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Essay writing guide: Analysing an essay question
Here are two essay questions from a first year Anthropology course:
(a)"Hunters and gatherers were the original affluent societies." Discuss with reference to at least two traditional societies.
b) Describe the potlatch and discuss the more recent views of its functions.
Most essay questions require analysis at three levels:
1. SUBJECT: broad field, subject, theory, concept, i.e. WHAT the topic is
e.g. (a) Hunters and gatherers
(b) The potlatch
2. ANGLE: area of controversy, problem, discussion, evaluation, i.e. WHY you should consider the subject
e.g. (a) In what ways, if any, are hunters and gatherers affluent?
(b) In what ways, and why, do views of its functions differ?
3. PROCESS: direction words, instructions about coverage, i.e. HOW you must process in your essay
e.g. (a) Discuss with reference to at least two examples...
(b) Describe... and discuss recent views...
DISCUSS is the most commonly used directional word but there are many other ways of wording a topic:
Explore this comment.
Analyse.
Examine carefully.
Evaluate this claim.
To what extent?
Critically review.
Compare and contrast.
Do you agree?
All of these directions imply ARGUE - develop a logical sequence of points, supported by evidence, leading to your conclusion:
Procedures that MAY be involved in developing an argument:
define
describe
explain
elaborate
give examples
paraphrase
quote
summarise
Procedures that are ALWAYS involved in developing an argument:
ANALYSE: Break your material into units which suit your argument
CRITICISE: Consider both strengths and weaknesses of the evidence
EVALUATE: Reach a (tentative) conclusion indicating your position on the issues discussed
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