How to Write and Answer a ‘Give an Account of’ Essay Question

Introduction
What Does ‘Give an Account of’ Mean?
Step 1: Interpreting the Question
Step 2: Conduct Thorough Research
Step 3: Formulate Your Thesis or Guiding Statement
Step 4: Develop a Logical Structure
Techniques for Strong Paragraph Writing
Example Breakdown of a Body Paragraph
Incorporating Critical Thinking
Drafting and Revision
Time Management
Example: Outline of a ‘Give an Account of’ Essay
Final Thoughts

Introduction

Embarking on undergraduate sociology often involves confronting various essay prompts that demand clarity, depth, and analytical precision. Among these prompts, the phrase “give an account of” appears frequently. This phrase may seem direct, yet it carries specific expectations: to provide a clear, organized, and detailed explanation of a sociological concept, theory, or phenomenon. In essence, you are required to walk your reader through every pertinent facet of the topic. That includes its historical context, key theorists, methodological underpinnings, and potential debates.

This comprehensive guide will show you how to approach a “give an account of” essay question in a structured, detailed manner. From interpreting the prompt to laying out coherent paragraphs and exploring possible critiques, this article will help you produce essays that demonstrate both your knowledge of sociology and your ability to communicate it persuasively and methodically.

What Does ‘Give an Account of’ Mean?

When a professor or assignment asks you to “give an account of” something, the core instruction is to engage in an explanation. You will outline the background, define relevant concepts, and move your reader step-by-step through the logic, significance, and evidence behind the subject. It is not merely summarizing: you are also expected to show clarity of thought, organization, and a degree of interpretation or analysis.

To illustrate:

If asked, “Give an account of the rise of feminist movements in sociology,” you would detail the origins of feminist thought within the discipline, key theorists who shaped it, the social and academic contexts in which they worked, and the subsequent developments or offshoots that emerged from their contributions.
If asked, “Give an account of labeling theory,” you would walk your reader through the definition of labeling theory, the foundational theorists, the conceptual framework explaining how labels affect social behavior, and any cultural or policy implications.

In other words, “give an account of” asks for a narrative or explanatory trajectory: “First, here’s what it is, then here’s why it matters, next here’s the evidence and debate around it, and finally, here is the overarching significance.”

Step 1: Interpreting the Question

Before you ever put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), devote time to understanding exactly what the question demands. By dissecting the prompt:

Identify Key Terms: Look for sociological concepts, theories, or specific phenomena that the essay must address. Highlight them and ensure each is clearly defined within your writing.
Determine the Scope: Check if the question explicitly limits the focus to particular theorists or historical periods. For instance, a question might specify, “Give an account of the functionalist perspective on deviance, with particular reference to social cohesion.” Such specificity means you should concentrate on how functionalism explains deviance and discuss social cohesion as a central theme.
Consider Academic Expectations: Recognize that “giving an account” includes referencing broader debates, examining different perspectives when relevant, and integrating real-world examples.

This interpretation stage prevents you from writing an essay that goes off-topic or misses critical components.

Step 2: Conduct Thorough Research

To write confidently on a topic, you must read widely. Ideally, consult multiple types of sources:

Academic Journals: They offer peer-reviewed, in-depth analyses of your subject.
Textbooks: Good for overviews and foundational explanations, especially for undergraduates.
Online Scholarly Databases: Access articles that provide up-to-date research findings or theoretical debates.

Gather notes on key authors, major arguments, empirical evidence, and any controversies. Organize these notes by theme, so it becomes easier to slot them into the relevant parts of your essay. Although the final essay may not cite every piece of information, having a broad knowledge base helps you write with authority.

Step 3: Formulate Your Thesis or Guiding Statement

Even in a “give an account of” essay, a guiding statement is critical. It clarifies the lens through which you will be presenting your explanation. Here is where you can articulate the main points you plan to cover:

“This essay will give an account of [subject X] by exploring its historical evolution, central theoretical approaches, and the contemporary debates that shape current understanding.”

Think of your thesis or guiding statement as a promise to your reader: By the end of the essay, you will have delivered on all aspects you set out to explain.

Step 4: Develop a Logical Structure

1. Introduction

The introduction sets the stage. In a single paragraph (or two, if necessary), you should:

Introduce the topic and its significance.
State your guiding statement.
Briefly outline the main points you will cover.

2. Main Body

The body paragraphs should support your guiding statement. They must be systematically arranged to ensure coherence. You can arrange them thematically (e.g., focusing on different theoretical lenses) or chronologically (e.g., covering the historical development of an idea from earliest to latest contributions), depending on the question.

Defining Core Concepts

Begin by clearly defining central concepts and theories. If you are analyzing class stratification, for example, define stratification in sociological terms, clarifying how it is distinct from related ideas like social mobility or status groups.

Theoretical Perspectives and Key Thinkers

Next, delve into the theoretical frameworks and notable scholars:

Explain their central ideas: Suppose you are giving an account of labeling theory; you would mention the core premises championed by sociologists who defined labeling theory.
Provide context: Outline the time period in which these ideas gained prominence. Discuss the academic or social climate that may have influenced these thinkers.