ABSTRACT
This chapter provides detailed information and instruction on how to write a sociology essay. The chapter begins with a step-by-step discussion of the basic structure of an essay followed by the skills required to undertake the task. An important point is made that good essay writing takes time in planning, undertaking research, making notes, and writing drafts prior to the final version. Some warnings are given in the chapter to avoid initial generalised Google searches relating to the essay topic and instead concentrate on lecture notes, required texts and readings so that an understanding of concepts, relevant sociological theories, and key authors is acquired. Following this, conducting library and online databases searches is useful and likely to give more reliable ‘hits’ and provide credible sources of information. The chapter discusses what constitutes academic writing followed by detailed accounts of reviewing sociological literature, making an argument in a thesis and referencing. How to reference, which referencing system to use and practical examples of referencing from books, journals, newspaper articles, films, and websites are provided.
