How To Write Exam Essays

DAEJ - facilitates the planning and writing of `Advanced` and `Degree Level` exam essays by ensuring that Descri ption, Analysis, Evaluation and Justification are given full attention by the student: -

`Descri ption` - outlines what a thing (or theory) consists of and provides vital background information to the set exam question.

`Analysis` - explains why a thing (or theory) exists (or why an event happened). It may begin with a simple assessment of the positives and negatives before turning to more complex forms of questioning and interpretation, i.e. to probe for the underlying causes to a problem. Both quantitative and qualitative evidence must be used to support or refute any analysis.

`Evaluation` - decides whether a thing (or a theory) is valid (accurate, true and relevant), partly valid, or invalid. It is a reasoned conclusion that directly answers the question set by the examiner. It may also point out the likely consequences of a recommended course of action.

`Justification` - gives the reasons why a certain evaluation has been put forward. It briefly refers to previously-mentioned evidence in order to defend the final conclusion. A good justification prevents any evaluation from becoming a mere dogmatic assertion.

N.B: At `A` level, the student must learn to move from D, to J in order to get good marks. To stop at D results in failure; to stop at A scrapes only a bare pass or even failure again. `E` and `J` must be included to achieve a reasonably to good grade.