Structuring an essay
Before you start drafting an essay, it is always a good idea to know what exactly you are supposed
to do. Here is some advice on how to deal with less frequent task descriptors:
Task
Task Description
What to do?
analyse /
examine
"break down a problem into
separate factors, then draw a
conclusion based on your break-
down"
• Find the important factors or
statements in your text.
• Work out how they create the
meaning/message of the text.
• Relate these elements to one another
(as determined by your task) and
condense them into a clear message.
• Draw a conclusion (i.e. sum up the
result of your analysis).
compare /
contrast
"tell how things are alike and / or
different, use concrete examples"
• Find useful criteria for comparing
the two texts.
• Using these criteria, show similarities
and differences.
• Draw a conclusion which sums up
your findings.
assess / evaluate
"give a carefully considered
opinion, include all the important
aspects of a question"
• Find useful criteria for judging your
text.
• Apply these criteria to the statements
made in your text.
• Give judgement on whether/how
much your text meets these criteria.
• Draw a conclusion which sums up
your findings.
