· 6 min read
Most low marks don't come from weak ideas. They come from answers that are hard to follow or don't answer the question that was asked. A good structure fixes both.
1. Start with the brief, not the topic
Before you research anything, break the brief into three parts:
- The task word: discuss, evaluate, compare, analyse, critically assess. Each one asks for something different. "Discuss" wants a balanced view; "evaluate" wants a judgement.
- The topic: what you are writing about.
- The limits: word count, number of sources, referencing style, the theories or models you must use.
Then open the marking rubric. Whatever carries the most marks deserves the most words.
2. Use the basic three-part shape
- Introduction (about 10% of the word count): context, what the assignment will cover, and your main argument.
- Main body (about 80%): two to five sections, each making one point that supports your argument.
- Conclusion (about 10%): sum up what you've shown and answer the question directly. No new information.
For a 2,000-word essay that's roughly 200 words, 1,600 words and 200 words. Planning the word budget before you write stops one section from swallowing the rest.
3. Build every paragraph the same way
A reliable pattern is PEEL:
- Point: one clear sentence saying what the paragraph argues.
- Evidence: a source, data or example that supports it, referenced correctly.
- Explanation: why the evidence matters. This is where marks for critical thinking come from.
- Link: connect back to the question or forward to the next point.
4. Use headings when the format allows
Reports, case studies and many business or technical assignments expect headings. Essays usually don't. Check the brief, and if headings are allowed, make them describe the content ("Impact on employee retention") rather than labels ("Section 2").
5. Write the introduction last
Once the body is written you know exactly what you've argued, so the introduction becomes easy to write and accurate.
Quick checklist before you submit
- Does the conclusion answer the exact question in the brief?
- Does every paragraph start with a clear point?
- Have you covered everything the rubric rewards?
- Is the word count within the allowed range?
- Are all sources cited in the text and listed in the references?
If you're stuck on how to structure a specific assignment, our team can walk you through the brief and help you plan it.