Political science essays deal with complex issues affecting us all: poverty, wars, politics, environment, inequality, democracy, and others. It basically serves as an analysis, wherein a student analyzes and dissects a particular issue or a conflict.


How to Write a Political Science Essay

Political science essays, like all other categories of essays follow a basic structure:

1.    Choosing a topic

This answers the what, who and how of the essay. Who are you addressing (the purpose of the essay)? What are you saying (the content and the structure)? How do you plan on going about it (style of the essay)?

2.    Doing the preliminary research

The depth of research you conduct determines the success of your essay. Keep it concise, relevant, and updated. Likewise, credible sources give an essay more weightage than unreliable ones.

The popular online political science research repositories can be found easily with some Internet browsing.

3.    Planning the Argument

Writing is like jumping into the deep end of the ocean; you would not attempt it unless you have a backup plan chalked out. Similarly, jumping right in a writing assignment is not recommended unless a well-planned outline is prepared. Planning is the most important stage of the process, and will make all the difference in the end result.


4.    Introduction of the essay

This is the implementation stage – where your plans are put to action. Who is your reader? Why should anyone be interested in reading your article? What do you hope to address?

5.    Writing Style

It goes without saying that the rules of grammar, punctuation, tone, correct spellings, avoiding slang (including wasn’t,” “didn’t,” “aren’t,” etc), academic jargon, and the like are the areas you need to focus on if you want to write well. Avoid wordiness – keep it crisp, keep it clear, and keep it direct.


6.    Avoiding Bias and Using Only Acceptable Academic Terminology

Language conveys stereotype, so avoid using discriminatory,  prejudiced and racial speech. For instance, “African American” instead of “black” or “negro,” “homosexual” instead of “gay” “she or he” instead of “him” or “man” (be gender neutral), or “people” instead of “mankind” or “man.” Similarly, replace “chairman” with “chairperson,” policeman” with “police officer,” stewardess” with “flight attendant” and so on.

7.    Supporting material

Give your writing credibility by citing relevant sources. This is also of utmost importance in maintaining academic honesty (plagiarism is a crime!). Every book, article, journal, or any other reference material consulted must be appropriately acknowledged and correctly referenced. Additionally, you must be aware of the various citation styles (APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, etc.).


8.    Notes and bibliography

Additional notes that are not required to make the body can be given some “page space” at the end of the essay. The bibliography would arrange alphabetically the list of sources used or cited in the article.

Why Write?

Quite simply: Because your professional life depends on it! College essay preparation allows you to hone those research and writing skills to perform an in-depth analysis of any topic and give life to your thoughts in the form of engaging words. Furthermore, essay preparation enables you to analyze critically, and reach conclusions that would have otherwise been difficult, had you not had the necessary training.

There is no such thing as a “naturally gifted writer.” Good writing is a skill, and like all skills, it requires dexterity and months, if not years of practice. But it is possible! The greats in writing did not achieve fame overnight – never-ending lectures, burnt books, endless editing ensued before they made their mark.

We, at Oxbridge-Researchers will be happy to assist you with all your writing needs – Drop us a line if you would like more information pertaining to a specific writing or research area, helpful pointers or if you would rather we do the hard work for you (and guarantee a great grade!).