Table of Contents
- Understanding the ‘Assess’ Essay Question
- Planning Your Essay
- Writing the Essay
- Constructing Effective Paragraphs
- Final Tips for Writing an ‘Assess’ Essay
- Conclusion
Writing an ‘assess’ essay question can be a daunting task for undergraduate sociology students. These essays require critical thinking, a balanced evaluation of different perspectives, and the ability to draw informed conclusions. This guide will provide a detailed outline on how to approach and effectively answer an ‘assess’ essay question in sociology. By the end of this article, you will have a clearer understanding of the structure, content, and analytical skills needed to excel in this type of academic writing.
Understanding the ‘Assess’ Essay Question
Definition and Purpose
An ‘assess’ essay question asks students to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a particular argument, theory, or evidence. It requires a balanced consideration of different viewpoints and a reasoned judgment based on the analysis. The primary goal is to demonstrate critical thinking and an in-depth understanding of the topic.
Key Components of an ‘Assess’ Essay
- Introduction: Introduce the topic, define key terms, and outline the main arguments.
- Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the argument, presenting both strengths and weaknesses.
- Conclusion: Summarize the main points, restate the significance of the assessment, and provide a final judgment.
Planning Your Essay
Analyzing the Question
Before you start writing, it is crucial to understand the essay question thoroughly. Break down the question to identify its main components. For example, if the question is “Assess the impact of globalization on social inequality,” you need to focus on both globalization and social inequality and consider their interrelationship.
Research and Gather Evidence
Collect relevant data, theories, and scholarly articles to support your arguments. Use a variety of sources to ensure a well-rounded assessment. Note down key points and organize them into categories based on their relevance to different aspects of the question.
Creating an Outline
An outline helps to structure your essay logically. Here is a sample outline for an ‘assess’ essay on the impact of globalization on social inequality:
- Introduction
- Define globalization and social inequality
- State the purpose of the essay
- Outline the main arguments
- Body Paragraphs
- Impact of globalization on economic inequality
- Positive aspects (e.g., job creation, economic growth)
- Negative aspects (e.g., wage gaps, exploitation)
- Impact of globalization on cultural inequality
- Positive aspects (e.g., cultural exchange, diversity)
- Negative aspects (e.g., cultural homogenization, loss of identity)
- Impact of globalization on political inequality
- Positive aspects (e.g., spread of democracy)
- Negative aspects (e.g., power imbalances, neoliberal policies)
- Conclusion
- Summarize the main points
- Provide a balanced judgment
- Reflect on the broader implications
Writing the Essay
Introduction
The introduction sets the stage for your essay. It should provide background information, define key terms, and present a clear thesis statement.
Example:
Globalization is a multifaceted process that influences various aspects of society, including economics, culture, and politics. It involves the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of the world’s markets and businesses. Social inequality, on the other hand, refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society. This essay aims to assess the impact of globalization on social inequality by examining its economic, cultural, and political dimensions.
