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How to write an essay in archaeology
Preparing your essay听
The essay title should provide the starting point for essay鈥檚 internal structure. Often an essay title contains more than one question, so make sure that you鈥檝e responded to each element of the question. 听Try to avoid the temptation of changing the essay question so as to avoid inadvertently answering the wrong question.听
You should include clear听鈥榮ignposts鈥� in your听Introduction as to the structure and content of your essay.听Each paragraph should deal with a specific and coherent theme that you have already anticipated in your Introduction.听Avoid overly short, and overly long paragraphs!
Paragraphs should not be a collection of bullet points but rather consist of a coherent argument or set of arguments (main point, supporting evidence, discussion).Your essay should end with a Conclusion which sums up your points and ideally offers insights into future avenues of enquiry.
Description and Critical Analysis
Try to illustrate your arguments with reference to specific听archaeological examples听and听case-studies, and published sources (using the Harvard citation system). Aim to achieve a good balance between theories, data and analysis. When you are describing different points of view, or one of many hypotheses on an issue, make it clear that you're dealing with a hypothesis听or individual scholarly point of view听rather than established fact; avoid over generalised accounts or 'potted histories鈥�!听 And make sure that you cite the relevant scholarship for each point of view.
Establish a clear听chronological and听geographical context for the material and arguments that you are discussing. When referring to localised听periodisations/ phasing, dynastic or otherwise, or reigns of rulers, corresponding听dates should be given on first usage.听
Grammar, syntax and spelling听
Many typos and mistakes in English can be picked up through careful proof reading.听Most word processing applications have grammar / spell 听checks which whilst not infallible, can be helpful as a first point of correction. Don鈥檛 worry too much about 鈥檚tyle鈥�; the most important thing is to get your point across in a clear and concise manner.
Figures and tables听
If you鈥檙e using illustrations or tables, they should always be numbered and accompanied by captions. Keep captions brief, and always provide the source, using the Harvard style as in your main text. Avoid overly long听citations.
Figures should be informative and illustrative of the points you鈥檙e making in the main text, rather than purely decorative.听 Thus, they should always be incorporated into your main discussion through appropriate cross referencing.听E.g., 鈥楢s demonstrated in Figure 1鈥�.
Read and check!听
Remember to print out drafts frequently; combining hard-copy and on-screen editing can help you to spot errors more efficiently and improve the flow of your writing than through on-screen viewing only.
Writer's block?听
Try speaking out loud if you get stuck.听 Some people find it easier to write early drafts by hand.听 Remember to take frequent breaks and look after yourself. Seek help with your academic writing if you need it!
Additional guides on , and 鈥� can be accessed on the IoA Academic Writing Moodle site. 听