Writing application essays can be very difficult. You not only are juggling your topic with evaluation but applying it to an ethical issue. Here are some examples of introductions and main paragraphs to show the structure:
This is an example of what I would class as a good introduction. This is because it displays to an examiner all the necessary elements in a simple and clear way, yet remaining informative (not descriptive) and is effective in the way it handles the question. From reading this introduction it is obvious what the question is. Always a sign of a good start!
This is another introduction example. This demonstrates a different style of writing, yet the core structure (as above) is present. See how this student focuses on developing their evaluative tone with rhetorical questions (red) and demonstrates wider understanding through added details (green)
When writing your paragraphs within an application essay, keep the structure simple: theme, link, evaluate – so in this question it might be: reason, sanctity of life and helpfulness.
This is an example of a very sophisticated paragraph. See how the student not only links to euthanasia but also demonstrates understanding through a specific case. This student also evaluates the use of reason in relation to euthanasia by presenting both a strength and a weakness. What makes this evaluation even better is the link between Barth and the question (unhelpful) and then a defence argument from Aquinas:
This is an example of a paragraph from a different student. The structure is very much the same: theme, link, strength, example, strength. What works with this paragraph is the student compares NL to situation ethics but they never forget the theme of the paragraph: apparent and real goods. So whilst the feedback (from me) on this paragraph would have been to say whether the slippery slope issue makes apparent and real goods therefore less helpful, the student demonstrates a developing technique and attempts at the higher level discussion:
Please let me know if you would like a copy of these essays by leaving a comment at the bottom or following the ‘contact me’ details on the Homepage.
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Brilliant. Thank you for your excellent resources. Please can you email me a copy of the essays and the tables. Thanks again. 🙂
Amazing, could you link me a copy of essay for euthanasia? That be great.
So helpful. Thank you. Can i have a copy of the essays please.
Dear Aimee,
thank you so much for all the posts that you have shared on the new A level. It has been like having a friend on line sharing the pain [ð]
If it as all possible I would love a copy of the essays please. It would certainly help stretch our more able students
thank you again for all the time you have given and your unselfish sharing
kind regards
Julie
Julie Stewart
Wales High School
01909 771291
email; jst@waleshigh.com
________________________________
Thank you for your lovely comment. I am so pleased you find my blog useful. I will send those essays over to you now 🙂
Really useful. Thanks.
I would very much appreciate copies of those essays too. Would be invaluable.
Forbes Walker
Emanuel School London SW11 1HS
Wow Thank you for putting all this online. I found your YouTube channel by accident the other day – excellent summaries for my students (and so refreshing not to have music to disctract me)
These essays are particularly helpful as we have moved over from AQA (separate questions for AO1 and AO2) Any copies would be gratefully received. Thank you
Hi Nicole, I have tried several times to send you the work but my emails are being rejected. Could you send me another email please 🙂
I found this really useful – thank you very much, Aimee. Please could I have a copy of the essays please? Thank you! Sian
Hi Aimee
Thanks for sharing your work- it is very much appreciated. I am purchasing your Y2 DCT bundle. Could you also send me a copy of the essays. Thanks again. Marty
Hi Aimee- I would be most grateful if you could send me these Euthanasia essays. With thanks Hannah
I’d be really grateful for a copy of these essays please. Many thanks
cgr@st-mary.blackpool.sch.uk
I’d be very grateful for the essays too 🙂 glenn@carmel.ac.uk
Hi I’d really appreciate a copy of these sample answers, extremely useful.
Thanks very much
Sarah
Hi, These are amazing. Thank you so much for all you are doing. I’d greatly appreciate a copy of these sample answers. Invaluable!
Mrs. Holmgren
So helpful. Thank you. Can i have a copy of the essays please.
Hi Aimee, please can you send me this essay?
Thank you,
Cora