When writing an essay this technique is a quick and easy way to guarantee that you will write an essay of substance and length. Now I know that it is not ‘how much you write’ that is important but let me be controversial. After marking many essays over the years (including for the exam board) I pass judgement on a student’s work based on how long it is. Now whilst this judgement may quickly alter based on the quality of what is written, I often find that if I am presented with half a page of writing rather than a full page of writing I don’t hold out much hope for the high marks.

So this simple and easy to follow rule may be the solution to your problems:

*Summarise every topic/unit into five main points*

E.g. Natural Law:

1. Avoids the Divine Command theory, based on reason, open to everyone
2. Hierarchy moral code
3. Primary precepts
4. Secondary Precepts
5. Doctrine of Double Effect
6. Bonus paragraph (if you have time) Apparent and real goods, interior and exterior actions.

Each point then gets it’s own paragraph for full explanation with an example in your essay. All you have to do in the exam is relate each main point specifically and directly to the question.

This technique helps with the structure of an answer. if you would like more help with how to integrate evaluation (A02) into your essays please see: Adding the ‘critical’ to your critical analysis: Developing A02 and “But I am evaluating!”… or are you just describing?

For further guidance in developing your essay technique just click on the image below to be transferred to the shop.