Step 1 - Brainstorming

Imagine you have been given this essay title:  

‘What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism?’

Quickly write down, in any order, as many themes or words related to this topic as you can.

You may ask, why should I do this? Brainstorming is an extremely useful technique that enables you to quickly think about all the topics and issues that the question raises. Each word you write down links to ideas and information you have already stored in your mind from previous knowledge and experience. You now have the starting point for your essay without any hard work whatsoever!!

Now try this activity and see if you came up with all the same themes as we did.

Would you add any themes to our list?

Step 2 – Discussion

Ask a friend, family member or a classmate to do the same thing, but don’t let them see your ideas! Then compare your lists and discuss the reasons behind each of the words or themes you have written down. It is essential that you discuss all of the words, even if you have written down the same ones. Why? This is because you may have thought about the same theme, but from a totally different perspective, for example, positively or negatively, or you may have different examples or evidence than your partner.  

This step increases your awareness of the scope of the topic and helps you formulate your own opinions. When you move onto the next stages, you should find that you have a clearer idea of how you want to approach the essay and what the outcome of it will be.

Step 3 – Choosing

Now look at your list of points and choose the points you would like to use in your essay. This of course will decide on the length of your essay and the structure (link to another tips page) you are going to use. In this example, you have to give the advantages and disadvantages, so generally two or three points for each side would be the norm for an average length essay. Make sure you can support each theme with examples and facts.

Now try this activity. Match the themes and reasons or evidence together to build up the main body of your essay.

Step 4 – Planning

Now put your points into a rough plan. This means you have to decide the logical order and progression of the argument. Start with an introduction, then move into the development of your essay. Don’t forget your conclusion, this is the summary of your ideas and opinions and should be punchy.

Now try this activity. Put the ideas in a logical order.