Essay writing
Component Definition
A. Introduction The ‘this is what I will do’
part of the essay.
1. Context The general setting for the
specific discussion of your
essay.
(optional- narrative hook) The sentence that really
grabs the reader’s interest.
2. Issue The question your essay
will answer.
3. Thesis The answer to your issue.
4. Strategy An outline of the way you
will support your thesis.
B. Body The part where you actually
do what you said you’d do.
A (non philosophical) Example /notes
 Keep this to one paragraph
 Consider writing it last. (put it first of course)
 The best context for IB phil essays is the relevant theme or text.
E.g. In modern society, success depends on getting an early start.
Deciding what subject to study at university before one actually
attends is very important.
E.g. Perhaps all education between Kindergarten and University is a
waste of time and money.
 If the exam gives you a question, BE SURE TO USE IT
EXACTLY AS IT IS GIVEN
 If the exam does not provide a question, make a question out of
the statement.
E.g. What is the best way for a person to choose which subject to study
at university?
 It’s not a bad idea to preface you thesis with ‘in this essay I
will argue:’
People should study whatever subject they were best at in
Kindergarten.
 Keep it short!!!
E.g. The argument Parents make, based on the fact that they are paying
tuition fees, will be considered, but ultimately dismissed. Instead, I
will show that success in Kindergarten is the best indicator of future
success due to the inability of young children to entertain complex
ideas such as guilt.
 Give the reader lots of help by telling them what you’re doing
in each paragraph, and using original examples
 Consider using 3-4 paragraphs
 1. Relevant Knowledge An accurate and detailed
summary of the related
issues, concepts, arguments,
and themes you learned as a
result of studying
philosophy.
2. Analysis A breakdown, identification
and evaluation (in terms of
conceptual clarity, truth and
validity) of the elements of
the knowledge in your
essay.
3. Argument A logical arrangement of
true premises leading to a
justified conclusion (your
thesis).
 This is the part you learn from reading the text(s)
 You can use review concepts by looking at the Encyclopedia of
Phil, issues and themes by looking at the syllabus, arguments
by reviewing your notes.
 The names of philosophers is helpful but not as important as
you might think
E.g. Parents have a complex argument to support the position that you
should study what they want you to. You owe them something. After
all, they brought you into the world. They suffered and denied
themselves the life they wanted just to give you what they didn’t have.
You were always an ungrateful little beast. And look how your Uncle
ended up - he didn’t listen to his parents and now he’s in jail!!
 Be fair (even charitable), but don’t be afraid to be clear
E.g. The ‘Parent’ argument fails on a number of fronts. First, the
conclusion that you owe them something is not justified by the fact
that they brought you into the world. You never asked them to do this,
so you owe them nothing in return. The claim that they suffered
because of you is false. In fact you bring them joy daily. You know of
nothing they have denied themselves. The fact that you are an
ungrateful beast is true but irrelevant. This is an ad hominem fallacy.
And finally, your uncle’s imprisonment was not caused by not
listening to his parents. He clearly would have ended up in jail no
matter what.
E.g. It has been shown that people should not listen to their parents
when trying to decide what to study in university. Rather, people
should study whatever they were best at in Kindergarten. The reason
for this is that five-year-olds have no idea why they do things. Unable
to form complex ideas such as guilt, time, space, or causation, their
motives are entirely pure. They just do what makes them happy. For

a. objection An analysis of your
argument emphasizing
possible weak points.
b. reply A response in which the
weak points are shown not
to be weak at all.
C. Conclusion The ‘this is what I did’ part.
a. summary Restatement of: issue,
thesis, main points from
knowledge and analysis,
and argument.
b. implications An extension of your thesis
to areas not covered in your
essay.
a. Analysis (of knowledge)
b. Argument
i. Objections
ii. Replies
3. Conclusion
a. Summary
example, in Kindergarten I had no idea what was going on, but I
remember having fun pretty much all the time.
 Make the objection precise and based on an accurate account
of the argument
E.g. While it may be true that Kindergarten kids cannot form complex
ideas, this is not a good reason on which to base a decision about
university, where the ability to form complex ideas is vital.
 Respond directly to the objection
E.g. It may not be a great reason, but it’s better than giving in to guilt.
 Be brief and to the point
E.g. In this essay I showed why the Parent argument, based on guilt, is
unjustified in its conclusion. As well, I demonstrated that it is
performance in Kindergarten, when kids act on pure motives, that is
the best indicator of what they should study in university.
 This can include a range of things, such as extensions to other
aspects of philosophy, other subjects, or even just questions.
E.g. So, if the best way to decide what to study at University is to look
at performance in Kindergarten, does that mean that Kindergarten
teachers should be paid more?
b. Implications
Exam question:

A. Introduction

a. Context / narrative hook

b. Issue

c. Thesis

d. Strategy

B. Body
a. Knowledge
b. Analysis (of knowledge)
c. Argument
i. Objections
ii. Replies

C. Conclusion
a. Summary
b. Implications