written; they are rewritten.
Always go over your first draft and look for ways to improve it before handing it in.
Argumentative Essays
Grammar Checks:
Grammar needs to be precise and on point to clearly communicate your ideas.
Punctuation and Spelling:
Meaning can be misconstrued due to wrong spelling of closely similar words.
Use an online spelling checker to ensure accuracy.
References:
Be sure to use appropriate references.
Get your sources in case your teacher would need to verify what was said, especially when citing prominent figures.