Year
Psychology Research
Extended Essay

Essay Writing

An essay is a formal piece of writing that methodically analyses and evaluates a topic or issue. It is designed to give a reasoned, thoughtful and objective opinion on the issue, and is a formal piece of writing which typically includes an introduction, body and conclusion. A detailed description of an essay structure (provided by the State Library of Victoria) and an example of an excellent psychology essay (provided by the International Baccalaureate) are outlined below, and further information can be found in the links (here):

Introduction

Your introduction should:

  • establish and explain your argument
  • define any complex words in the question
  • give any background information needed for your argument to make sense
  • be one or two paragraphs long.

The best introductions quickly establish the argument and grab the reader's attention. Although all introductions need to follow a similar formula, there are ways to make your introduction a bit different and more interesting. (Ergo, 2016)

 

 

 

Body

There are usually 3–6 paragraphs in the body of an essay, and each paragraph should:

  • present one new idea that adds to your argument
  • start with a topic sentence summarising the main idea for discussion
  • follow with an example and a brief explanation of how the point adds to your argument
  • be connected by a linking sentence describing the relationship between the two paragraphs. (Ergo, 2016)

The first sentence in each paragraph is called a topic sentence. Topic sentences:

  • explain the point you're going to make in the paragraph
  • are clear and concise
  • link back to your argument and introduction
  • build on the points made in the previous paragraphs
  • when read together, summarise your argument.

If you recorded your key points in your essay plan, you've already written your topic sentences. Take your key points, write them in a single sentence and then write a paragraph discussing each one. (Ergo, 2016).

Conclusion

Your conclusion is the last paragraph of your essay and the last thing your reader will read, so it needs to be memorable. A conclusion:

  • links back to the introduction
  • summarises your key points
  • restates your main idea
  • should never contain any new information.

Once you've covered these basic elements, think about the ‘So what?' factor – whether your essay stands out from the crowd. Ask yourself:

Why should anyone care about what I've written in this essay? 

How do my ideas add to what we know about the topic?

If you can answer these questions, you're on your way to a great essay. (Ergo, 2016)

Introduction - Example

Autism is a common disorder affecting 1 child in every 166 (Centres for disease control and prevention (CDC), 2006). According to the American Psychiatric association, it is defined by impairment in social interaction and communication skills, as well as an occurrence of repetitive behaviour (APA, 2000). A child diagnosed with autism can debatably obtain normal functioning through measures of therapy, and thus recover from the disorder. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a widely known treatment for autism. The goal of ABA intervention is to enable an autistic child to best function independently and successfully in various environments (Green, Taylor, Luce, & Krantz, 2005). ABA is most successful in combination with early intervention. At a younger age, the brain is at a more adaptable state. According to research, ABA in unison with early intervention allows, in most cases, for a decrease in the severity of autistic characteristics. The extent to which Applied Behaviour Analysis is effective in treating autism is discussed.

Body - First Paragraph Example

Autism is classified as a pervasive development disorder(PDD) due to three common features that appear during early stages of life. These three characteristics are “impaired reciprocal social interaction, impaired communication skills, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests and activities” (Berkell, 1999, p.7). The diagnostic features of autism are best described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-IV-TR. At least six of the criteria must be present for the diagnosis of autism. Of these six, additional requirements exist in each area. Impairment in social interaction is one key feature of autism. This can be marked by abnormal nonverbal behaviours, such as eye contact, facial expression, and body gesture or postures. Failure to develop appropriate peer relationships for age and development, and lack of spontaneous sharing of interests or achievements are two additional examples that demonstrate impaired social interaction. Furthermore, a lack of “social or emotional reciprocity” mark this impairment (APA, 2000, p.70). A child must have at least two of these social criterions in order to be considered autistic (APA, 2000).

 

 

Conclusion - Example

Applied Behaviour Analysis appears to be a therapy that works well with the diagnosis of autism. Awareness of case studies, along with personal success stories, can give hope to parents and doctors. Although ABA should never be viewed as a cure, it can help to alleviate characteristics of autism. Therapists and parents must be dedicated to the case at hand, and if so, some improvement can be made. ABA is a recommendable therapy because of the chance of recovery, which is every parent’s dream.

 

 

 

 

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