EXTENDED ANSWER SKILLS (Check List)

WHAT MAKES A GOOD AS LEVEL ANSWER?


If you stick closely to this checklist you will be well on the way to a good AS level essay.

Analyse the question

The wording of a question can give you guidelines for your answer.
Take time to analyse the question.
Think: what are the keywords? Underline them if it helps you.

Top tip: Assume all essay questions include the phrase ‘with reference to specific geographical examples’.


Introduction

Make this as clear as possible.

• Give definitions for keywords.
• Mention the case studies you have chosen and why they fit the question.
• State the scale of your case studies.
• Explain any relevant theories.
• Use diagrams where possible.
• Outline the framework of the essay.
  
  A good introduction serves two purposes. It outlines the general background and signposts the structure that follows. It gives the reader confidence that you are in command of the topic. It is good practice to answer the question in the introduction (In this essay I will argue that…) Introductions require some thought. Planning time is essential. An interesting headline opening or starting with a statistic, grasps the imagination of the reader.
  

Main body

• Divide clearly into paragraphs.
• Structure your essay around concepts.
• Give each paragraph an opening and closing sentence which relates back to the question.
• Integrate your cases studies into the essay; don’t have a separate paragraph for each one.
• Back every point up with evidence, either a fact or a statistic.
• Use maps and diagrams if possible.
  
  This is where you should put all the knowledge you have learnt, but it must be developed in a logical order and be relevant to the question. Examples are the vital evidence which supports you argument, detail is essential here (facts, figures). If you can remember any diagrams, statistics or fieldsketches, make sure you include them. However, it is important to make sure they are labelled and referred to in the text.

Conclusion

• Make this clear, ‘In conclusion….’
• Relate back to the question.
• Include the idea that this is a complex issue and there are other things that need considering.
• Make a statement about the future.
  
  The conclusion allows you to demonstrate your skill in drawing together the threads of the essay. Sum up what you have said in the middle bit. Do not introduce new material at this point. In some essays it is good to end with a sentence which looks to the future.

Quality of written language

• Proof read for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Use as many relevant key terms as possible.
• Avoid starting sentences with ‘and’ or ‘because’.
• Vary the structure of your sentences.
  
  
  
  Remember to always write an essay plan before starting to write. Examiners will look at this in an exam and it will help you order your thoughts. Design your plan in a way that suits you – a list, a spider diagram, a flow diagram.