How to Write Better Essays

Learning to Analyse 25

A simple technique

In fact, looking at the way Semmelweis set about analysing the problem

is very useful in learning how to do it ourselves. Most of us can do

this just as well: we have the abilities, if only we can develop the skills

to use them. What follows is a simple technique that you can learn

quickly. But first:

Consider the question below and complete the exercise that follows

‘Advertisers seek only to ensure consumers make informed choices.’

Discuss.

Practice exercise 2

Interpreting the question

Do what you did with the previous practice exercise and underline what

you consider to be the key words. Then write a statement about the

meaning and implications of the question.

Most students underline words like ‘informed’ and ‘choices’. Some

underline ‘consumers’, even ‘advertisers’. But only those who feel con-

fident about their analytical skills underline the word ‘only’. Yet it not

only alerts the reader to the suspicion that this may be a question

largely about concepts, it also reveals the structure of the question.

Without it the statement is much weaker and the questions that are

raised are much less contentious. The claim that advertisers try to

inform the public is one that most of us would concede, albeit with

certain reservations. But to claim that this is allthey do is far more

contentious and throws light on what we mean by the concept of

‘advertisement’. Without it we might have been willing to accept the

concept as if it raised no particular problem. Of course, it still might

raise no particular problem, but you have to be sure.

In the next chapter

Given this, then, we have to work our way deliberately through three

simple steps to analyse the concept. Once you’ve done this a few times

HTW3 7/26/01 8:45 PM Page 25