Skip to main content
- applied essay
- An essay type, where students apply theories and concepts taught in the course to a specific case (e.g. a feature film or government policy recommendation) in order to demonstrate their understanding. This skills-focused assessment enhances student employability by encouraging the application of theory beyond the classroom, as well as developing discipline specific skills in policy that many employers are seeking.
[see also: essay; Applied writing]
View examples
- essay
- A piece of writing on a set topic. Essays are typically submitted (e.g. through Turnitin) and marked by course staff.
The academic essay evaluates students’ ability to present their thoughts in an organised way. Academic essays usually includes a coherent structure of an introduction, body and conclusion. Essays typically require students to discuss a set topic with reference to the academic literature (which is cited in the essay and referenced in a bibliography/references cited list at the end of the essay).
Essays assist students’ to improve their writing skills, whilst demonstrating their knowledge.
A common type of academic essay is the argumentative paper which requires the author to take a position on the topic and supporting that position with evidence/reasons why that position is valid. Reflective, reflexive, descriptive and creative essays are other types of academic essays that are less formal in their presentation requirements, and are aimed at encouraging the expression of a student’s personal insight and interaction with a topic.
View examples
- essay preparation task
- Essay preparation tasks are scaffolded with an essay assessment. They require students to prepare ahead of time for their major essay assessment. Examples include creating an argument map; a library ‘scavenger hunt’; an essay plan; or an annotated bibliography.
Essay preparation tasks prevent students from leaving their essay to the last minute, and thus prevent some of the pressure that could leads to instances of academic misconduct.
Essay preparation tasks also allows staff to provide early feedback and identify the need for intervention for students at risk.
These tasks are well suited to all first year (gateway) courses as it eases first year transition, builds academic literacies, and inducts students into discipline specific research cultures and conventions.
View examples
