(A) Appropriate essay structure
All essays at the minimum should have three components:
introduction,
main body, and
conclusion. Ideally they should be as follows:
1. Introduction: Normally comprising one to two paragraphs (5 to 10% of essay). Must introduce the subject being written about. Should explain why this subject or is selected. Should include an interesting observation or fact to arouse the reader's interest.
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View an example of a good introduction.
2. Main Body: Should comprise about 80 to 90% of the essay. Can be subdivided into sections. All the key arguments and points are to be inside the main body. Each point should be explained in a separate
paragraph.
3. Conclusion: Comprising one/two paragraphs at the end (5 to 10% of essay). To summarise key arguments and reiterate the position of the author to provide closure. Must not include new points on the subject.
4. Background Information: Sometimes, you may want to provide background information in the
main body. Question is whether and how much background information on the selected issue/subject to include?
(Note: Important points can be explained by more than one paragraph. The more important the point, the more space should be allocated to explain it.)(Answer: Are your readers familiar with the subject being discussed? If yes, no need for background information. If no, include one to two paragraphs (at most) on background information on the subject being discussed.)
(B) Proper organisation of facts or points
Some pointers on how to organise your essay:
1. Divide your main body into several sections, each covering a separate aspect of your topic (sub-headings are optional).
2. In presenting your points, use some order - e.g. present the strongest argument first followed by the second strongest, and so on.
3. Background information, if needed, be presented immediately after the introduction.
4. If two viewpoints are discussed, present the points for one viewpoint first, then followed by points on the second viewpoint. Mixing them up is a recipe for chaos.
5. Redundancy or repetition of facts or points (even if expressed differently) should be avoided.
(C) Use of language
A writing myth is that good English means the use of big words/sophisticated terms. This will not appeal to the average POINTER reader. The recommended language style is:
1. Use simple and easy-to-understand English to explain your ideas clearly.
2. Keep technical terms or jargon to a minimum and explain any jargon used.
3. Keep sentences short. A one-sentence paragraph is a big turn-off!
4. Minimise grammatical and spelling mistakes so as not to create a bad impression.
5. Use of slang words or sms words is a definite no-no.
6. Keep your facts or points short and sweet. In short - don't be "long-winded".
(Note: Slang words are suitable for lifestyle magazines and entertainment news but not for POINTER which covers serious and complex topics)
(D) Smooth essay flow
To fight well, our armed forces must be integrated. To read well, an essay should be integrated such that each section/paragraph flows nicely and smoothly into the next without abrupt transition. A few common techniques are:
1. Last sentence of the preceding section/paragraph to
hint at what's coming next.
2. First sentence of the next section/paragraph
makes reference to what was discussed before.
3. Sections/paragraphs to be arranged such that each is in some way
related to the next one.
4. For an example of smooth essay flow,
click here.
(E) Acknowledgement of sources
An excellent essay will not be published if the POINTER Editorial Board suspects that the ideas were not the author's. The usage of someone's ideas/work and pretending it is one's own ideas/work is known as plagiarism. To prevent this serious offence, POINTER contributors should:
1. Cite the source of one's ideas/concept/view in a footnote or endnote. The source can be a book, an internet site, a newspaper, a magazine or even a tv show.
2. List down all the sources consulted in a bibliography listing.
3. Keep track of all sources consulted using manual or electronic means so that proper footnoting and bibliography can be done.
