Compile and organize information
- Sort, filter and organize information and data into manageable amounts.
- Set aside peripheral material but keep it in mind in case the research question changes.
Analyse, interpret, evaluate and synthesize the findings
- Always refer back to the research question.
- Analyse information from secondary sources.
- Interpret and analyse data from primary research (if those were used).
- Organize, combine, link and synthesize information to form the body of the essay.
- Ensure that your line of argument is supported by evidence from the research.
You can structure your writing with signposts. Use PEELL or a similar technique to structure the points you make throughout your essay, as follows.
- P—State the Point you are making.
- E—Provide Evidence (e.g. a quotation, paraphrase or summary, data, other information) to support the point.
- E—Explain how the evidence supports the point.
- L—Link the point to your research question.
- L—Link a point to the next point in your argument; alternatively, start the next point with a link to the previous point.
Write the conclusion
- Ensure that the conclusion relates to the research question and is logically linked to your line of argument in the body of the essay.
- Synthesize rather than merely summarize.
- Consider broader issues; if appropriate, suggest other questions to research but do not introduce new ideas.
Review and edit the final essay
- Edit and re-edit your essay if needed.
- Feel confident that the essay “flows”: arguments make sense, conclusions are well founded and the research question has been successfully addressed.
- Ensure that the essay aligns with any structural conventions relevant to the subject areas you are working in.
- Ensure that citation and referencing are complete and accurate.
