Table of Contents
- 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.
Real-World Examples or Empirical Evidence
Examples are a potent tool to illustrate your points. For instance:
- If you are explaining functionalism’s take on deviance, provide a short real-world scenario or data snippet that shows how deviance can reinforce societal norms (e.g., heightened sense of community following a public scandal).
- If you are analyzing the development of feminist movements in sociology, briefly highlight how certain social policy changes reflect the influence of feminist sociologists.
Addressing Debate and Counterarguments
While a “give an account of” essay emphasizes explanation, showcasing alternative viewpoints or inherent debates can enrich your work. This is especially true in sociology, where theoretical camps often clash:
- Acknowledge Criticisms: Perhaps conflict theorists criticize functionalist views for overlooking power imbalances. Present these criticisms fairly.
- Explain the Rationale: Demonstrate how each perspective interprets data differently based on its assumptions about social reality.
- Conclude Objectively: Summarize the importance of the debate. Avoid personal bias, but do show an awareness of the broader sociological discourse.
3. Conclusion
In your conclusion:
- Recap how you have fulfilled the directive “give an account of.”
- Synthesize the main points: Do not simply restate them but show how they fit together into a coherent whole.
- Reflect on the broader implications of what you have explained.
- End on a resonant note—perhaps a final statement or question that leaves the reader contemplating the significance of the material.
