Need HELP for an essay question- Egalitarianism?

Question

I need to produce an ESSAY PLAN first and this is the essay question:

Egalitarianism is generally considered a founding principle of Australian national identity. To what extent does this accurately reflect Australian society today?

(1)This plan should indicate the structure of the essay
(Introduction, body, conclusion)

(2)Include the major ideas that will be writing about in the essay

Can anyone explain what should I do or prepare for this essay question?
My tutor really didn’t explain much at class!
Any ideas of Egalitarianism?

Answer 1

Ok... some advise. Your introduction should include a summary of your argument(s) - Notions of egalitarianism do / do not accurately reflect Australian society today / ever (leave room for nuance as I doubt this is a yes/no kind of answer).

The first paragraph (if not the whole first half of your essay) should analyse and define what exactly egalitarianism is. There are many definitions of egalitarianism, what definition will you use? Also, you should provide a brief literature review - a who says what about Australian egalitarianism. You will need to justify what your definition of what egalitarianism is through this literature review. All of the above applies to other terms you will be using (for example 'Australian identity').

The body of your essay is your argument. Make your argument logical. Each argument should have its own paragraph, and each paragraph should 'flow'. Use evidence - if this is a history essay, primary sources are a must. Try and include at least 3 primary sources for a 1000 word essay, and at least 10 secondary sources (more as the word limit rises).

Reference. From your use of the word tutor, this is a University essay, not a high school essay. You need to reference properly, and you need to use the correct referencing system for your faculty / school. If you can't ask your tutor, have a look at your faculty / school / library website.

Conclusion. This should be a summary of your findings. For example, "Egalitarianism is held up as a major feature of Australian society, however, historically Australia's treatment of indigenous Australians and non-European immigrants... etc. etc."

General advice. Use your universities electronic journals. These are invaluable sources of information.

Answer 2

The essay plan is the structure -- like a road-map of where you want to go with the essay.

Any essay of this type is either exploring a topic or trying to prove a point. For exploring the topic, you start with a broad overview and definition, hit 3 to 5 (or more, depending on length) major sub-topics, then wrap it up.

For trying to prove a point, you come up with your thesis statement -- what you are going to try and prove (that's your intro) -- then two or three major areas that support your argument, then one or two major opposing viewpoints that you explain (showing why they don't contradict your thesis), then your summary at the end.

Research your topic -- then decide (or check the assignment) if you want to do an exploration or thesis-proof. Then, as you do more research, find major areas or arguments that you can address in the middle chunks. You may need to change your essay structure a couple times as you find what information is available. Then start putting it together.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Egalitarian?

Tell that to the aborigines.