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Statement: Write an essay about the topic. Don't worry too much about the question.
Statement: Write the whole essay on background. Never get around to answering the question.
You're on a one-way ticket to a fail.
Essays must answer the question. That's what they do - they are a report on possible answers (or solutions) to a problem.
First, analyse the question to make sure you understand it. If you have trouble doing this, check with your lecturer.
Keep a copy of the question with you when you research and write your essay. Remember every part of the essay must help to answer the question.
Congratulations if you think this is the wrong thing to do!
Essays must answer the question. That's what they do - they are a report on possible answers (or solutions) to a problem.
First, analyse the question to make sure you understand it. If you have trouble doing this, check with your lecturer.
Keep a copy of the question with you when you research and write your essay. Remember every part of the essay must help to answer the question.
Go down the snake to Point No. 1 and start again!
Answer the question clearly in your introduction and conclusion. Make sure every paragraph (except maybe the background paragraph) helps to answer the question.
The reader might need some background information, especially if it's an obscure topic. If so, give this in the second paragraph (after the introduction). Try to restrict it to a paragraph or two. Do NOT let it take over your essay.
How do you know if your reader will need background? Ask your lecturer for whom you are writing the essay. If it is for her or him, you won't need background. A professional audience will also not need much.
However if your lecturer tells you to write for a general audience, you could be telling someone from Iceland about the Torres Strait. An Icelander might have to be told where the Torres Strait is and given a brief history of the relations between Nuiguini and Australia.
Congratulations - you've been paying attention.
Answer the question clearly in your introduction and conclusion. Make sure every paragraph (except maybe the background paragraph) helps to answer the question.
The reader might need some background information, especially if it's an obscure topic. If so, give this in the second paragraph (after the introduction). Try to restrict it to a paragraph or two. Do NOT let it take over your essay.
How do you know if your reader will need background? Ask your lecturer for whom you are writing the essay. If it is for her or him, you won't need background. A professional audience will also not need much.
However if your lecturer tells you to write for a general audience, you could be telling someone from Iceland about the Torres Strait. An Icelander might have to be told where the Torres Strait is and given a brief history of the relations between Nuiguini and Australia.
