How to convince your reader

There are many occasions when you have to put together a convincing piece of writing. This might be in the form of a traditional essay - when you are given a title and you have to argue a case - or a shorter task when you have to write a piece which shows your understanding of a topic. Some common principles apply across these types of writing.

Start by looking at the title. What does it ask? What kind of response is an examiner looking for? It helps to underline the key words in the title in order to focus your attention. Look for words such as 'evaluate'. What is a word like that asking you to do? It is asking you to weigh up opposing arguments, state the evidence available and come to a balanced judgment. You are being asked to behave like a High Court judge, and that is what you must do in the essay.

Then spend time gathering material. In an exam, this might mean thinking and jotting down ideas and notes. At home, it might mean looking back through your notes or consulting books. If you start with plenty of material, you have more chance of writing in depth and of including all the relevant points.

Once you have your material, you can begin to organise it. How will you start? How will you give an overview of the key points in the first paragraph? What will be the key paragraphs that follow? Think in terms of each paragraph having a key sentence. You should be able to sum up the topic of each paragraph in a short sentence. If you are unable to do this, then you are probably trying to include too many points in a single paragraph. Your reader needs to feel that each of the paragraphs follows in a clear and logical order. He does not want to dart around all over the place. You need to show that you are in control, and you will only do this if you have thought and planned carefully.

If you are not in an exam and have time, go through the stages of drafting and writing final versions. Write a draft, and then check carefully for these things:

Are all your arguments and points supported with evidence?

Do your paragraphs follow in a clear, logical order?