Essay Writing Tips

SImple Structure:

1. State the proposition that is to be proven
2. give the argument for said proposition
3. show that the argument is valid (argument is a collection of premises)
4. show that the premises are true (premises/statement are used to claim an argument)
5. consider and objection to the argument and respond to it
6. State the upshot of what has be proven
7. Conclusion
8. Citations [not in word count]

intro - introduce the proposition, argument, laywork

prove the argument is valid → prove the foundations of the argument:

• the statements that make it up make sense Premises are true:
• they make logical sense and are applicable to the real world

Consider objects and respond:

• mention particular philosophers

Things to focus on - marking criteriea

content. - ur understanding of issues clarity - is ur writing clear and well organised argument: how oog are the arguments you offer. How good is your naalysis. Is it worth bearing in midn that sometimes, what makes a good argument takes you belong issues of logical structure and the truth of some premises.

• Also consider that an argument may consider that an argument may fall short in some respects → e.g may concern something with little philosiphical significance (straw man argument) → arguing against a claim C might be worthless if C may have little merit to begin with anyway.

General Tips

Make clear what is the issue and why is it an issue why are you dealing with it and make clear relevant author/philosophers

Text focused - problem focused

Write clearly and precisely and have a strong master of the terms. Avoid waffling and acronyms as well as colloquialisations.

Achieving clarity:

• Assume the reader is stupid and explain things simply
• Assume the reader is lazy and won’t read things twice if unclear and won’t try to debunk your argument if not obvious
• Assume the reader is mean and if you are ambiguous or confusing, will assume that you are wrong
• Try to make one point per paragraph as it’ll help better structure you arguments and see how well your developing each thing
• Read your paper out loud.

Consider these possible feedbacks:

• “really? Why?” → When ppl assume that something should be accepted when its still debatable
• “awkward/clear”
• “more detial needed”
• “not relevant? What does this show”
• “not answering the question”

Things to avoid

• Don’t appeal to authority
• don’t use complicated language
• don’t write important or interesting sounding material without mentioning how it support your thesis. if it doesn’t, cut it out
• don’t have things in your paper that aren’t needed
• don’t make sweeping claims unless you can support them with evidence and argument
• don’t leave crucial words or concepts undefined
• don’t worry about being wrong
• don’t wait until the last minute to start writing
• don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. Getting help is a mark of a good student.

Random essay writing tips

Read essays on paper because it just makes things easier than rading things on a computer just write shit. it doens’t have to be good. a good essay takes refining

print out and then roast your essay:

• read our your first draft out load
• you will realise half teh sentences you have written are false and dont make sense

Short sentences are nice

record your essay and listen to it back:

• its also really good for presentation skills
• mock trials and recoridng it is also great
  • watch it back without sound
  • listen it back with just the audio

convince the reader you are right and assume they thinjk you are wrong