Guide to Answering Essay Questions

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I hope you're thriving in your studies! I recently received a message from one of our readers eager to delve deeper into the art of crafting first-class essays, along with a request for an exemplary essay as a reference.

To address this, I've meticulously curated a comprehensive post that delves into invaluable strategies aimed at elevating your essay-writing skills to a first-class level. This guide is tailored to empower you in conquering the intricacies of essay composition and achieving top-notch results.

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Guide to Answering Essay Questions

The Purpose of this Guide

This guide is intended to serve as a baseline level of guidance for approaching essay questions. It cannot, and does not purport to be, exhaustive. Remember that there will rarely, if ever, be one ‘right’ way of answering the question. No one will tell you what to write in your essay, and there are no ‘blueprint’ or ‘model’ answers - just better ways of approaching the question and making more sophisticated arguments in response. Much will hinge on the judgments you make about understanding the question and your response to it - which is what is expected of higher-education students.

What are essay questions about

When writing an essay, always stick to the given question to avoid poor grades. This is crucial in exams or take-home situations where prepared notes might tempt you to veer off course.

Before diving in, plan your response based on the question and your module learning. This ensures clarity, prevents a disorganized structure, and filters out irrelevant or repetitive content.

Fully understand essay questions as they demand higher-level skills beyond mere description. Terms like 'discuss' or 'evaluate' indicate a need for nuanced responses. Connect the question to the specific legal issues involved.

Essays require more than a recitation of legal facts. Avoid the trap of dumping all your knowledge on a topic. Focus on critical commentary and analysis, addressing the contentious aspects of the law.

Engage in a thoughtful analysis of the legal area, constructing a well-reasoned argument either supporting or challenging a given proposition. Back up your argument with evidence and reasons, demonstrating a deep understanding.

Take, for instance, 'The postal rule of acceptance is an anachronism which has no place in the modern world. Discuss.' This type of question requires a thorough analysis and argumentation, defending or opposing the proposition with relevant evidence and reasons.

Structure

A successful essay of any kind needs to be well-structured. The structure is what gives your essay cohesiveness and direction. It refers to the logical development between the introduction, description, analysis, evaluation and conclusion of the piece. This logical development is aided through ‘signposting’. Signposting is how you indicate to the reader what you are discussing and where you are going next with the argument that is relevant to answering the question. Signposting should be woven into the essay throughout. If you do this effectively, you will avoid meandering between topics, shifting suddenly and inexplicably from issue to issue or evasiveness, all of which lower the mark you will receive.

Introduction

The introduction to your essay should be concise – particularly in an exam. It should be used only to refer to what the question is asking you to do and to indicate how you have interpreted the question’s focus. Often is it also advisable that you indicate the position you are going to argue for in relation to the question (e.g. ‘In this essay, I will argue that the postal rule is an outdated irrelevance that should be abolished’). Put simply, the introduction should tell the reader what you are going to discuss, as well as the direction and order that the discussion will take. It gives the reader/examiner an idea as to what will follow.

The main body of the essay

The main body of your essay plays a pivotal role in determining your overall mark. It is here that you must not only provide accurate descriptions of legal positions, debates, or concepts but, more importantly, engage in critical analysis and evaluation. This skill demonstrates your capacity for independent thought and is a cornerstone of higher education.

As a law student, your task is to delve into the specific topics raised by the question. While accurately describing legal positions is crucial, it should not overshadow the primary focus – analysis and evaluation. This higher-level essay writing skill involves identifying limitations, shortcomings, and challenges within a legal framework. In the example of the postal rule, it could mean exploring its drawbacks and difficulties in application, backed by relevant cases.

The goal is to showcase independent thought throughout your essay. Don't merely regurgitate academic opinions; instead, develop and present your viewpoint early on. Avoid vague statements and disengaged comments. Your essay should not only state your opinion but also provide detailed reasons for it. This involves reasoned argumentation and continuous development of your perspective, rather than saving it for the conclusion.

An argument is only as strong as the quality and detail of its reasoning. Base your reasoning on a thorough analysis of case law and statute law. Show confidence in dealing with relevant legal principles. Additionally, draw on secondary sources like academic textbooks and articles. To enhance your argument, place it in the broader theoretical context explored in the course, such as formalism-realism, freedom of contract, market ideology, consumer welfare, and economic efficiency.

Organize your points logically and coherently. In the example of the postal rule, consider structuring your essay with the following steps:

• Briefly describe the rule, state authority, and provide context.

• Critique the rule, outlining its limitations and shortcomings.

• Address counterarguments, acknowledging defenses of the rule, and explaining why they may not be convincing.

By adhering to these guidelines, you not only showcase your understanding of the law but also your ability to think critically and present a well-reasoned argument.

Conclusion

Your conclusion does not need to be long. Like the introduction, the conclusion is a functional part of the essay. Its purpose is to meaningfully and persuasively draw together and summarise what you have argued for in your essay. As such, your previous arguments must support and be consistent with the conclusion. The conclusion should never introduce new material, nor be the point at which, as if out of nowhere, your own point of view appears.

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Example Essay

Essay Question

Although the legal rules governing consideration may appear unduly complex and technical, in practice the requirement for consideration in contracts rarely causes problems or gives rise to any injustice. Calls for reform of the doctrine of consideration, or even its abolition, are therefore misplaced.

Discuss

Sample Answer

Mark: 72 = 1st

Feedback

This is a very good essay. It shows a very good understanding of the rules on consideration and it is well-referenced. The essay is well-structured and signposted. The analysis focuses on key problematic areas of consideration, such as the performance of pre-existing contractual duties and the part-payment rule. The discussion of formalism v realism is clear, thoughtful and linked to the essay question.

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