Bailey.Academic_Writing

1.11 Planning Essays
Outline planning was examined in Unit 1.3. Planning gives essays a
coherent structure and, most importantly, helps to ensure that they
answer the question set. Although all essays need planning, they are
written in two different situations: as coursework, and in exams.
Clearly, under the time pressure of an exam, planning is more hurried,
but can also be more critical. This unit looks first at planning in exams,
and then for coursework.
cross-reference
1.3 From Titles to Outlines
cross-reference
1.13 Organising the Main
Body
2.6 Discussion
1. In the case of essays written in exams, it is best to begin
planning by analysing the title and then writing down
any ideas that seem relevant. This process is called
‘brainstorming’, and at first ideas are collected in any order.
Read the title below and add more ideas to the list.
Outline the development of the modern tourist industry.
• development of passenger jet aircraft in late 1950s
• package holidays became popular in 1960s
• increased leisure time in developed countries
•
•
•
2. Having assembled your ideas, it is then necessary to find
a suitable framework for the essay. A structure may be
suggested by the title of the essay. There are a number of
common structures used in essay writing.
Which one would be most suitable for the title above?
a) Time – usually from the past to the present or future, as
narrative.
b) Comparison – two or more topics are examined and
compared, one after the other.
c) For and against – the advantages and disadvantages of
two systems are discussed.
3. Complete the plan using ideas from (1).
Outline the development of the modern tourist industry.
a) Introduction: Current situation: growing demand/current
problems, e.g. pollution
b) Main body:
i) mass tourism began in 1960s with development of jet
aircraft
ii)