Students often struggle to write their essays and are exhausted and relieved when they finally finish. Their next step is to send it to the examiner but in doing so they have overlooked one very important step: proofreading. The proofreader can give an objective viewpoint and is an important link buffering the student from the examiner.
Sometimes, I wonder if the students actually read their University Guidelines for submitting essays. Often essays lack page numbers and the referencing style is different to the one stipulated. The word count is vital and students will lose marks for exceeding the word limit. Pay attention to what is included in the word count; often footnotes are included but wording within diagrams or tables and the bibliography/references are not. The guidelines must be followed and your adherence will be an indication to the examiner of your attention to detail.
Often all the points required to answer the question are included, but the grammar, spelling, structure and emphasis are sub standard. This will lead to critical marks being lost. It is important to let a professional proofreader cast an eye over the essay. Apart from correcting the obvious spelling and grammatical errors, they can suggest a change in structure and the way in which an argument is developed. They can also point out if sources are relied on too heavily without any original thoughts from the writer.
I cannot stress the importance of structure and grammar in an essay.
I am still amazed at the regularity with which students neglect the basic foundations of an introduction and conclusion. Without the basic structure, readers are often left mesmerised struggling to make sense and relevance of the points made.
Often students start developing their main arguments, ignoring the need for a few sentences which should set the scene and explain briefly how the essay will be developed. The reader should be able to absorb and analyse what the student has written whilst being clear on how the essay will be developed.
In their desire to write all the salient points the argument is often overlooked or lost. Students forget that the conclusion is the last part of the essay to be read. It is fresh in the mind of the examiner and a confusing or meaningless conclusion will undermine what may otherwise be a well written piece of work.
A well written essay can also be marred by a lack of attention to detail. Repetition is a major failing whereas emphasis is not. Repetition involves repeating the same point albeit using slightly different wording in an almost gratuitous fashion. The use of emphasis involves using the same point but in a different way so that the argument within the essay is enhanced.
If you require the services of a professional, experienced, reliable proofreader in any subject at any level please visit: http://www.law-essay.com
Sunday, 19 July 2009
PRE-WRITTEN LAW ESSAYS. NEW PRODUCTS COMING SOON
After several enquiries from students I have decided to start an essay bank.
If you go to http://www.law-essay.com/ you will see the item under Products.
It is in its infancy and will take a great deal of work (from me!).
I will not resell any essays which I have written as a custom essay for clients.
This will be a new bank of law essays compiled by me and based on the recurring law topics which I am requested to write.
It will not be a model essay answer in the traditional sense, but will be based on various scenarios which crop up frequently in examinations.
Students should be able to grasp the basic principles from the scenarios even if their facts are not the same. The essays will also address what students should look out for in a question and how they should address the topic in question and structure their answers.
More details will be provided shortly.
If you go to http://www.law-essay.com/ you will see the item under Products.
It is in its infancy and will take a great deal of work (from me!).
I will not resell any essays which I have written as a custom essay for clients.
This will be a new bank of law essays compiled by me and based on the recurring law topics which I am requested to write.
It will not be a model essay answer in the traditional sense, but will be based on various scenarios which crop up frequently in examinations.
Students should be able to grasp the basic principles from the scenarios even if their facts are not the same. The essays will also address what students should look out for in a question and how they should address the topic in question and structure their answers.
More details will be provided shortly.
Saturday, 1 March 2008
HOW TO WRITE A LAW ESSAY
How To Write a Law Essay
Law Essays require a certain style and format if they are to be written effectively.
Be Clear
As with most essays, it is critical to read and understand the question and be clear what you have been asked. This may sound obvious but all too often essays are given low marks because the question is not actually answered.
Identify Subject Matter
The first thing is to clarify the subject matter so that you identify the area of law that is being addressed.
Sometimes this will be obvious as when the question asks about the differences between an offer and an invitation to treat which will direct you towards the law of Contract.
However, sometimes the question is more obscure and this requires more effort in determining what the subject matter is and might involve looking at more than one area of the law. If a question asks about the terror laws, then this may well span human rights and constitutional law too.
Identify the Approach
This is absolutely vital when answering a question.
Often the essay will ask you to evaluate something; reflect on something; write a critique; discuss a particular statement; reflect on a judge’s particular statement in a case, or discuss the impact of a case on an area of law. If a question asks you to compare more than one thing, then you must identify the similarities and differences between them, and ideally reach a conclusion as to which one you think is preferable. If a question asks you to discuss something then you must study and comment on it from all viewpoints, and reach your own conclusion.
Prepare the Structure
The structure of the essay is extremely important.
If an essay exceeds 10,000 words, a contents page and chapter headings should be included and, even in shorter essays, it might be appropriate to set out chapter headings. Chapters are relevant where the answer straddles a wide area of law and addresses several areas. Chapters help focus both the writer and the reader on what is being discussed and maintain focus.
One major criticism of law essays is that they drift from the main topic and angle that they are meant to address, and the thread and point are lost.
Another criticism is that the writer tends to just list the legislation and discuss the topic without containing any incisive opinions of the writer. An introduction and conclusion should be included.
Sources
Make sure that your sources are current; this is vital because quite often questions are written which are impacted by recent changes or even proposed changes in the law. So a question on Control Orders should be looked at in the light of the proposed increase in detention periods and the impact on human rights.
Citation
The correct referencing should be used consistently throughout. It is vital to give credit when quoting someone else, otherwise the essay may be plagiarised. It is never acceptable to cut and paste from the internet. Neither should you copy directly from a book unless you give the appropriate credit. Copying huge sections, even if credit is given, will not be looked upon favourably. The examiner will be looking for the writer’s comments and own views and opinions, based on a sound interpretation of the law and thorough research.
The examiner will be looking to see that the writer has researched several resources.
References to case law must be relevant and illustrative. Remember to include a full bibliography.
If you require more information and assistance please visit:
http://www.law-essay.com
It could be the best move you make in obtaining your qualification.
Law Essays require a certain style and format if they are to be written effectively.
Be Clear
As with most essays, it is critical to read and understand the question and be clear what you have been asked. This may sound obvious but all too often essays are given low marks because the question is not actually answered.
Identify Subject Matter
The first thing is to clarify the subject matter so that you identify the area of law that is being addressed.
Sometimes this will be obvious as when the question asks about the differences between an offer and an invitation to treat which will direct you towards the law of Contract.
However, sometimes the question is more obscure and this requires more effort in determining what the subject matter is and might involve looking at more than one area of the law. If a question asks about the terror laws, then this may well span human rights and constitutional law too.
Identify the Approach
This is absolutely vital when answering a question.
Often the essay will ask you to evaluate something; reflect on something; write a critique; discuss a particular statement; reflect on a judge’s particular statement in a case, or discuss the impact of a case on an area of law. If a question asks you to compare more than one thing, then you must identify the similarities and differences between them, and ideally reach a conclusion as to which one you think is preferable. If a question asks you to discuss something then you must study and comment on it from all viewpoints, and reach your own conclusion.
Prepare the Structure
The structure of the essay is extremely important.
If an essay exceeds 10,000 words, a contents page and chapter headings should be included and, even in shorter essays, it might be appropriate to set out chapter headings. Chapters are relevant where the answer straddles a wide area of law and addresses several areas. Chapters help focus both the writer and the reader on what is being discussed and maintain focus.
One major criticism of law essays is that they drift from the main topic and angle that they are meant to address, and the thread and point are lost.
Another criticism is that the writer tends to just list the legislation and discuss the topic without containing any incisive opinions of the writer. An introduction and conclusion should be included.
Sources
Make sure that your sources are current; this is vital because quite often questions are written which are impacted by recent changes or even proposed changes in the law. So a question on Control Orders should be looked at in the light of the proposed increase in detention periods and the impact on human rights.
Citation
The correct referencing should be used consistently throughout. It is vital to give credit when quoting someone else, otherwise the essay may be plagiarised. It is never acceptable to cut and paste from the internet. Neither should you copy directly from a book unless you give the appropriate credit. Copying huge sections, even if credit is given, will not be looked upon favourably. The examiner will be looking for the writer’s comments and own views and opinions, based on a sound interpretation of the law and thorough research.
The examiner will be looking to see that the writer has researched several resources.
References to case law must be relevant and illustrative. Remember to include a full bibliography.
If you require more information and assistance please visit:
http://www.law-essay.com
It could be the best move you make in obtaining your qualification.
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