how to write a psychology essay plan

How to Write a Psychology Essay

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

On This Page:

Before you write your essay, it’s important to analyse the task and understand exactly what the essay question is asking. Your lecturer may give you some advice – pay attention to this as it will help you plan your answer.

Next conduct preliminary reading based on your lecture notes. At this stage, it’s not crucial to have a robust understanding of key theories or studies, but you should at least have a general “gist” of the literature.

After reading, plan a response to the task. This plan could be in the form of a mind map, a summary table, or by writing a core statement (which encompasses the entire argument of your essay in just a few sentences).

After writing your plan, conduct supplementary reading, refine your plan, and make it more detailed.

It is tempting to skip these preliminary steps and write the first draft while reading at the same time. However, reading and planning will make the essay writing process easier, quicker, and ensure a higher quality essay is produced.

Components of a Good Essay

Now, let us look at what constitutes a good essay in psychology. There are a number of important features.

• Global Structure – structure the material to allow for a logical sequence of ideas. Each paragraph / statement should follow sensibly from its predecessor. The essay should “flow”. The introduction, main body and conclusion should all be linked.
• Each paragraph should comprise a main theme, which is illustrated and developed through a number of points (supported by evidence).
• Knowledge and Understanding – recognize, recall, and show understanding of a range of scientific material that accurately reflects the main theoretical perspectives.
• Critical Evaluation – arguments should be supported by appropriate evidence and/or theory from the literature. Evidence of independent thinking, insight, and evaluation of the evidence.
• Quality of Written Communication – writing clearly and succinctly with appropriate use of paragraphs, spelling, and grammar. All sources are referenced accurately and in line with APA guidelines.

In the main body of the essay, every paragraph should demonstrate both knowledge and critical evaluation.

There should also be an appropriate balance between these two essay components. Try to aim for about a 60/40 split if possible.

Most students make the mistake of writing too much knowledge and not enough evaluation (which is the difficult bit).

It is best to structure your essay according to key themes. Themes are illustrated and developed through a number of points (supported by evidence).

Choose relevant points only, ones that most reveal the theme or help to make a convincing and interesting argument.

Knowledge and Understanding

Remember that an essay is simply a discussion / argument on paper. Don’t make the mistake of writing all the information you know regarding a particular topic.

You need to be concise, and clearly articulate your argument. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences.

Each paragraph should have a purpose / theme, and make a number of points – which need to be support by high quality evidence. Be clear why each point is is relevant to the argument. It would be useful at the beginning of each paragraph if you explicitly outlined the theme being discussed (.e.g. cognitive development, social development etc.).

Try not to overuse quotations in your essays. It is more appropriate to use original content to demonstrate your understanding.

Psychology is a science so you must support your ideas with evidence (not your own personal opinion). If you are discussing a theory or research study make sure you cite the source of the information.

Note this is not the author of a textbook you have read – but the original source / author(s) of the theory or research study.

For example:

Bowlby (1951) claimed that mothering is almost useless if delayed until after two and a half to three years and, for most children, if delayed till after 12 months, i.e. there is a critical period.

Maslow (1943) stated that people are motivated to achieve certain needs. When one need is fulfilled a person seeks to fullfil the next one, and so on.

As a general rule, make sure there is at least one citation (i.e. name of psychologist and date of publication) in each paragraph.

Remember to answer the essay question. Underline the keywords in the essay title. Don’t make the mistake of simply writing everything you know of a particular topic, be selective. Each paragraph in your essay should contribute to answering the essay question.

Critical Evaluation

In simple terms, this means outlining the strengths and limitations of a theory or research study.

There are many ways you can critically evaluate:

Methodological evaluation of research

Is the study valid / reliable ? Is the sample biased, or can we generalize the findings to other populations? What are the strengths and limitations of the method used and data obtained?

Be careful to ensure that any methodological criticisms are justified and not trite.

Rather than hunting for weaknesses in every study; only highlight limitations that make you doubt the conclusions that the authors have drawn – e.g., where an alternative explanation might be equally likely because something hasn’t been adequately controlled.

Compare or contrast different theories

Outline how the theories are similar and how they differ. This could be two (or more) theories of personality / memory / child development etc. Also try to communicate the value of the theory / study.

Debates or perspectives

Refer to debates such as nature or nurture, reductionism vs. holism, or the perspectives in psychology . For example, would they agree or disagree with a theory or the findings of the study?

What are the ethical issues of the research?

Does a study involve ethical issues such as deception, privacy, psychological or physical harm?

Gender bias

If research is biased towards men or women it does not provide a clear view of the behavior that has been studied. A dominantly male perspective is known as an androcentric bias.

Cultural bias

Is the theory / study ethnocentric? Psychology is predominantly a white, Euro-American enterprise. In some texts, over 90% of studies have US participants, who are predominantly white and middle class.

Does the theory or study being discussed judge other cultures by Western standards?

Animal Research

This raises the issue of whether it’s morally and/or scientifically right to use animals. The main criterion is that benefits must outweigh costs. But benefits are almost always to humans and costs to animals.

Animal research also raises the issue of extrapolation. Can we generalize from studies on animals to humans as their anatomy & physiology is different from humans?

The PEC System

It is very important to elaborate on your evaluation. Don’t just write a shopping list of brief (one or two sentence) evaluation points.

Instead, make sure you expand on your points, remember, quality of evaluation is most important than quantity.

When you are writing an evaluation paragraph, use the PEC system.

• Make your P oint.
• E xplain how and why the point is relevant.
• Discuss the C onsequences / implications of the theory or study. Are they positive or negative?

For Example

• Point: It is argued that psychoanalytic therapy is only of benefit to an articulate, intelligent, affluent minority.
• Explain: Because psychoanalytic therapy involves talking and gaining insight, and is costly and time-consuming, it is argued that it is only of benefit to an articulate, intelligent, affluent minority. Evidence suggests psychoanalytic therapy works best if the client is motivated and has a positive attitude.
• Consequences: A depressed client’s apathy, flat emotional state, and lack of motivation limit the appropriateness of psychoanalytic therapy for depression.

Furthermore, the levels of dependency of depressed clients mean that transference is more likely to develop.

Using Research Studies in your Essays

Research studies can either be knowledge or evaluation.

• If you refer to the procedures and findings of a study, this shows knowledge and understanding.
• If you comment on what the studies shows, and what it supports and challenges about the theory in question, this shows evaluation.

Writing an Introduction

It is often best to write your introduction when you have finished the main body of the essay, so that you have a good understanding of the topic area.

If there is a word count for your essay try to devote 10% of this to your introduction.

Ideally, the introduction should;

Identify the subject of the essay and define the key terms. Highlight the major issues which “lie behind” the question. Let the reader know how you will focus your essay by identifying the main themes to be discussed. “Signpost” the essay’s key argument, (and, if possible, how this argument is structured).

Introductions are very important as first impressions count and they can create a h alo effect in the mind of the lecturer grading your essay. If you start off well then you are more likely to be forgiven for the odd mistake later one.

Writing a Conclusion

So many students either forget to write a conclusion or fail to give it the attention it deserves.

If there is a word count for your essay try to devote 10% of this to your conclusion.

Ideally the conclusion should summarize the key themes / arguments of your essay. State the take home message – don’t sit on the fence, instead weigh up the evidence presented in the essay and make a decision which side of the argument has more support.

Also, you might like to suggest what future research may need to be conducted and why (read the discussion section of journal articles for this).

Don”t include new information / arguments (only information discussed in the main body of the essay).

If you are unsure of what to write read the essay question and answer it in one paragraph.

Points that unite or embrace several themes can be used to great effect as part of your conclusion.

The Importance of Flow

Obviously, what you write is important, but how you communicate your ideas / arguments has a significant influence on your overall grade. Most students may have similar information / content in their essays, but the better students communicate this information concisely and articulately.

When you have finished the first draft of your essay you must check if it “flows”. This is an important feature of quality of communication (along with spelling and grammar).

This means that the paragraphs follow a logical order (like the chapters in a novel). Have a global structure with themes arranged in a way that allows for a logical sequence of ideas. You might want to rearrange (cut and paste) paragraphs to a different position in your essay if they don”t appear to fit in with the essay structure.

To improve the flow of your essay make sure the last sentence of one paragraph links to first sentence of the next paragraph. This will help the essay flow and make it easier to read.

Finally, only repeat citations when it is unclear which study / theory you are discussing. Repeating citations unnecessarily disrupts the flow of an essay.

Referencing

The reference section is the list of all the sources cited in the essay (in alphabetical order). It is not a bibliography (a list of the books you used).

In simple terms every time you cite/refer to a name (and date) of a psychologist you need to reference the original source of the information.

If you have been using textbooks this is easy as the references are usually at the back of the book and you can just copy them down. If you have been using websites, then you may have a problem as they might not provide a reference section for you to copy.

References need to be set out APA style :

Author, A. A. (year). Title of work . Location: Publisher.

Journal Articles

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (year). Article title. Journal Title, volume number (issue number), page numbers

A simple way to write your reference section is use Google scholar . Just type the name and date of the psychologist in the search box and click on the “cite” link.

Next, copy and paste the APA reference into the reference section of your essay.

Once again, remember that references need to be in alphabetical order according to surname.

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Best Family Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2023 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

How to Write an Introduction for a Psychology Paper

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

• Writing Tips

If you are writing a psychology paper, it is essential to kick things off with a strong introduction. The introduction to a psychology research paper helps your readers understand why the topic is important and what they need to know before they delve deeper.

Your goal in this section is to introduce the topic to the reader, provide an overview of previous research on the topic, and identify your own hypothesis .

At a Glance

Writing a great introduction can be a great foundation for the rest of your psychology paper. To create a strong intro:

• Research your topic
• Outline your paper
• Introduce your topic
• Summarize the previous research
• Present your hypothesis or main argument

Before You Write an Introduction

There are some important steps you need to take before you even begin writing your introduction. To know what to write, you need to collect important background information and create a detailed plan.

Research Your Topic

Search a journal database, PsychInfo or ERIC, to find articles on your subject. Once you have located an article, look at the reference section to locate other studies cited in the article. As you take notes from these articles, be sure to write down where you found the information.

A simple note detailing the author's name, journal, and date of publication can help you keep track of sources and avoid plagiarism.

Create a Detailed Outline

This is often one of the most boring and onerous steps, so students tend to skip outlining and go straight to writing. Creating an outline might seem tedious, but it can be an enormous time-saver down the road and will make the writing process much easier.

Start by looking over the notes you made during the research process and consider how you want to present all of your ideas and research.

Introduce the Topic

Once you are ready to write your introduction, your first task is to provide a brief description of the research question. What is the experiment or study attempting to demonstrate? What phenomena are you studying? Provide a brief history of your topic and explain how it relates to your current research.

As you are introducing your topic, consider what makes it important. Why should it matter to your reader? The goal of your introduction is not only to let your reader know what your paper is about, but also to justify why it is important for them to learn more.

If your paper tackles a controversial subject and is focused on resolving the issue, it is important to summarize both sides of the controversy in a fair and impartial way. Consider how your paper fits in with the relevant research on the topic.

The introduction of a research paper is designed to grab interest. It should present a compelling look at the research that already exists and explain to readers what questions your own paper will address.

Summarize Previous Research

The second task of your introduction is to provide a well-rounded summary of previous research that is relevant to your topic. So, before you begin to write this summary, it is important to research your topic thoroughly.

Finding appropriate sources amid thousands of journal articles can be a daunting task, but there are several steps you can take to simplify your research. If you have completed the initial steps of researching and keeping detailed notes, writing your introduction will be much easier.

It is essential to give the reader a good overview of the historical context of the issue you are writing about, but do not feel like you must provide an exhaustive review of the subject. Focus on hitting the main points, and try to include the most relevant studies.

You might describe previous research findings and then explain how the current study differs or expands upon earlier research.

Provide Your Hypothesis

Once you have summarized the previous research, explain areas where the research is lacking or potentially flawed. What is missing from previous studies on your topic? What research questions have yet to be answered? Your hypothesis should lead to these questions.

At the end of your introduction, offer your hypothesis and describe what you expected to find in your experiment or study.

The introduction should be relatively brief. You want to give your readers an overview of a topic, explain why you are addressing it, and provide your arguments.

Tips for Writing Your Psychology Paper Intro

• Use 3x5 inch note cards to write down notes and sources.
• Look in professional psychology journals for examples of introductions.
• Remember to cite your sources.
• Maintain a working bibliography with all of the sources you might use in your final paper. This will make it much easier to prepare your reference section later on.
• Use a copy of the APA style manual to ensure that your introduction and references are in proper APA format .

What This Means For You

Before you delve into the main body of your paper, you need to give your readers some background and present your main argument in the introduction of you paper. You can do this by first explaining what your topic is about, summarizing past research, and then providing your thesis.

Armağan A. How to write an introduction section of a scientific article ?  Turk J Urol . 2013;39(Suppl 1):8-9. doi:10.5152/tud.2013.046

Fried T, Foltz C, Lendner M, Vaccaro AR. How to write an effective introduction .  Clin Spine Surg . 2019;32(3):111-112. doi:10.1097/BSD.0000000000000714

Jawaid SA, Jawaid M. How to write introduction and discussion .  Saudi J Anaesth . 2019;13(Suppl 1):S18-S19. doi:10.4103/sja.SJA_584_18

American Psychological Association. Information Recommended for Inclusion in Manuscripts That Report New Data Collections Regardless of Research Design . Published 2020.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

• Educational and developmental psychology

How to Write a Psychology Paper: An Expert Guide

How to Write Brilliant Psychology Essays

• Paul Dickerson - University of Roehampton, UK
• Description

“This book is one I wish I had bought at the start of my Psychology degree.” – Five-star review Essay writing is a key part of the Psychology degree and knowing how to write effective and compelling academic essays is key to success.  Whether it's understanding how to implement feedback you receive on essays, how to stop procrastinating or what makes an effective introduction, this book covers it all. Drawing on insights derived from teaching thousands of students over a 25-year period How to Write Brilliant Psychology Essays provides the keys that will unlock your writing potential.

Ace your Assignment  provide practical tips to help succeed

Exercises  help try the theory out in practice

Take away  points highlight the key learnings from each chapter

Online resources  provide even more help and guidance.

Supplements

Paul Dickerson, Emma McDonald and Christian van Nieuwerburgh discuss  study skills, wellbeing and employability  and explore   how university lecturers and student welfare teams can better  support Psychology students  through their university journey.

Students enjoyed this text - they found it easy to read and the author's dry sense of humour appealed to many. Not just for psychologists!

A really useful guide for students, breaking down the components of what constitutes a good essay and written from a subject-specific view - highly recommend

I have recommended this to my first year tutorial groups as it provides them with everything they need to know about producing an excellent psychology essay.

Preview this book

For instructors.

Please select a format:

Select a Purchasing Option

Order from:.

• VitalSource
• Amazon Kindle
• Google Play

Related Products

How to Write a Psychology Essay

Writing a psychology essay can be daunting, because of the constant changes in understanding and differing perspectives that exist in the field. However, if you follow our tips and guidelines you are guaranteed to produce a first-class, high quality psychology essay.

Types of Psychology essay

Psychology essays can come in a range of formats:

• Compare and contrast.

For example:

• Compare the benefits of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with psychoanalysis on patients with schizophrenia.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of family therapy for children of drug addicts.
• CBT is the most effective form of treatment for those struggling with mental illness. Discuss

Once you understand what is being asked of you, and thus the focus of your essay, you can move on to identifying how to structure your work. In all cases the broad structure is similar – an introduction – body section and conclusion. Furthermore, in all cases, your work, and any statements you make should be made using only verifiable, credible sources that should be referenced clearly at the end of your work. To support you in delivering a premium psychology essay, we have indicated a general structure for you to follow.

Introduction

The most important thing about your introduction is it just that. An introduction. It should be short, captivating and hook your reader into wanting to carry on. A good introduction introduces a few key points about the topic so that the reader knows the subject of your paper and its background.

You should also include a thesis statement which describes your intent and perspective on the matter. The statement comes from first identifying a question you wish to ask, for example, “how does CBT differ from psychoanalysis in treating schizophrenics”. This will then enable you to identify a clear statement such as “CBT is more effective in treating schizophrenics than psychoanalysis”. In effect, a captivating introduction sets out what you will be saying in your essay, clearly, concisely, and objectively.

Body of the Essay

The body of the essay is where you make all your relevant points and undertake a dissection of the central themes of your work in the topic area. Note when undertaking a compare and contrast essay it is a good practice to indicate all the similarities and then the differences to ensure a smooth coherent flow.

For each point you make, use a separate paragraph, and ensure that any statements you make are backed up by credible evidence and properly referenced sources. In an evaluation essay, you should indicate the analysis undertaken to make the judgement you have, again backed by credible sources. Discussive psychology essays require you to state your point and then debate it with pros and cons for each side.

Overall, in the body section, you body text should be focused on providing valuable insights and evaluation of the topic and enable you to demonstrate deductive reasoning (“as a result of x… it can be indicated that”) and evidence based analysis (“although x indicates that y, a suggests an alternative view based on…”). Following a logical flow with one point per paragraph ensures the reader is able to follow your thinking process and eventually draw the same conclusions.

Furthermore, it is important when writing a psychology essay to examine a wide range of sources, that cover both sides of a topic or phenomenon. Without demonstrating a wide-ranging knowledge of the diversity of perspectives, you cannot be objective in evaluating a subject area.

In addition, you should recognise that not all your readers may be familiar with psychological terms or acronyms so these need to be explained briefly and concisely the first time they are used. Furthermore, you should avoid definitive statements, because psychology is constantly evolving so do not use phrases such as “this proves…”, instead use terms such as “this is consistent with work by…” or “this supports x’s view that…”. It is also not appropriate to use the first person (“I”), even when expressing opinions, always use the third person and where possible the past tense.

As with the introduction, the conclusion should hold the reader, and crystallise all the arguments and points made into an overall summation of your views. This summation should be in line with your thesis statement which has to be restated here and leave no room for unanswered questions. Your aim is to reaffirm that the points you have made in your body text sum up and provide a clear answer to the task of the psychology essay – whether this compare and contrast, discussion, or evaluation.

Key Phrases for a Psychology Essay

• Previous work in the area has suggested that…
• However, prior studies did not consider…
• In this paper it is therefore argued that…
• The significance of this view is that…
• In light of this indication, there is a potential that…
• In order to understand x, it is necessary to also recognise that…
• Similarly, it has been suggested that…
• Furthermore, additional evidence from x indicates that…
• Conversely, x suggests that…
• Similarly, the indications from … are that…
• That being said, it is also evident that…

You may also like

How to Write a Psychology Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing a psychology paper is a captivating but challenging task that involves investigating the intricacies of human behavior, cognition, and emotion. Whether you’re a student exploring the concepts or an enthusiast wanting to delve deeper into the complexities of the human mind, this guide from the best experts of our psychology essay writing service will equip you with the essential tools to create a high-quality paper quickly and without missing any important points. However, before taking an in-depth look at the steps of crafting an essay and topics worth writing about in 2024, it’s crucial to understand the basics. So, let’s focus on the fundamentals first!

What Is Psychology Essay? What Are Its Constituent Parts?

A psychology essay is a written exploration and analysis of psychological concepts, theories, or research findings. It delves into the intricacies of the human mind and seeks to understand and communicate insights into behavior, mental processes, and their underlying mechanisms.

Generally, psychology papers follow the standard structure comprised of the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. However, certain types of essays require a more extended structure, which is as follows:

Introduction

The introduction serves as the entry point, employing an engaging hook or thought-provoking statement to captivate the reader’s interest. Within this section, you are expected to:

• Introduce the topic
• Provide contextual background
• Formulate a thesis statement that outlines the primary argument or research question

Sometimes, essays may include an abstract, offering a concise summary of the essay’s main points.

Abstract (optional)

Usually followed by the literature review section, the abstract provides an overview of the topic, the research question (if applicable), the methodology used (if applicable), and the key findings.

Literature Review (if applicable)

This section delves into relevant theories, studies, and existing literature related to the topic, laying the groundwork for the reader’s understanding. It can also highlight gaps in current knowledge or areas the essay aims to explore.

Methodology (required by research-based essays)

The methodology section details how data was collected and analyzed and ensures transparency and reproducibility of the study. This involves a discussion of the following elements:

• Research design
• Participant demographics
• Materials used
• Procedural details

Body Paragraphs

The body of psychology essays typically consists of several paragraphs, each focusing on a particular aspect or supporting argument. Each paragraph should present evidence, data, or psychological theories to substantiate the points made, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

For essays with empirical research, a results section may follow, showcasing the study’s findings.

Results (if applicable)

This section often utilizes tables, graphs, or statistical analyses to present the study’s findings. Note that all should be described objectively without interpretation.

The subsequent discussion section interprets the study’s results in the research question or thesis context, exploring their implications and broader relevance to the field. It also addresses limitations and suggests potential avenues for future research.

The conclusion rounds off the essay, summarizing key points and restating the thesis to reinforce its significance. It may also offer final reflections, practical implications, or recommendations for further research.

The references section lists all sources cited in the essay, adhering to a specific citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) per the guidelines provided.

Appendices (if applicable)

In certain cases, essays may include appendices containing supplementary material such as survey questions or interview transcripts. This section is aimed to enhance the reader’s understanding without disrupting the essay’s flow.

Now that you know the typical psychology essay format, let’s find out how to write a psychology paper that checks all the boxes.

Steps to Writing a Psychology Paper

Here’s the breakdown of the essential steps involved in crafting an essay about psychology:

1. Choose a Relevant Topic

• Pick a topic that aligns with your interests and the assignment requirements.
• Ensure this topic is specific enough for in-depth exploration but broad enough for available research material.

2. Conduct Thorough Research

• Gather information from such reputable sources as peer-reviewed journals, books, and academic databases (e.g., PubMed).
• Take notes on key findings, supporting evidence, and any counterarguments.

3. Develop a Strong Thesis

• Craft a clear and concise thesis statement reflecting your essay’s main point.
• Ensure your thesis is arguable and provides direction for your analysis.

4. Create an Outline

• Organize your ideas into a coherent structure.
• Use headings and subheadings to delineate sections.

5. Write the Introduction

• Start with a compelling introduction that sets the tone for the entire essay.
• Clearly state your thesis and provide a roadmap for what the reader can expect.

6. Compose the Body Paragraphs

• Dedicate each paragraph to a specific point or argument.
• Support your claims with evidence and connect them logically.

7. Craft the Conclusion

• Recapitulate the main points without introducing new information.
• Emphasize the significance of your findings and their implications.

Lastly, reference your work to acknowledge the sources that have informed and supported your essay. Remember, proper referencing not only lends credibility to your arguments but also demonstrates academic integrity by giving due credit to the original authors.

10 Compelling Psychological Topics for Essay

• The Influence of Social Media on Mental Health
• The Psychology of Decision-Making
• The Childhood Trauma Impact on Adult Mental Health
• Gender Differences in Cognitive Abilities
• The Role of Genetics in Personality Development
• The Connection Between Sleep Patterns and Cognitive Functioning
• The Psychological Effects of Long-Term Isolation
• Exploring the Link Between Personality and Job Satisfaction
• The Role of Attachment Styles in Interpersonal Relationships
• Understanding the Psychology of Procrastination and Its Consequences

10 Psychology Essay Questions to Consider

• “How do external factors influence memory recall?”
• “What role does childhood experience play in shaping adult personality?”
• “Can cognitive-behavioral therapy effectively treat anxiety disorders?”
• “How does social media impact body image and self-esteem in adolescents?”
• “What are the cognitive processes behind decision-making in high-stakes situations?”
• “How does childhood trauma affect coping mechanisms in adulthood?”
• “Are there significant cognitive differences between genders, and if so, why?”
• “What is the impact of genetics on the development of mental health disorders?”
• “How do sleep patterns contribute to cognitive performance and emotional well-being?”
• “What are the psychological effects of prolonged isolation on mental health?”

No matter what subject matter you choose to focus on in your essay, ensure it resonates with your interests and allows for in-depth analysis and discussion.

Psychology Paper Outline

Below is a general outline for a psychology paper. Keep in mind that your essay’s specific requirements may vary based on the topic and assignment instructions.

1. Introduction

• Hook/attention grabber.
• Background information on the topic.
• Thesis statement.

2. Literature Review

• Overview of relevant theories or research.
• Key studies or experiments related to the topic.
• Gaps or controversies in the existing literature.

3. Research Methodology

• Explanation of the research design (experimental, correlational, etc.).
• Description of the sample and participants.
• Overview of data collection methods (surveys, experiments, interviews, etc.).
• Ethical considerations.
• 3-5 paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect or argument.
• Presentation of evidence, data, or psychological theories.
• Presentation of key findings.
• Statistical analyses (if applicable).
• Interpretation of results.

6. Discussion

• Summary of the findings.
• Comparison of results to existing literature.
• Implications of the findings.
• Limitations of the study.
• Suggestions for future research.

7. Conclusion

• Recap of the main points.
• Restatement of the thesis.
• Closing thoughts or reflections.

8. References

• Proper citation of all sources used in the essay.

Read also: Homework writing service

Top 6 Tips for A+ Psychology Essay Writing

Here are some helpful tips to help you achieve excellence in your psychology papers:

1. Understand the Assignment

• Comprehend the assignment requirements, including the topic, formatting guidelines, word count, and specific instructions provided by your instructor.
• Write clearly and succinctly with appropriate use of paragraphs.

2. Analyze, Don’t Just Describe

• Move beyond merely summarizing information; critically analyze and interpret the evidence.
• Demonstrate your understanding of psychological concepts and theories by applying them to your arguments.

3. Address Counterarguments

• Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments to strengthen your position.
• Engage in a thoughtful discussion, showcasing a nuanced understanding of the topic.

4. Revise and Edit the Completed Essay

• Review your essay for coherence, clarity, and overall effectiveness.
• Check for grammatical errors, proper citation, and adherence to formatting guidelines.
• Seek feedback from peers, instructors, or writing tutors, and make necessary revisions.

5. Adhere to Citation Guidelines

• Follow the specified citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) consistently throughout your essay.
• Ensure accurate and proper citation of all sources used.

6. Make Sure Your Style Is Professional

• Prioritize the use of the active voice. Only deviate from this rule when the actor is less crucial than the action in specific instances.
• Restrict each paragraph of your essay to introducing only one significant point; refrain from overwhelming your reader with multiple ideas in a single paragraph.
• Avoid using jargon and emphatic language. Terms like “terrible,” “ludicrous,” or “unforgivable” don’t belong in scientific discussions.
• Trim down lengthy sentences; consider breaking them into shorter, more digestible ones.
• Steer clear of clichés, repetitions, and vague generalizations that can dilute the clarity of your message.

And finally—if your essay turns out differently than planned, you get stuck at any step of the way, or you’re pressed for time, consider hiring a subject-matter expert at a professional essay help service . This way, you’ll not only enhance the quality of your psychology paper but also increase your chances of achieving an A+ grade.

Essay Sample

Here’s a good psychology essay example on social media’s impact on adolescent mental health:

In our digitally connected world, social media has become an integral part of the lives of adolescents. From sharing moments of joy to seeking virtual connections, platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook shape the social landscape. However, the question that beckons our exploration is: How does this constant connectivity influence the mental health of adolescents? Social media, a double-edged sword, offers both opportunities for self-expression and risks to psychological well-being. This essay delves into the relationship between social media usage and adolescent mental health, aiming to understand the nuances that define this crucial aspect of their lives.

Adolescence, a period marked by identity formation and social integration, often intertwines with the virtual realm. Social media provides a platform for self-presentation, allowing adolescents to express their thoughts, experiences, and emotions. However, the ongoing quest for validation through likes and comments can become a breeding ground for anxiety and self-esteem issues. Research indicates a correlation between excessive social media use and mental health challenges. The constant comparison with curated online personas can lead to feelings of low self-worth. Moreover, the fear of missing out (FOMO) generated by scrolling through seemingly perfect lives can contribute to heightened stress levels among adolescents. On the positive side, social media can serve as a valuable support system. Online communities allow adolescents to connect with peers who share similar experiences and challenges. This virtual camaraderie fosters a sense of belonging and understanding, mitigating feelings of isolation. However, the dark side emerges when cyberbullying enters the picture. The anonymity afforded by online platforms sometimes encourages individuals to engage in hurtful behaviors. The consequences can be severe, with victims often grappling with depression, anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness.

In conclusion, the impact of social media on adolescent mental health is a complex interplay of positive and negative influences. While these platforms offer a space for self-expression and connection, the potential detrimental effects on self-esteem and mental well-being cannot be ignored. As we navigate the digital age, it is crucial to foster a balanced approach to social media usage among adolescents. Parents, educators, and policymakers play pivotal roles in guiding adolescents toward healthy online habits. Encouraging open communication, promoting digital literacy, and creating awareness about the potential pitfalls of social media can empower adolescents to navigate the virtual landscape with resilience. The journey to understand the intricate relationship between social media and adolescent mental health continues. By fostering a mindful and informed approach, we can harness the positive aspects of such platforms while mitigating the risks, ensuring a healthier and more supportive online environment for the youth of today and tomorrow.

How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay: Essential Guide

Top 10 Project Management Case Studies With Examples (+ Tips on Creating One)

• Teesside University Student & Library Services
• Subject LibGuides
• How to write assignments
• Finding Books
• Finding Journal Articles
• Finding Open Access content
• Finding Websites and Statistics
• Finding Newspapers
• Finding Images
• How to Reference
• Doing a Systematic Review
• Finding your module Reading List
• Teesside Advance Recommended Book Bundles

Help with writing assignments

You can improve your skills at writing assignments for your subject area in a number of ways: 

• Read the guidance or view the online tutorial on this page.  They both go through the TIME model (Targeted, In-depth, Measured, Evidence-based) to explain what's required in academic writing.
• Come along to one of our Succeed@Tees workshops. We run a workshop on academic writing, as well as on other types of writing (including critical writing, reflective writing, report writing).  See the http://tees.libguides.com/workshops  for more information, including a list of dates and times.
• Book a one-to-one tutorial with a learning advisor  at the Learning Hub. We can provide guidance on your structure and writing style.

Guidance on academic writing

Evidence-based.

• Bringing it all together
• Finally ...

• Writing an assignment takes time, more time than you may expect.  Just because you find yourself spending many weeks on an assignment doesn’t mean that you’re approaching it in the wrong way.
• It also takes time to develop the skills to write well, so don’t be discouraged if your early marks aren’t what you’d hoped for.  Use the feedback from your previous assignments to improve.
• Different types of assignments require different styles, so be prepared for the need to continue to develop your skills.

We’ve broken down TIME into 4 key elements of academic writing: Targeted, In-depth, Measured and Evidence-based.

• What is an academic piece of work

Your assignment needs to be targeted .  It should:

• Be focused on the questions and criteria
• Make a decision
• Follow an argument
• How to be targeted
• Academic keywords or clue words

Your assignment needs to be in-depth .  You should consider your questions and criteria thoroughly, thinking about all possible aspects, and including the argument both for and against different viewpoints.

You should:

• Identify topic areas
• Plan your assignment
• Think about your introduction and conclusion
• How to be in-depth
• How to read quickly

An academic writing style is measured. By this, we mean that it’s:

• Emotionally neutral
• Formal – written in the third person and in full sentences
• How to be measured

Your assignment needs to be evidence-based . You should:

• Reference all the ideas in your work
• Paraphrase your evidence
• Apply critical thinking to your evidence
• How to be evidence-based
• How to paraphrase

Once you’ve found all your evidence, and have decided what to say in each section, you need to write it up as paragraphs.  Each paragraph should be on a single topic, making a single point.  A paragraph is usually around a third of a page. 

We find Godwin’s (2014) WEED model very helpful for constructing paragraphs.

W is for What

You should begin your paragraph with the topic or point that you’re making, so that it’s clear to your lecturer.  Everything in the paragraph should fit in with this opening sentence.

E is for Evidence  

The middle of your paragraph should be full of evidence – this is where all your references should be incorporated.  Make sure that your evidence fits in with your topic.

E is for Examples

Sometimes it’s useful to expand on your evidence.  If you’re talking about a case study, the example might be how your point relates to the particular scenario being discussed.

D is for Do

You should conclude your paragraph with the implications of your discussion.  This gives you the opportunity to add your commentary, which is very important in assignments which require you to use critical analysis. 

So, in effect, each paragraph is like a mini-essay, with an introduction, main body and conclusion.

Allow yourself some TIME to proofread your assignment.  You’ll probably want to proofread it several times. 

You should read it through at least once for sense and structure, to see if your paragraphs flow.  Check that your introduction matches the content of your assignment.  You’ll also want to make sure that you’ve been concise in your writing style. 

You’ll then need to read it again to check for grammatical errors, typos and that your references are correct.

It’s best if you can create some distance from your assignment by coming back to it after a few days. It’s also often easier to pick out mistakes if you read your work aloud.

• How to proofread

Online tutorial for writing assignments

We have an online tutorial to support academic writing. Click on the image below or go to Academic writing  to view the tutorial.

Further Reading

• << Previous: How to Reference
• Next: Doing a Systematic Review >>
• Last Updated: Apr 4, 2024 8:42 AM
• URL: https://libguides.tees.ac.uk/psychology

How to Write a Psychological Essay: 6 Tips for Students

Students who study the field of Psychology often write various written works: reports, term papers, and essays. In the article, we tell you how to write an essay on psychology, what its structure is, and what the rules of writing are.

1. What is a psychological essay?

An essay in psychology is a short paper in which the author describes their thoughts and reflections on a given or free topic. This type of essay is written by college and university students, as well as psychologists, for their professional activities. Sometimes, these people think, "Can I find someone to write my essay for me ?" The reason is that they don't know how such papers should be written. But don't worry, as we are going to tell you how to do it right.

An essay on psychology gives students many useful skills:

• Essay helps develop creative skills in students.
• It helps organize the independent work of students.
• An essay on psychology consolidates and expands students' knowledge.
• This type of work teaches students to express their thoughts.
• The psychology essay teaches students to work with additional sources of information.

2. Psychological essay structure

A psychological essay does not have strict writing requirements; however, it is better to adhere to a certain composition:

• Introduction
• Argumentation
• Conclusion.

In the introduction, you need to tell what the paper will be about. You can start from afar or jump straight to the topic of the essay:

"A person, being a part of society, every day becomes a participant in some kind of relationship. For example, in the morning, they have breakfast with their family; at lunch, they are already among their work colleagues; in the evening – in the company of friends, and in the interval, they manage to meet an acquaintance and exchange a few words with them, then ride on the bus and give up their seat to the old lady, etc.

Moreover, with everyone with whom they had any contact, they had a certain "distance." What does distance in a relationship even mean? This is a certain level of communication, namely the closeness of people between each other, while everyone sets this distance themselves, and it depends on how close a person is ready to let another into their life, how much they are ready to open up to them and trust.

Therefore, the people with whom we communicate should not cause any discomfort or inconvenience; if, after all, there are such individuals in our environment, relations with them are regulated by distance. Namely, it goes to the maximum limit." (Essay on the topic: "Distance in relationships between people," introduction).

In the introduction, you need to write down a thesis - what you will prove throughout the paper:

"Therefore, the people with whom we communicate should not cause any discomfort or inconvenience; if, after all, there are such individuals in our environment, relations with them are regulated by distance, namely, it goes to the maximum limit." (Essay on the topic: "Distance in relationships between people," thesis).

Next comes the argument, which consists of evidence of the thesis. These could be examples from life or literary works, quotes from philosophers, or research works by psychologists:

"Well, what should be the distance between people so that people do not feel pain so that suffering does not take over? Because personal inner life can be empty and monotonous, society brings people together, but their flaws can drive them apart. The average measure of distance that they finally find as the only possible way to stay together is politeness and good morals.

In England, they say to someone who does not observe proper measures when approaching, "Keep your distance!" Although under such conditions, the need for mutual warm participation is satisfied only very imperfectly, the pricks of needles are also felt. Those who have a lot of their own inner warmth should better stay away from society so as not to burden themselves or others." (Essay on the topic: "Distance in relationships between people," argumentation).

At the end, there is a conclusion. Here, you need to summarize what was said above, draw conclusions, and show that the thesis has been proven:

"Of course, distance is needed. I think the most important thing is to be able to understand people. After all, from the first words, you can understand whether this is your person or not, and even if it seems that they are yours, you don't need to immediately let them into your life until you are completely convinced whether this person will be worth your suffering later.

There cannot be many loved ones; each person has their own. They are unique in their own way and perhaps even similar to each other. The main thing is to take care of them and show that you value them, and they will respond in kind. I think it's sad to be alone when there are so many people around who can share all the good and bad with you.

And no formal relationship can fill that inner emptiness that pushes us to communicate with people because you can get rid of it only by filling it with the warmth of people and feelings that formal relationships can never give, only if the formality disappears." (Essay on the topic: "Distance in relationships between people," conclusion).

3. Tips on how to write an essay on psychology

When you write an essay on psychology, use our tips:

• 1. Try to keep within the recommended amount. Typically, this is 2-4 pages of printed text.
• Do not jump to other topics; strictly adhere to the topic of the paper.
• Psychology is a science, so support all your opinions and thoughts with examples and quotes.
• 4. Do not overuse unclear scientific terms and abbreviations.
• Do not use other people's thoughts; an essay is an author's work; it should reflect the students' thoughts.
• At the end of your paper, check the text for errors and consistency of presentation.

4. Essay on psychology: example for students

If you don't know how to write an essay on psychology, look at the ready-made example:

4.1 Essay on the topic "E. Fromm "The Art of Loving"

Only after reading Erich Fromm's book "The Art of Loving" did I fully understand its title. At first, it seemed that the author used this phrase more as a pun. But no. The author examined the phenomenon of love so deeply and multifacetedly that it cannot be called anything other than "art."

Perhaps I would think more about the term "science." The science of love... But no. Yet behind this feeling, there is much more emotion and creation. It cannot be calculated, proven, or described according to laws and axioms.

After reading Erich Fromm's book "The Art of Love," I gained a better understanding of what love really is. Fromm's idea views love in its true light. He begins with a few facts about the meaning in which people usually view love.

Two strangers meet, they break personal boundaries between each other, and they feel so close, like one whole. And here, many can say, "Yes, this is true love, genuine, without conditions!" But Fromm writes that this is not true love; this is an infatuation.

The author of the book describes this feeling as "one of the most exciting events in life." Fromm argues that this is an initial craze, and it has a natural tendency to gradually fade away as people get to know each other better and better and understand that not everything is so simple and magical.

Fromm discusses what has disappeared from love in our time. One of the most common and familiar reasons for the distortion of love is the distortion of its perception. For the average person, love is about creating the perfect union, where you find yourself together against the rest of the world. But we must understand that the surrounding reality is not created for us personally, and it is not a computer program.

The art of love requires courage, maturity, self-discovery, and, inevitably, hard work. This book is an excellent starting point for those who want to find genuine answers to how the concept of the Art of Love coincides with the concept of the Art of Living.

At the end of the book, Fromm comes to the conclusion that love is not an emotion or even a feeling; it is a decision, and it is a judgment, a promise. To love means to trust another without expecting any guarantees in return. Love is an act of boundless extreme faith. After reading this book, I feel like I have a better understanding of what true love is.

It seems to me that if more people read this book, they would come to understand that true love is not about being loved but about loving yourself and being in this feeling. Then, it seems to me this world would be much better and more honest.

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Related articles

Start typing and press enter to search, your privacy, privacy overview.

Top 8 Tips How to Write a Psychology Essay Like a Pro

Psychology is a fascinating and complex field that seeks to understand the human mind and behaviour. One of the most common ways to explore and express knowledge of psychology is through writing psychology essays. A psychology essay is a piece of writing that seeks to explore, analyze, and understand a specific topic related to the field of psychology. As a student, you may be required to write an essay about psychology as part of your coursework or research project.

Here are the top 10 tips on how to write a psychology essay like a pro. Check do my essay review and choose a quality assistant in writing your psychology essay

Understand the topic

The first step in writing a psychology essay is to understand the topic. Before you start writing, you need to identify the key concepts of the topic and research and gather information related to it. It is important to have a clear understanding of what you will be writing about, as this will help you to form a clear thesis statement. A thesis statement is a statement that summarizes the main idea of your essay and guides the direction of your research.

Plan and organise your essay

Once you have a clear understanding of the topic, it is time to plan and organise your essay . The best way to do this is to create an outline. An outline is a structured plan for your essay that helps you to organize your thoughts and ideas. It should include the main arguments and supporting evidence for each argument. Additionally, you should determine the structure of your essay, whether it will be in a logical, chronological, or thematic order.

Write a strong introduction

A strong introduction is essential to grab the reader’s attention and provide background information. It should also state the thesis statement. The introduction should be written in a way that engages the reader and makes them want to read more. It should be clear and concise, and it should provide the reader with a general idea of what the essay is about.

Write clear and coherent body paragraphs

The body of your essay should be clear and coherent, using proper grammar and sentence structure. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point and should provide evidence and examples to support it. Transition words and phrases should be used to link the paragraphs and create a logical flow.

Use credible sources

When writing a psychology essay, it is important to use credible sources to support your arguments. Reliable sources include academic journals, books, and articles written by experts in the field. It is important to understand the difference between primary and secondary sources and to use in-text citations and a reference list.

Write a strong conclusion

The conclusion of your essay should summarize the main arguments and restate the thesis statement. It should provide a final thought or suggestion and should leave the reader with something to think about. The conclusion should be written in a way that ties together all the points discussed in the essay and brings the essay to a satisfying close.

Use proper formatting and style

Proper formatting and style are essential to making your essay look professional. You should follow the guidelines for APA, MLA, or other styles. Use 12pt font and double spacing, and include a title page and page numbers.

Proofread and edit

Proofreading and editing are crucial to ensuring that your essay is free of errors and flows smoothly. You should check for spelling and grammar errors and review the structure and organization of your essay. Make sure that the essay flows smoothly and that the arguments are logical and easy to follow.

Zuella Montemayor did her degree in psychology at the University of Toronto. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.  

Related Articles

Icpce 2024 invites global researchers to explore integrative approaches in mental health – hybrid conference, study shows psychological intervention boosts rural teacher well-being, calls grow for intelligence studies in psychology curricula, entrepreneur and budding midwife from coventry university join 100 faces campaign, new rush hall school expands its capacity for student well-being with a third modular building from gcs cabins, top tips to pass your acls certification exam, coventry university phd student wins place on royal college of nursing’s international research conference, top 10 ways nurses can increase their knowledge and expertise, over 26,000 graduates switch to uk care jobs in 2023 visa shift, 24/7 learning boost – how online tutoring platforms benefit high scholars and college students, nurturing young minds: 10 tips and strategies for school psychologists, income inequality heightens test anxiety and lowers student achievement, new study reveals movement’s key role in enhancing learning, new study challenges traditional views on mental effort, study reveals homework management styles impact undergraduate success, measuring the impact of online education: key metrics and analytics, researchers emphasise crucial role of effective classroom management in fostering equitable education, the impact of proper assignment formatting on grades, school absences reach record high as children grapple with transition stressors, how experience and environmental surroundings impacts individuals, teachers in primary and secondary schools use similar yet distinct emotional tactics in discipline, online masters programmes in mental health – a guide for aspiring professionals, how education is paving the way for better public health initiatives, psychreg donates to support the reading programme at prenza national high school in the philippines.

Psychreg is a digital media company and not a clinical company. Our content does not constitute a medical or psychological consultation. See a certified medical or mental health professional for diagnosis.

• Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2014–2034 Psychreg Ltd

• PSYCHREG JOURNAL
• MEET OUR WRITERS
• MEET THE TEAM

• How It Works
• Essay Examples

The Guide to Writing a Psychology Essay

There are different opinions on what type of essay is the hardest one to write. The majority of students agree that the psychology essay is not one of those. However, writing a proper psychology essay demand selecting a good topic, planning, outlining, all the stages of preliminary research and analysis, editing, and proofreading, just like any other type of essay. Besides, this type has some peculiarities of its own. Here, we are going to discuss the similarities and differences between a psychology essay and others. You will find out how to write an excellent psychology essay with minimum effort.

The very first lines of your psychology essay should include ‘a hook.’ Its goal is to make readers read the essay to its end. This is not a persuasive essay, so you don't have to shock anybody with the opening, but it still has to capture attention. To interest your readers in the topic, you are to provide them with some valuable data. You can use any numbers that concern the topic to represent your problem and make your readers eager to find the solution: those who have addictions, those who experience problems with staying focused during their work, those who have family issues influencing their health, etc.

Some students think that planning before starting to write is a simply wasting one’s time. So, they decide to start acting immediately. This, however, has some consequences. It is hard to estimate the time you have to spend on this or that stage of work in the process of writing. Especially, when you have neglected the preliminary work on your topic. You will soon get stuck and may miss your deadline. That is why it is vital to plan everything. Look at your topic. Think of the point of view you are going to analyze it from. If you don't understand something - ask or at least make a list of questions to ask later. Consider the approximate time each stage will take you. You have to be totally prepared and feel like a great commander before the attack.

Unfortunately, a lot of students limit their research to reading Wikipedia and sources like that. It is great for self-education, but such an approach is NOT university level. You should base your research only on credible academic sources. There are psychology databases at university libraries. Check yours. After that, you may turn to ACADEMIC resources on the Internet.

If students spent as much time on creating outlines as they spend on thinking whether they are worth creating at all, they would get straight A’s for their papers. Seriously, a lot of people are curious if it is possible not to write an outline. We have a plan, after all. We know already what we are going to write about and have a clue how to do it. But it is essential for you to see the difference between the plan of your work and the outline of your essay. A good outline is a ready-to-go pattern of your psychology essay. And if you give this pattern to a person who knows nothing about your topic, he or she should get the feeling that they read your essay in short. Each part of the essay has to be indicated on your outline with the key ideas, data, sources, etc. The outline should lead you through the essay logically. And if in the middle of your writing you feel so exhausted that you forget what on earth you were leading to, the outline has to help you out and make you go faster.

As it has been mentioned, the proper outline dwells the time you spend writing a psychology essay to a minimum. But no matter whether you have an outline or not, or if you want the essay to have subheadings or just to be divided into paragraphs, you must stick to the structure. In most cases, a psychology essay includes the following stages.

A paper that starts with anything else but the introduction is hard to find. The introduction is aimed at attracting the reader's attention and states the topic. In other words, as an old saying goes, in this section you will tell readers about what you are going to tell them. You have to underline the relevance of the topic. Besides, mention what new ideas, approaches, and views your essay contains. You may write, for example, that although many neurobiologists today claim that the poses of power don't really increase the level of testosterone. Therefore, there is more to find out about how these poses still work on the psychological level and make a lot of people more confident.

It is now time to narrow down the area of your research to a subject matter. You have to define research question you are going to answer. If your paper is based on quantitative research, there should also be a research hypothesis.

Since researching the literature on the topic is an essential part of essay writing , there is a special section for it. In a literature review, you can't simply enumerate your sources and highlight the main ideas and data that is relevant for your research. Reviewing should be done in the form of critical analysis. This is the only case when you will be able to produce proper references.

Traditionally, the conclusion is a summary of your paper. You tell your readers what you have already mentioned. In addition, you give some final remarks and give a perspective on the further research of the subject matter. The conclusion is often the most cliched section of the essay. However, if you do it right, the readers will be convinced that it has been a credible research worth their time and attention.

Pay attention to the format in the very first stages of your writing. If you have any questions about how to format your paper right, you are better to ask them immediately. After that, you can turn to the Purdue website and other sources helping with formatting in accordance with the most common styles. In case of a psychology essay, there is a great chance that it will be the APA format, but it could also be Harvard or MLA, for example. Mind that it only seems that the content of your essay is more important than its form. It may be more valuable, but an essay is an integral work in which each aspect is graded. If you fail to format your text properly, your grade will be much lower than it could have been.

Different students spend different time on this two aspects. Some don't spend any at all. Handing in the paper which you haven't even reread after writing is a display of total lack of respect to your teacher. Don't be surprised if your grade will get worse because of the abundance of small mistakes and typos. Spell checkers are a great tool but don't trust them blindly. Besides, proofreading is not enough for a psychology essay. You should read each sentence to make sure YOU understand it and OTHERS will be able to do so. A sentence should not be too long or wordy. It can't contain unnecessary terms and excessive cliches.

We have stated above that a psychology essay has both similarities and differences with other essay types. The stages of writing, sections, formats, and grammar requirements are all the same. Which can seem really different to those who are used to writing essays in other areas is that your opinion really matters when it comes to the literature review. As long as you keep it in the boundaries of the research format, you can give some interpretations of the information given in the sources you use.

• Writing a Cause and Effect Essay Outline
• MBA Essay Writing Tips
• History Essay Topics
• How to Create an Essay Outline that Gets You an A+
• How to Write an Exemplification Essay

• Account details

How to Write 16 Mark Essays For AQA A level Psychology

How to write 16 mark essays for aqa a level psychology.

You will hear of numerous different ways to structure AQA A Level psychology 16 marker questions but the most effective tried and tested way will be keeping it nicely split between your theory points (AO1) and evaluation points(AO3) rather than mixing the two together across your paragraphs.

This structure of writing essays for A level AQA psychology has consistently scored students highly, even full marks in their exams.

The reason for this is the examiner is a human being and will be marking your essay as well as hundreds of other student answers and they will appreciate it so much more if you have made your essays explicitly easy to read and differentiate where the marks go as each is capped up to a certain amount.

For 16 marker questions, theory marks are capped at up to 6 marks and evaluation marks are capped at up to 10 marks .

Therefore, the harder you make the examiners work by trying to identify where the AO1 (theory) marks are or where the AO3 (evaluation) is, the less likely it is that you will be scored correctly across both elements up to the correct limit.

So make it nice and easy and the way you do this is write your theory first, and write it to a depth that clearly shows it is up to 6 marks worth of content that is well developed, and also up to 10 marks worth of evaluation points that also have sufficient depth.

Let's look at the theory element first and what information you should be looking to cover.

How do you structure 16 markers for AQA A level psychology?

Firstly, you do NOT need to write any introductions when starting your psychology essays ( or even conclusions in your evaluation at the end) and this is a common way to waste time in this subject. Simply go straight into outlining what the relevant theory states or into the evaluation itself without any filler.

Let's use the example from the A-level Psychology exam in 2023 (Paper 1) which asked two 16 mark questions in a single exam paper (yes you can be asked more than one 16 marker question in a single exam as this paper demonstrates).

The first 16 mark essay question asked this: Discuss research into minority influence (16 marks).

We've covered research into minority influence including consistency, commitment and flexibility here. The AQA specification actually tells you exactly what you need to know for this topic here too and it clearly outlines that the 3 subtopics you are required to know are:

• Consistency
• Flexibility

Therefore your theory element should be focused on outlining these three elements with enough detail to explain what each is with relevant information. Your evaluation would then be about the theory itself and it's strengths and weaknesses. You do not have to offer any conclusion but it is important to outline implications that relate to the theory itself. We'll examine what I mean for this further down when discussing the evaluation side of things but lets focus on theory for now.

The mark scheme for this question itself offers the following tips for examiners when assessing how much to score the theory section:

• Knowledge of factors affecting minority influence including consistency/persistence, commitment (the augmentation principle), flexibility
• Knowledge of other factors, eg confidence
• Synchronic (consistency between members of minority) and/or diachronic consistency (consistency over time)
• Process of conversion/internalisation
• Accept minority influence processes involved in social change, such as the ‘snowball effect’, social cryptoamnesia
• Description of studies of minority influence, eg Moscovici et al (1969), Wood et al (1994), Nemeth and Brilmayar (1987)

The above bullet points as mentioned are from the mark scheme itself and we can interpret the following from this:

• You need to write all 3 elements which are consistency, persistence and commitment.
• You need to show consideration of other factors too related to these 3 elements such as the confidence of the individual too.
• You need to show a good level of depth that explains the process of conversion/internalisation occurs.
• You need to link the theory to how it affects social change through the 'snowball effect' and also how social cryptoamnesia is also a factor.
• You can also bring in relevant studies and describe them too if needed and what they found which will likely be related to the 3 factors consistency, persistence and commitment.

This shows you that to score the full 6 marks for theory (AO1), you will likely need to write a concise paragraph with the above information. I would therefore prepare for my exams by going through all the possible questions that can be asked and creating 16 mark model essay answers for every topic. We talk about all the possible essay questions you can be asked here for paper 1.

A good approach is to download all the past exam papers and their mark schemes to see all the questions that have come up to date and use the mark scheme just as I have shown you above to know what to cover when creating your model example answers.

The way you shape your model answers is therefore by using the guidance from the mark scheme so you know what to include across theory and evaluation.

Use Acronyms To Memorise Your Psychology Essays

Memorising complete 16 mark essays is difficult and will require you to utilise a memory technique known as chunking combined with using acronyms. The way this basically works is you structure the essays in such a way that you are able to form acronyms using the first letter of each paragraph. By remembering the acronym, this should in turn help you remember the rest of that particular paragraph using simply the first letter. It's always important to try and form an acronym that spells either a familiar word or phrase.

Here's an example:

Your remembered acronym might be SUMO-TUBO for a single essay (a strange word right? But easy to remember!)

'SUMO' would be for all the theory element of the essay while 'TUBO' would be for the evaluation .

So your theory element would begin with the letter S and this would begin your paragraph and be for all of your first point. The next section would then begin with U and form the next point you are making followed by M for the third.

This is basically how this technique works but it will only be successful if you do the following:

• Create model 16 mark content first using the mark schemes and resources to cover everything in the spec.
• Structure your created essays in a way that helps form memorable acronyms at the beginning of each main point or paragraph.
• You practice your essays over and over again using this technique and memorising your acronyms for each essay. This part is key and provided you do this well, it usually takes students about 2-3 months (or longer) dependent on how often you practice them.

How long should a 16 mark psychology essay take?

The 16 mark essays are broken down with 6 marks for theory and 10 marks for evaluation.

Assuming we are aiming for an A* grade and to score full marks (which is possible and we should always be aiming for), you want to spend about 5 minutes writing your 6 marks worth of theory (AO1) and another 10 minutes at most writing your 10 marks of evaluation (AO2). I would argue you should not spend longer than this and if you could write them both in less time, e.g. 12-13 minutes total, this would be ideal.

To summarise, this should be approximately about 2 pages worth of writing with the theory element making up just over half the page and the rest being evaluation.

How many evaluation points is a 16 marker psychology?

The question of how many evaluation points you should write for 16 mark psychology essays depends on the breadth (how many different evaluation points you make) and depth (how well you explain each point and its relevance to the theory) of your essays.

Let's start with what we know - We know the evaluation section is worth up to 10 marks.

A straightforward approach that ensures you work towards the higher bands will see you write at least 4 well developed points in your evaluation with the goal of them scoring between 2 to 3 marks each.

If you write more relevant points (breadth) that are less developed and linked back to the theory, you can get away with less depth but if you write less breadth (less points, say for example you write 3, you need to consider writing more depth for each one instead).

So ultimately you have the option of writing between 3-5 points of evaluative commentary dependent how well you explain each and the level of depth you go into.

How long is each psychology A level exam?

How long each exam paper is depends on which paper you are sitting and whether it is AS or A-level. A summary of timings below:

In short, the AS papers are all 1 hour 30 minutes while all the A-level papers are 2 hours.

Get Free Resources For Your School!

Welcome Back.

Don’t have an account? Create Now

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Create a free account.

Already have an account? Login Here

ORDER YOUR PAPER

15% off today

from a verified trusted writer

A Guide On Writing a Psychology Essay

The best way to deal with the "how to write an essay for psychology" question is to actually define a narrow area you would want to delve into and research. It is quite a fascinating paper for those students who major in psychology. Of course, you must carry out research before moving to the paper drafting phase. It is called an "essay," however, there can be some slight differences compared to other types of essays.

The most exciting part is that students who attend courses like abnormal psychology may be asked to write a paper on a scenario they once encountered or one that they can think of and recreate in detail. Often, it's better to try getting a thorough understanding of the essay requirements before diving into writing to avoid going off-point.

Psychology Essay Writing Guidelines

Before you sit to write a psychology essay, make sure you read the requirements and a question set thoroughly and understood what is required of you. If you can answer what's asked and required of you, you can start writing a draft. The easy way to gain the understanding is to identify and mark the keywords (such as evaluate, discuss, etc.) as they will guide and continuously remind you as you are writing.

As a student already studying psychology, you probably have knowledge on the subject, but it is essential to expand it through some journal articles, textbooks, news, the Internet, etc.

An essay on psychology presupposes carrying out substantial research on the topic. You should not just gather the relevant information: your task is to read it, assess it and critically evaluate the material to be able to use it in your essay. If psychology isn't your major, it's okay to consider it difficult enough to write an essay on this discipline. You didn't spend much time studying it, so it's essential for you to lack the understanding of the human mind, consciousness, and the way they work.

Essay On Psychology: Structure Guidelines

Whatever essay type you need to write, a standard or core structure should be used in your writing. It consists of the intro, body, and the final part - a conclusion. Following this structure is an excellent way to write a psychology essay: your reader will have a better understanding of your paper's main ideas and thoughts. In addition, it is an order the audience should follow when going through your writing. A five-paragraph structure is the most popular one, however, in this type of paper, you may have even more sections because everything depends on the number of arguments and points you are ready to provide.

Formatting Your Psychology Essay In APA

There are different styles that a student can choose to format the psychology paper. The format used for this type is called APA and is the one that most students should use.

• Introduction
• Theme 1~ point 1-3
• Theme 2~ point 4-5
• Theme 3~ point 6

If the essay is five pages or more, the APA format requires it to be divided into the following segments:

• The Abstract

The citation should, by all means, follow the set of rules as information that is wrongly referenced may lead to plagiarism and also result in marks lost. The student is to be careful in their writing, and also below are some things to note in APA text citation:

• The title of the source is to be in the capital.
• Use initials for the title in case the author's name is not provided.
• The initials and the name of the author should be capitalized.

If you are not paraphrasing, it is imperative to write the page number in quotes.

If you are not sure about getting this format correctly, do not go for the APA citation generators, as it will be substandard. Instead, it will be advisable to use the BestCustomWriting.com professional writers to check if your work is written accordingly to the required format.

Psychology Essay: Tips On Writing an Introduction

The introduction is the first paragraph of your paper, and its significance is huge. This section lets your readers understand what the paper is about. The task of the writer here is to summarize the background information and help the audience understand the value of the paper.

Remember that the end of your introduction should have a thesis statement - it's often considered the main sentence of the whole paper. It may be two to three sentences that are important to the audience, which will tell the main ideas of your paper.

It could be more meaningful to write the introduction after you finish the body because then you will have your main points clearly written. However, the choice is up to the writer.

Psychology Essay: Tackling Body Paragraphs

Every paragraph should be on a different concept or idea. You begin each by introducing an idea and then explain or develop it with some facts and examples. Remember that if you are actually telling the readers the information they haven't heard before, it shouldn't be your mere opinion but vivid evidence from your research.

The Secret of Crafting a Conclusion For Your Psychology Paper

The ideas and thoughts you mention in the main sections must be summarized in this final part. Note that the thesis statement should be paraphrased and restated to avoid repetition. The conclusion is more or less the same length as the introduction.

Good Psychology Essay Topics

Selecting the winning topic is extremely important because it allows you to maintain proper focus and comply with your professor's instructions. Let's take a look at some interesting ideas for psychology essay topics:

• Can a person suffering from depression take Prozac and avoid side effects?
• How does insomnia negatively affect the mental state of a human being?
• Why do children really need to play?
• Can a person's mental health issues be solved or improved by exercise?
• Is there any correlation between old age and decline in mental health?
• How can stress, which is not dealt with, affect a person's health?
• Explain the Bipolar disorder.
• How is work performance affected by depression?
• How do certain habits begin, and how can they be changed or stopped?
• Effect of violent films on children.
• The impact of abortion on females' mental health.
• What is the best way of assisting children after their parents' divorce?
• Are students having breakfast livelier than those who do not?
• How a minor got molested can have a lasting effect on their subsequent lives.
• Why do good girls fall for bad guys?
• Are stay-at-home mothers able to raise happier and more successful children?
• The psychological issues homeless people have to deal with.
• Effects of postpartum depression on the mother and child.
• The psychology behind long-lasting marriages.
• Obsession with fast foods.

Sometimes, researching a good topic can be even more frustrating than writing a psychology paper itself, especially if you're dealing with a multifaceted discipline like psychology. Students need to decide which psychology branch they would like to focus on, and it's very easy for them to lose their bearings in such a diverse environment. They should invest a lot of time and effort into researching so they don't have any difficulty organizing and structuring information in their research topic. Please, keep in mind that writing a research paper also requires students to do a lot of reading and carry out extensive fieldwork.

Our TOP writers

Master's in Project Management, PMP, Six Sigma

15951 written pages

2660 orders

2580 a+ papers

My Master’s degree and comprehensive writing experience allow me to complete any order fast and hit the nail on the head every time.

MBA, PMP, ITIL

1893 written pages

300 a+ papers

I am experienced writer with an MBA, PMP, ITIL, that consistently delivers unique, quality papers. I take pride in my experience and quickness.

MS in Human Resource Management

2543 written pages

494 a+ papers

I hold a MS degree in Human Resource and my goal is to help students with flawless, unique papers, delivered on time.

RN, MSN, PCN, PHN

1696 written pages

505 a+ papers

As Registered Nurse (RN, PCN), I can quickly deal with any medical paper. My expertise and writing skills are perfect for this job.

915 written pages

128 a+ papers

I have MPA, MHA degrees but, most importantly, experience and skills to provide unique, well-written papers on time.

DNP, BA, APN, PMHNP-BC

1465 written pages

441 a+ papers

I can write about multiple areas and countless topics, as I have a DNP and BA degrees. High-quality writing is my second name.

PhD in American History

3119 written pages

718 a+ papers

A PhD in American history comes handy. Unique papers, any topics, swift delivery — helping with academic writing is my passion.

MA, PsyD, LMFT

22252 written pages

2473 orders

2424 a+ papers

Incredibly fast PsyD writer. Efficient paper writing for college. Hundreds of different tasks finished. Satisfaction guaranteed.

MEd, NCC, LPC, LMFT

1654 written pages

407 a+ papers

Top-ranked writer with tons of experience. Ready to take on any task, and make it unique, as well as objectively good. Always ready!

MSW, LICSWA, DSW-C

27170 written pages

3882 orders

3688 a+ papers

Experienced Social Work expert focused on good writing, total uniqueness, and customer satisfaction. My goal — to help YOU.

• Stats & Feedback

Have your tasks done by our professionals to get the best possible results.

NO Billing information is kept with us. You pay through secure and verified payment systems.

All papers we provide are of the highest quality with a well-researched material, proper format and citation style.

Our 24/7 Support team is available to assist you at any time. You also can communicate with your writer during the whole process.

You are the single owner of the completed order. We DO NOT resell any papers written by our expert

All orders are done from scratch following your instructions. Also, papers are reviewed for plagiarism and grammar mistakes.

You can check the quality of our work by looking at various paper examples in the Samples section on our website.

Never thought such a serious assignment as a term paper can be done in 5 days. Your writers are awesome! I received a relevant term paper and got an A+ for it! You are real professionals!

Hi! This was the first time when I decided to use such kind of company. Actually, I was not sure if you are able to complete this task. I used to perform all my reports by myself. However this time I had no time due to some urgent issues. Well..what can I say. You have exceeded my expectations. Well done! Will definetely continue my cooperation with you and will reccomend you to my friends!

• High School $11.23 page 14 days
• College $12.64 page 14 days
• Undergraduate $13.2 page 14 days
• Graduate $14.08 page 14 days
• PhD $14.59 page 14 days

Free samples of our work

There are different types of essays: narrative, persuasive, compare\contrast, definition and many many others. They are written using a required citation style, where the most common are APA and MLA. We want to share some of the essays samples written on various topics using different citation styles.

• Essay Writing
• Term Paper Writing
• Research Paper Writing
• Coursework Writing
• Case Study Writing
• Article Writing
• Article Critique
• Annotated Bibliography Writing
• Research Proposal
• Thesis Proposal
• Dissertation Writing
• Admission / Application Essay
• Editing and Proofreading
• Multiple Choice Questions
• Group Project
• Lab Report Help
• Statistics Project Help
• Math Problems Help
• Buy Term Paper
• Term Paper Help
• Case Study Help
• Complete Coursework for Me
• Dissertation Editing Services
• Marketing Paper
• Bestcustomwriting.com Coupons
• Edit My Paper
• Hire Essay Writers
• Buy College Essay
• Custom Essay Writing
• Culture Essay
• Argumentative Essay
• Citation Styles
• Cause and Effect Essay
• 5 Paragraph Essay
• Paper Writing Service
• Help Me Write An Essay
• Write My Paper
• Research Paper Help
• Term Papers for Sale
• Write My Research Paper
• Homework Help
• College Papers For Sale
• Write My Thesis
• Coursework Assistance
• Custom Term Paper Writing
• Buy An Article Critique
• College Essay Help
• Paper Writers Online
• Write My Lab Report
• Mathematics Paper
• Write My Essay
• Do My Homework
• Buy a PowerPoint Presentation
• Buy a Thesis Paper
• Buy an Essay
• Comparison Essay
• Buy Discussion Post
• Buy Assignment
• Deductive Essay
• Exploratory Essay
• Literature Essay
• Narrative Essay
• Opinion Essay
• Take My Online Class
• Reflective Essay
• Response Essay
• Custom Papers
• Dissertation Help
• Buy Research Paper
• Criminal Law And Justice Essay
• Political Science Essay
• Pay for Papers
• College Paper Help
• How to Write a College Essay
• High School Writing
• Personal Statement Help
• Book Report
• Report Writing
• Cheap Coursework Help
• Literary Research Paper
• Essay Assistance
• Academic Writing Services
• Coursework Help
• Thesis Papers for Sale
• Coursework Writing Service UK

I have read and agree to the Terms of Use , Money Back Guarantee , Privacy and Cookie Policy of BestCustomWriting.com

Use your opportunity to get a discount!

To get your special discount, write your email below

Best papers and best prices !

Want to get quality paper done on time cheaper?

7 Steps for Writing an Essay Plan

Have you ever started writing an essay then realized you have run out of ideas to talk about?

This can make you feel deflated and you start to hate your essay!

The best way to avoid this mid-essay disaster is to plan ahead: you need to write an Essay Plan!

Essay planning is one of the most important skills I teach my students. When I have one-to-one tutorials with my students, I always send them off with an essay plan and clear goals about what to write.

Essay Planning isn’t as dull as you think. In fact, it really does only take a short amount of time and can make you feel oh so relieved that you know what you’re doing!

Here’s my 7-Step method that I encourage you to use for your next essay:

The 7-Step Guide on How to write an Essay Plan

• Figure out your Essay Topic (5 minutes)
• Gather your Sources and take Quick Notes (20 minutes)
• Brainstorm using a Mind-Map (10 minutes)
• Arrange your Topics (2 minutes)
• Write your topic Sentences (5 minutes)
• Write a No-Pressure Draft in 3 Hours (3 hours)
• Edit your Draft Once every Few Days until Submission (30 minutes)

I’ve been using this 7-Step essay planning strategy since I was in my undergraduate degree. Now, I’ve completed a PhD and written over 20 academic journal articles and dozens of blog posts using this method – and it still works!

Let’s go through my 7 steps for how to write an essay plan.

Prefer to Watch than Read? Here’s our video on writing an Essay Plan.

how to write an essay plan

1. figure out your essay topic. here’s how..

Where did your teacher provide you with your assessment details?

Find it. This is where you begin.

Now, far, far, far too many students end up writing essays that aren’t relevant to the essay question given to you by your teacher. So print out your essay question and any other advice or guidelines provided by your teacher.

Here’s some things that your assessment details page might include:

• The essay question;
• The marking criteria;
• Suggested sources to read;
• Some background information on the topic

The essay question is really important. Once you’ve printed it I want you to do one thing:

Highlight the key phrases in the essay question.

Here’s some essay questions and the key phrases you’d want to highlight:

This strategy helps you to hone in on exactly what you want to talk about. These are the key phrases you’re going to use frequently in your writing and use when you look for sources to cite in your essay!

The other top thing to look at is the marking criteria. Some teachers don’t provide this, but if they do then make sure you pay attention to the marking criteria !

Here’s an example of a marking criteria sheet:

Sample Essay Topic: Is Climate Change the Greatest Moral Challenge of our Generation?

Now, if you have a marking criteria you really need to pay attention to this. You have to make sure you’ve ticked off all the key criteria that you will be marked on. For the example above, your essay is going to have to make sure it:

• Takes a position about whether climate change is a serious challenge for human kind;
• Discusses multiple different people’s views on the topic;
• Explores examples and case studies (‘practical situations’);
• Uses referencing to back up your points.

The reason you need to be really careful to pay attention to this marking criteria is because it is your cheat sheet: it tells you what to talk about!

Step 1 only takes you five minutes and helps you to clearly clarify what you’re going to be talking about! Now your mind is tuned in and you can start doing some preliminary research.

2. Gather your Sources and take Quick Notes. Here’s how.

Now that you know what your focus is, you can start finding some information to discuss. You don’t want to just write things from the top of your head. If you want top marks, you want some deep, detailed and specific pieces of information.

Fortunately, your teacher has probably made this easy for you.

The top source for finding information will be the resources your teacher provided. These resources were hand picked by your teacher because they believed these were the best sources available our there on the topic. Here are the most common resources teachers provide:

• Lecture Slides;
• Assigned Readings.

The lecture slides are one of the best resources for you to access. Lecture slides are usually provided online for you. Download them, save them on your computer, and dig them up when it’s time to write the essay plan.

Find the lecture slides most relevant to your topic. To take the example of our climate change essay, maybe climate change is only discussed in three of the weeks in your course. Those are the three weeks’ lecture slides you want to hone-in on.

Flick through those lecture slides and take quick notes on a piece of paper – what are the most important topics and statistics that are relevant to your essay question?

Now, move on to the assigned readings . Your teacher will have selected some readings for you to do for homework through the semester. They may be eBooks, Textbooks or Journal Articles.

These assigned readings were assigned for a reason: because they have very important information to read ! Scan through them and see if there’s any more points you can add to your list of statistics and key ideas to discuss.

Next, try to find a few more sources using Google Scholar. This is a great resource for finding more academic articles that you can read to find even more details and ideas to add to your essay.

Here’s my notes that I researched for the essay question “Is Climate Change the Greatest Moral Challenge of our Generation?” As you can see, it doesn’t have to be beautiful #Studygram notes! It’s just rough notes to get all the important information down:

Once you’ve read the assigned lecture slides and readings, you should have a good preliminary list of ideas, topics, statistics and even quotes that you can use in step 3.

3. Brainstorm using a Mind-Map. Here’s how.

Do your initial notes look a little disorganized?

That’s okay. The point of Step 2 was to gather information. Now it’s time to start sorting these ideas in your mind.

The best way to organize thoughts is to create a Mind-Map. Here’s how Mind-Maps often look:

For your essay plan Mind-Map, write the essay question in the middle of the page and draw a circle around it.

Then, select the biggest and most important key ideas that you think are worth discussing in the essay. To decide on these, you might want to look back at the notes you took in Step 2.

Each key idea will take up around about 200 – 350 words (1 to 2 sentences).

Here’s a rough guide for how many key ideas you’ll want depending on your essay length:

• 1000-word essay: 3 to 4 key ideas
• 1500-word essay: 5 to 7 key ideas
• 2000-word essay: 6 to 8 key ideas
• 3000-word essay: 9 to 12 key ideas

Once you’ve selected your key ideas you can list them in a circle around the essay question, just like this:

Last, we need to add detail and depth to each key idea. So, draw more lines out from each key ideas and list:

• Two sources that you will cite for each key idea;
• A statistic or example that you will provide for each key idea;
• Any additional interesting facts for each key idea

Here’s how it might look once you’re done:

4. Arrange your Topics. Here’s how.

You’re well and truly on your way to getting your essay down on paper now.

There’s one last thing to do before you start getting words down on the manuscript that you will submit. You need to arrange your topics to decide which to write first, second, third, fourth, and last!

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Start and end with your strongest points;
• Ensure the points logically flow.

To ensure your points logically flow, think about how you’re going to transition from one idea to the next . Does one key point need to be made first so that the other ones make sense?

Do two key points seem to fit next to one another? If so, make sure you list them side-by-side.

Have a play around with the order you want to discuss the ideas until you’re comfortable. Then, list them in order. Here’s my order for my Climate Change essay:

Each of these key ideas is going to turn into a paragraph or two (probably two) in the essay.

5. Write your topic Sentences in just 5 minutes. Here’s how.

All good essays have clear paragraphs that start with a topic sentence . To turn these brainstormed key points into an essay, you need to get that list you wrote in Step 5 and turn each point into a topic sentence for a paragraph.

It’s important that the first sentence of each paragraph clearly states the paragraph’s topic. Your marker is going to want to know exactly what your paragraph is about immediately. You don’t want your marker to wait until the 3 rd , 4 th or 5 th line of a paragraph before they figure out what you’re talking about in the paragraph.

So, you need to state what your key idea is in the first sentence of the paragraph.

Let’s have a go at turning each of our key ideas into a topic sentence:

6. Write a No-Pressure Essay Draft in just 3 Hours. Here’s how.

Okay, now the rubber hits the road. Let’s get writing!

When you write your first draft, don’t put pressure on yourself. Remind yourself that this is the first of several attempts at creating a great essay, so it doesn’t need to be perfect right away. The important thing is that you get words down on paper.

To write the draft, have a go at adding to each of your topic sentences to turn them into full paragraphs. Follow the information you wrote down in your notes and Mind-Map to get some great details down on paper.

Forget about the introduction and conclusion for now. You can write them last.

Let’s have a go at one together. I’m going to choose the paragraph on my key idea “Is climate change caused by humans?”

I’ve already got my first sentence and my brainstormed ideas. Let’s build on them to write a draft paragraph:

• “Most scientists believe climate change is caused by humans. In fact, according to the IPCC, over 98% of climate change scientists accept the scientific data that climate change is caused by humans (IPCC, 2018). This figure is very high, signalling overwhelming expert consensus. This consensus holds that the emission of carbon from burning of fossil fuels in the 20 th Century is trapping heat into the atmosphere. However, a minority of dissenting scientists continue to claim that this carbon build-up is mostly the fault of natural forces such as volcanoes which emit enormous amounts of carbon into the atmosphere (Bier, 2013).”

Your turn – have a go at your own draft paragraphs based on your Mind-Map for your essay topic! If you hit a rut or have some trouble, don’t forget to check out our article on how to write perfect paragraphs .

Once you’ve written all your paragraphs, make sure you write an introduction and conclusion .

Gone over the word count? Check out our article on how to reduce your word count.

7. Edit your Draft Once every Few Days until Submission. Check out this simple approach:

Okay, hopefully after your three hour essay drafting session you’ve got all your words down on paper. Congratulations!

However, we’re not done yet.

The best students finish their drafts early on so they have a good three or four weeks to come back and re-read their draft and edit it every few days.

When coming back to edit your draft , here’s a few things to look out for:

• Make sure all the paragraph and sentence structure makes sense. Feel free to change words around until things sound right. You might find that the first time you edit something it sounds great, but next time you realize it’s not as good as you thought. That’s why we do multiple rounds of edits over the course of a few weeks;
• Check for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors;
• Print out your draft and read it on paper. You notice more mistakes when you read a printed-out version;
• Work on adding any more details and academic sources from online sources like Google Scholar to increase your chance of getting a top grade. Here’s our ultimate guide on finding scholarly sources online – it might be helpful for this step!

Before you go – Here’s the Actionable Essay Plan Tips Summed up for you

Phew! That essay was tough. But with this essay plan, you can get through any essay and do a stellar job! Essay planning is a great way to ensure your essays make sense, have a clear and compelling argument, and don’t go off-topic.

I never write an essay without one.

To sum up, here are the 7 steps to essay planning one more time:

The 7-Step Guide for How to Write an Essay Plan

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

1 thought on “7 Steps for Writing an Essay Plan”

Nice fun and concise approach to essays, thank you

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *