How to write an essay

Analyse your title

Identify the key things you are being asked.

Is it your view or someone else's that is important?

What is NOT being asked? Write down key questions.

Which church? Which situation? Key question is how? What are

my options? Bible study? Preaching? Inform my ethos?

Park your side questions

Would I use the book of Job at all?

Did Job deserve it?

I don't like the book of Job.

The sources of Job and the literary structure are really interesting....Hmm I wonder about....

Reflecting on your home Church or placement Church how would you use the Book of Job to explain aparticular situation of undeserved suffering.

Read the marker's mind (and check the learning outcomes!)

What do they want me to prove I can do? Reflect critically not go for

the first answer. Be aware of my context

and pastoral needs Back my answer up with

academic knowledge.

How to read a book.

Focus on the Question and your key points.

Contents/index Skim read Commentary intro and text

section Make notes and gather a few

key quotes.

Form an essay plan (write it down?)

List or mind map. Introduction (write it last) Set up Argument(s)

Each paragraph should make a point moving you towards the:

Conclusion

Writing an Introduction.

Map of your essay. In this essay I will

demonstrate/reflect on/identify/examine etc (refer to question)

By doing x, y and z. I will show that/conclude

that

The 'set up'

Define your terms if needed. Say what you are NOT going to

do and why if needed.

Intro: This essay will reflect on the ways in which the Book of Job may be used to explain a situation of undeserved suffering. Having summarised the Book of Job's theology of undeserved suffering and reflecting upon it, I will discuss the merits and dangers of using the text directly in preaching, on a pastoral visit, in bible study and in informing my own attitudes and actions. I will argue that the latter is the best approach when engaging pastorally with this book, and will reject as not pastorally beneficial for addressing particular pastoral situations, the other approaches considered.

The set up: To provide focus to this subject I will reflect on my placement church of St Llanllanllan's since this is where most of my practical experience is gathered, and on a situation I met there recently (names have been changed).

The arguments

Part 1. Paragraph(s) on

The theology of Job on undeserved suffering.

− Any relevance the context (exile?) may have to this understanding

− Summary and critique/reflection – is this a good theology or not? What lessons can be learnt?

Part 2 Para on placement church

for context Para on situation (careful to

protect anonymity (or make a case study up and say that you have done so)).

Arguments

Part 3 Paragraph on how you

might use Job (1) Pros Cons Decide – good this this

situation? Or not. Paragraph on how you

might use Job (2) Pros Cons

− Etc etc

Part 4. Reflective decisions –

which is the best approach for you in your context and what have you learnt?

Conclusion

Like the Introduction in reverse.

Say what you have done, and what this showed/concluded/suggested.

So, as we have seen....

A worked example – how (not?) to do it.

Expound Hebrews’ understanding of the person and work of Christ. Consider how the O.T. is used, and the pastoral implications of this

theology.

Expound Hebrews’ understanding of the person and work of Christ. Consider how the O.T. is used, and the pastoral implications of this theology.

Key q's?

Who wrote Hebrews? When and why did they write it? Who did they write to and what was going on for

them? What did THEY think about Jesus? What does it

say and NOT say? What is assumed? How do they use the OT? What are the pastoral implications?

Park it.

How come Hebrews is in the Bible anyway?

Who's this Melchizedek chappie? (note I don't park it in the essay)

That bit's a bit harsh!

Who do I think Jesus is?

Maybe Hebrews builds on John's gospel

A much better pastoral theology would be...

My favourite bit of the bible is Corinthians 13

Essay plan

Introduction

Jesus in Hebrews section

Paras on – deity, pre-existence, revelation, humanity, priesthood (inc work), messiahship.

Hebrews context section

Paras on – OT use (link from priesthood) background, context, purpose,Pastoral Implications

Conclusion

Critique

Good introduction.

Good structured first page.

Terrible referencing.

Second page chases after random interesting thoughts – why is Paul discussed so much? Too much Melchizedek. It is not answering the question.A collection of random thoughts at the end.

Does the conclusion actually answer the question?

Compare with the essay on Amos!

Engaging with the academic community

Level 4 essay writing is journalism. Your opinion may or may not matter – read the QUESTION carefully. You don't have to be the source of all knowledge – it is good to base

your views on others who know more. You need to show how you can find out information and evaluate and

apply it. Hidden in the questions is “What does the academic community have

to say about this topic?”.

Referencing (all references here are made up!)

When you make a point that you have got from your reading, reference it:

E.g. The Book of Common prayer shapes Anglican identity (Collins 2004 p87)

When you take on a scholar's point, give her/him the credit:

e.g. Collins (2004 p86) suggests that the BCP 1662 still shapes Anglican worship today.

Can I quote you on that?

Illustrate key points with quotes: Collins identifies the links between the BCP

and the Roman mass saying 'Cranmer was not only reacting against what was wrong in the mass, but also keeping what was right' (Collins 2004 p88) (Single quotes unless quoting within a quote or reporting speech.)

Scholar fight! Collins (2004 p56) argues that Cranmer

wanted to keep close to the mass but Herbert (2005 p27) argues against this. He cites the number of strongly different features of the BCP text, particularly... On balance I support Herbert's view as better accounting for the features of the text.

Do's and don't Do Quote and reference

Critique gently “Collins seems not to account for....and Herbert's account does.”

Make claims you can back up. “I think x because y”

Respect the Hebrew Scriptures and the context they were written for. They speak to us THROUGH that context.

Use inclusive language “it might occur to a scholar that (s)he may instead consider...”

Quote peer-reviewed articles or books from good publishers – SCM, SPCK, University Presses, books on the reading list etc

Don't Plagiarise

Criticise or judge “Collins is an idiot who wouldn't know Christianity if it bit him on the....”

Claim strongly what you have not argued for or backed up. “As everyone knows, Cranmer wrote the BCP while drunk.

Read the NT back into the OT, except in reflective passages. e.g. “Christians might say....”

Make sweeping generalisations “One things Jews never understand about God is....”

Quote random wacky internet stuff.(Wikipedia can still be good for helping with concepts and terms).

10 commandments of essay writing

Answer the Question Answer the Question Answer the Question Answer the Question

Don't throw everything you know vaguely connected with the subject at it. Answer the Question Answer the Question Answer the Question Reference your work

Proof read your work. (To make sure you answered the question!)

Boundaries

For a 1st

The work examined is excellent with evidence of comprehensive knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. There is also evidence of an excellent standard showing that all the learning outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that Level are satisfied.

For a 2.1

The work examined is good with evidence of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. There is also evidence of a good standard showing that all the learning outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to the Level are satisfied.

For a 3rd

The work examined is acceptable but provides barely sufficient evidence of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. There is also acceptable but barely sufficient evidence showing that all the learning outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that Level are satisfied.

For a 2.2

The work examined is sound but provides limited evidence of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. There is also sound but limited evidence showing that all the learning outcomes and responsibilities to that Level are satisfied.

Marking an essay

Handbook (on the Exploring Faith Website – click Resources for Current Students on left and select Handbook) contains more guidance

You will be given a mark out of 100. 70+ is a first 60+ a 2.i and 50+ a 2.ii 40+ is a third (and a pass!)

Your turn

For a question you have NOT yet attempted. Write down the key issues

and interesting side issues (to avoid!)

Identify questions to ask the literature

If you have enough information, go on to sketch out the structure of the essay as a mind map or list.

Doing Theology outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

● outline a variety of ways in which theological study is modelled and practised

● identify ways in which the Church’s creedal statements and liturgical tradition can inform the study of theology

● explain the relationship of scripture, tradition, reason and experience in the study of Christian theology

● describe processes that underpin theological reflection

● reflect on ways in which their own faith story and current experience can be related to theological study.

Doing Theology - Assignments

Who should be doing theology today and who should they be doing it for?

You should show awareness of:

The different contexts in which theology is practised.

Ordinary and academic theology

Contextual theology

1b In 750 words, address the question

How does the verse of the hymn below present the person and work of Jesus?

My Saviour the good Shepherd is,

He’ll never leave the flock.

The One Who truly loves the sheep,

Became the Lamb of God.

Despised, afflicted in my stead,

He spent His soul for me.

And to the slaughter He was led,

That I not thirsty be.

You should consider:

The images from the Bible that the hymn uses

Ideas about Jesus from the theological tradition

Whether or not this verse reflects your own understanding of the person and work of Jesus and why.

In 1,500 words address the question

How do scripture, tradition, reason and experience inform Christian Theology?

What is the nature and significance of each of these sources and how do they relate to each other?

It is a Sunday morning in your Parish. On the previous Friday, a major earthquake struck the Philippines. Thousands were killed, many of them poor people living in substandard accommodation. Among those who are badly injured are two young missionary workers sponsored by your parish. Several church members regarded them as close friends.

In 1500 words address the question:

How might the Sunday Service help people come to terms with this tragic event?

You should consider.

The sort of questions that people may be asking

The feelings that they may have

The possible responses and reflections offered by scripture and the theological tradition

Possible ways of responding to the event.

You should also consider this question from the perspective of the role you play within your church

or the role that you are exploring/training for. So, for example, if you are training to preach, then you

would give particular consideration to the possible messages of the sermon. If you are involved in

church music, or leading intercessions, give a focus to these parts of the service. If you are a member

of the pastoral team, you can also give consideration to pastoral responses that might be needed

beyond the service itself.