When completing a piece of written work it can be helpful to make and review a plan at various stages in the process, for example:
Your initial plan is based on what you currently know and think about your essay question. You could include key topic areas, key debates you are aware of, or any resources you think would be useful. At this stage it can also be helpful to look for any relevant material in your lecture or seminar notes. For example, some of the key issues may have been covered in a lecture and the lecturer may have suggested some resources. Also check the recommended reading for your module to get you started on the reading and research.
Interpreting the question (above) may help with your initial plan.
This plan, alongside your recommended reading, will help you to focus your research by:
Examples
There are many ways in which you can create an initial plan. For example, you might use a bulleted list or a mind map.
The examples here are for an essay question; however, a similar process can be used for shorter pieces of writing, as well as for sections such as the literature review or discussion in reports, dissertations and projects. Use the key to see how the student has started the planning process.
Mind map
Click on the info hotspots on the image below to see an explanation for the different points.
Example question: "What are the ethical implications of making immunisation compulsory?"
As well as for brainstorming ideas, you can use mind maps to produce a well-structured essay.
There are a number of benefits to using mind maps to structure an essay:
As well as for brainstorming ideas, you can use mind maps to produce a well-structured essay.
There are a number of benefits to using mind maps to structure an essay:
Mind maps are used to capture ideas. You can either quickly hand-draw them on paper or create them online. Digital tools include Microsoft Whiteboard and PowerPoint (available to all students via the Microsoft 365 suite), MindGenius, which you can download from the Home Software Hub, or search for a free mind mapping software online. For many people, paper mind maps work well because they are easy to start.
Tip: Use colours/arrows/diagrams to show links between ideas.
In this mind map, the author has colour-coded the different branches to connect related ideas, captured key terms and included diagrams as well.
Some mind maps, like this one, can look messy at first but there is order to them.
Source: Learning Fundamentals - 'How to focus in the age of distraction'
Instructions: Click and drag the slider in the middle of the two images left and right to compare how a mind map can be used to structure two different essays. What do you notice about the two structures?
The left mind map shows an example structure for an essay that is predominantly descriptive. The right mind map shows how the structure has been developed further for a critical essay that would likely earn a higher grade.
Notice how the mind map for the critical essay highlights the answer to the question and a critical evaluation/analysis in each paragraph. This is to demonstrate that particular emphasis will be placed on these parts. Critical essays have a critical answer that considers the question and avoids any unnecessary description.
Instructions: Drag and drop the missing critical elements at the bottom of the activity below into the gaps in the mind map.
Answer - you should always present a critical answer to the essay question in the introduction.
Analysis or evaluation should be included in each paragraph to critically address the point you make and evidence you give.
Description and further explanation are unnecessary to the question and do not critique the evidence.
Definitions, if required at all, would need to be in the introduction.
Context should be limited and only included if it is relevant. It should be given early in the main essay to contextualise evidence.
A mind map can be helpful to structure any kind of essay. Look at how a mind map could structure an essay titled ‘What is the best biscuit?’.
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