Criminology, Law & Society Writing Guide

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• Writing Academic Papers
• The Kinds of Papers You Will Write in Criminology, Law, & Society
• In-Class Writing
  • » An Example of a Short Answer
  • » An Example of a Longer Essay
• What Your Professors Say
• Grading Rubrics
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Longer In-Class Essays

Longer essay questions typically require students to respond to a question (or questions) aimed at measuring their grasp of course facts, theories and themes. In general, instructors can discern how well the student knows the material based on whether he or she can respond to the question by drawing on class readings and lectures. Those students who can provide their own analysis (or independent thinking) of course materials receive higher grades than students who merely regurgitate the material as presented by the instructor or readings. Such exams often require the student to balance a discussion of facts, theories, examples, and analysis.

The first step in writing an in-class essay is to determine exactly what the question asks you to do. There are various keywords that are commonly used by professors in essay exams. Understanding what these keywords mean is a necessary step in decoding the question. If you are asked to define a concept or theory, you are supposed tell what the theory or concept is and is not. Criminology, Law & Society professors often will ask you to compare and contrast two theories, concepts, or authors' main points. To compare involves highlighting the similarities and differences of each subject, and then providing some details of the variations between each subject. Contrast is similar to comparison, but the emphasis is on the differences or disagreement between subjects. When asked to provide an argument for or against a particular theory or policy be sure to include arguments on both sides of the issue, and then clearly highlight the argument you are making in your essay.

To explain something involves the "how" and "why" of it. You should try to make clear the reasons for, or basic principles of something. If you are asked to evaluate or assess something, you are required to provide your judgment on its accuracy or usefulness. This might involve judgment on a concept or theory's accuracy in relation to actual events. In providing your judgment, take care not to just express your feelings alone. Instead, state how you feel about the subject based on your informed use of course concepts and theories.