Write Right: A Guide to Acing English Essays for Stage 4
For high school students in New South Wales, learning how to write an essay is particularly important for several reasons, especially given the specific educational standards and expectations in the state:
HSC Requirements: Essay writing is a critical skill for the Higher School Certificate (HSC). Essays form a major part of exams in many subjects, including English, History, Business, Legal Studies and so forth. Mastery of essay writing can significantly impact a student’s HSC score, which is crucial for university admissions.
Critical and Analytical Thinking: Essays require students to critically engage with various topics, fostering analytical thinking. This skill is essential for both academic pursuits and informed citizenship, as it involves evaluating arguments, assessing evidence, and synthesising diverse information sources.
Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital in many aspects of life. Essay writing teaches students to express their ideas clearly and persuasively, a skill that is increasingly valuable in the digital age where written communication is prevalent.
ESSAY SCAFFOLD
“How do social media platforms influence political opinions and behaviours?”
INTRODUCTION
The structure of an introduction in an essay is crucial for setting up the context, introducing the main topic, and outlining the thesis statement. Here’s how you can structure an introduction.
Hook
Purpose: Grab the reader’s attention and introduce the broader topic in an engaging way.
Example: In the digital age, social media has emerged as a dominant force in shaping public discourse and influencing personal beliefs.
Background Information
Purpose: Provide necessary context and details to help the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic.
Example: These platforms, frequented by millions daily, are not just tools for social interaction but powerful channels for providing information and influencing opinions.
Thesis/Outline of Main Point/s
Purpose: Present the main argument or claim that the essay will support and develop.
Example: With their capacity to tailor content based on user behavior and preferences, social media sites wield significant power, playing a crucial role in molding political views and behaviours.
Link back to Question
Purpose: Show the marker your understanding of the question by linking back.
Example: Thus, in demonstrating the profound influence of social media on contemporary politics, the need for a nuanced understanding of its role in democratic engagement, is revealed.
BODY PARAGRAPH/S
Writing a PEEL paragraph helps structure your arguments clearly and effectively in an essay. PEEL stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation, and Link. This method ensures each section of your essay contributes toward your overall argument or thesis. Here’s how to craft each component of a PEEL paragraph, along with an example:
Point
Purpose: State the main point or argument of the paragraph.
Example: Social media platforms significantly influence political opinions, due to targeted content.
Evidence
Purpose: Provide specific examples or data to support your point.
Example: According to a survey by Pew Research Center, 36% of adults report changing their political views due to something they saw on social media.
Explanation
Purpose: Explain how your evidence supports your point, detailing the connection between them.
Example: This shift in political views can be attributed to the targeted content that users encounter on these platforms, which is often tailored to their browsing habits and previous interactions, reinforcing existing beliefs or introducing new ideologies.
Evidence
Purpose: Provide specific examples or data to support your point. Use linking words this time.
Example: Moreover, political parties increasingly rely on social media analytics to deliver tailored messages to specific demographic groups. For example, during recent elections, campaigns used data analytics to identify undecided voters and targeted them with personalized ads and content.
Explanation
Purpose: Explain how your evidence supports your point, detailing the connection between them.
Example: This strategy not only increases the reach and influence of political messages but also allows for more precise voter engagement. By addressing voters' specific concerns and preferences, social media becomes a critical tool in shaping electoral outcomes.
Link
Purpose: Connect this paragraph's argument back to the main thesis of the essay or transition smoothly into the next point or paragraph.
Example: Therefore, the pervasive impact of social media on public opinion not only demonstrates its power as a communication tool but also exposes how modern technology plays a pivotal role in contemporary politics.
*Usually, you’d repeat this two more times and have three body paragraphs.*
CONCLUSION
Writing a strong conclusion is key to wrapping up your essay effectively. It should summarise your main points, restate the thesis in light of the evidence presented, and leave the reader with something to think about. Here are some tips on how to write a conclusion:
Restate the Thesis
Start by revisiting your thesis statement, but don’t just repeat it word for word. Instead, rephrase it to reflect the insights and evidence discussed in your essay.
Example: The pervasive influence of social media on political opinions underscores its power as a transformative tool in modern society.
Summarise Key Points
Briefly summarise the main arguments or points you made in the essay. This helps reinforce your arguments and remind the reader of the logical progression.
Example: The evidence provided illustrates how these platforms not only facilitate the dissemination of information but also actively shape and sway public discourse and democratic processes.
Reflect on the Implications
Discuss the broader implications of your findings. What does this mean for the future? What are the broader consequences or applications of your argument?
Example: As users continue to engage with tailored content that echoes or challenges their views, the impact on political beliefs becomes increasingly significant.
End with a Strong Closing Statement
Leave the reader with a final thought or question to ponder. This can be a call to action, a prediction or a take away.
Example: By acknowledging its capacity to influence public opinion, society can better navigate the challenges and opportunities that social media presents in shaping a well-informed electorate.
FULL ESSAY
In the digital age, social media has emerged as a dominant force in shaping public discourse and influencing personal beliefs. These platforms, frequented by millions daily, are not just tools for social interaction but powerful channels for providing information and influencing opinions. With their capacity to tailor content based on user behaviour and preferences, social media sites wield significant power, playing a crucial role in molding political views and behaviours. Thus, in demonstrating the profound influence of social media on contemporary politics, the need for a nuanced understanding of its role in democratic engagement, is revealed.
Social media platforms significantly influence political opinions, due to targeted content. According to a survey by Pew Research Center, 36% of adults report changing their political views due to something they saw on social media. This shift in political views can be attributed to the targeted content that users encounter on these platforms, which is often tailored to their browsing habits and previous interactions, reinforcing existing beliefs or introducing new ideologies. Moreover, political parties increasingly rely on social media analytics to deliver tailored messages to specific demographic groups. For example, during recent elections, campaigns used data analytics to identify undecided voters and targeted them with personalized ads and content. This strategy not only increases the reach and influence of political messages but also allows for more precise voter engagement. By addressing voters' specific concerns and preferences, social media becomes a critical tool in shaping electoral outcomes. Therefore, the pervasive impact of social media on public opinion not only demonstrates its power as a communication tool but also exposes how modern technology plays a pivotal role in contemporary politics.
The pervasive influence of social media on political opinions underscores its power as a transformative tool in modern society. The evidence provided illustrates how these platforms not only facilitate the dissemination of information but also actively shape and sway public discourse and democratic processes. As users continue to engage with tailored content that echoes or challenges their views, the impact on political beliefs becomes increasingly significant. By acknowledging its capacity to influence public opinion, society can better navigate the challenges and opportunities that social media presents in shaping a well-informed electorate.