(A) Original Ideas
An original idea can be a new concept, a new process or system, a fresh perspective or viewpoint or a new application to an existing idea or concept.
To come up with new ideas and concepts, one needs a creative mind, time to reflect & the relevant experience.
What about most of us normal people out there? Don't despair as there are other acceptable ways to come up with original ideas.
Just to illustrate two possible approaches if we don't have original ideas:
1. Have a fresh perspective on an issue that has been examined e.g much have been written about transformation of armed forces in big powers but very little about such transformation in small countries. Hence, an article on military transformation from the perspective of small powers would constitute an original piece of work.
2. Look for new ways to apply existing concepts e.g. the 'Just in Time' concept was introduced to industries some time ago. Assuming that it has not been introduced to the SAF, an essay to examine how the 'Just in Time' concept can be applied to SAF logistics would be an original idea.
(B) Relevance to the SAF
This point brings to mind the importance of writing for the audience. Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Who are the readers of POINTER?
SAF officers and warrant officers.
2. What would arouse the professional interest of POINTER readers?
Articles on military strategy and tactics, military doctrine, military leadership & values, military campaigns and history, combat/peacetime operations, defence admistration, regional geo-politics, defence technology, etc.
3. How is your essay relevant to POINTER readers?
By examining the implications and/or applications of ideas/developments/concepts to Singapore and/or the SAF.
(C) Comprehensive in Scope
The scope of your essay should be comprehensive with all key aspects covered. But in doing so, you may face some problems as follows:
1. 4,000 words are not enough as there are too many aspects to cover.
Your essay topic may be too general or ambitious. Amend your essay title so that you can focus on a narrower scope. Or your key concepts may be too broad - then re-define your concepts to narrow your essay scope.
2. How do I know that my scope is sufficient and key points are not left out?
You will need to do thorough research on your topic and to consult all the latest relevant books, journal articles, internet pieces, etc. It would also help to get a second opinion from someone knowlegeable.
3. Do I need to consider an opposing view or argument?
YES, there is a definite need to be balanced and to look at all sides of the picture. It is important to explain why you disagree.This is related to the next point - in-depth analysis.
(Note: The scope of your essay depends primarily on your title. Hence, do spend some time reflecting on a suitable title that reflects precisely what you intend to write about.)
(D) In Depth Analysis
For an essay to be rated highly, merely describing facts is not enough. There should be in-depth analysis and critical thinking involved (i.e. discussing why & how it happened and the implications). Some ways to achieve in-depth analysis are:
1. Make a comparison with similar events/process and analyse the differences.
2. Analyse the origins of the event/activity.
3. Examine the factors which explain how the event/process turn out the way it did.
4. Explain what are the lessons learnt from a study of this event/process or from a comparative study with other events/processes.
5. Discuss the implications of this event/process for Singapore/SAF.
(E) Good Arguments
An essay is a viewpoint expressed by the writer. For this viewpoint to be well regarded, the writer must be persuasive and convincing in arguing his/her case. Some ways to do so are:
1. Quote an authoritative source e.g. a renowned expert on the subject.
2. Use statistics that are current, accurate and reliable.
3. Argument must be logical & proposed thesis has high probability of being correct.
4. Factual accuracy is critical. Flawed facts undermine credibility of the arguments.
5. Each argument must be clearly expressed and explained in a separate paragraph.
6. Opposing views must be addressed and their lack of validity explained.
(Note: Logical arguments must be backed by rational and factual evidence e.g. historical documents, eyewitness accounts, expert testimony, research data, case studies, statements from authorities, etc.)
