Introduction on How Introduction on How to Write Essaysto Write Essays

Introduction on How Introduction on How to Write Essaysto Write Essays

By Mr Daniel HanssonBy Mr Daniel Hansson

Structure of the Essay

• Introduction• Body• Conclusion

Introduction• State the aim of your

essay (not always necessary if the thesis is implicitly clear)

• Include definitions, if necessary

• Keep it short (maximum three sentences recommended)

Body• Explain theories/concepts• Illustrate with study/studies

(Aim, procedure, findings)• Comment on the

methodology of the studies (limitations, strengths, conclusion – to what extent do they support the theory?)

• Evaluate the theory/concept (limitations and strengths of theory)

Types of IB Psychology Essays

• Examine/Discuss/Evaluate/To what extent…

• Compare…• Contrast…• Compare and contrast…

Examine/Discuss/Evaluate/To What

Extent…• Describe and explain theories,

concepts and studies• Evaluate theories and studies• Compare/contrast theories, if

relevant• Define important concepts when

necessary

Compare and Contrast• Outline theories/concepts and

studies• Compare and contrast theories - 3-

4 similarities/differences• Define important concepts when

necessary

Compare and Contrast

• Compare: Similarities between concepts

• Contrast: Differences between concepts

• Compare and contrast: Similarities and differences between concepts

Similarities and Differences to Consider• Validity of the evidence• Explanations• Type of evidence supporting the

theories• Applications

Evaluation/Comparison• About as much on

strengths as on limitations

• About as much on similarities as on differences

Conclusion • Answer the aim by making a

judgment:• Is the evidence strong enough

to draw a conclusion?• Which side do the evidence

favor? To what extent? With any modifications?

• If the evidence favor both positions, choose the middle position between the extremes

• Implications of the conclusion (Applications, contribution to our understanding of behavior, future research)

Conclusion • Tolerate uncertainty,

do not overestimate findings or draw too bold conclusions

• You may have a concluding sentence or quote that summarizes the main idea of your essay

Basic Structure of Timed essays

• Aim of essay• Definitions• Explanation of theory• Supporting/challenging studies• Relevant analysis of studies (strengths and

weaknesses, why do they support/challenge the theory)• Discussion/comparison of theory• Conclusion

Other Tips• Don’t forget to always

state the year and researcher name (s) of a theory/study

• Divide into paragraphs. One idea per paragraph

• Formal language (no slang, appropriate wording)

Other Tips• Never say that a study

disproves or refutes a theory, only that it challenges/opposes or supports it.

• Use a neat handwriting. If it cannot be read it cannot be marked.

• Make it enjoyable to read. Create a good text flow. Be positive.

Other Tips• Do not get too stuck

in details of studies or theories. Keep track of time.

• Only do necessary evaluations. (e.g. sometimes ethical evaluation is not necessary).

• Stick to the point (answer the question).