CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ESSAY

A good essay will have the following characteristics:   

Content

  • A clear theme with evidence of background research
  • A well-organized structure with
    • a clear introduction
    • a well-structured argument
    • a clear conclusion
  • Good use of paragraphs
  • Use of a range of discourse markers
  • Good use of sources in the text including use of summary, paraphrasing, or quotation
  • Evidence of a critical approach to the reading sources

Language

  • A good range of lexis
  • Accurate use of lexis
  • A good range of grammatical and sentence structures
  • Accurate use of grammatical and sentence structures
  • Appropriate use of a suitable formal academic style
  • Avoidance of redundancy

Presentation

  • Suitable layout and presentation, including:
    • cover page:
      • module name & number
      • tutor name
      • student number (not name)
      • date of submission
      • word count o page numbers
    • student number (not name) on every page
    • use of paragraphs, not headings, bullet points or numbering o double line spacing o maximum font size 12
  • Acknowledgment of sources in the text (in-text referencing)
  • Accurate list of references at the end of the essay

PLEASE NOTE THE GIVEN INSTRUCTION AS WELL AS THE REQUIRED REFERENCES STYLE ALWAYS OVERRIDE THE PRESENTATION