Divide your sections and structure them based on the section-wise criteria from Module 7. Every section hits one or two criteria. This means no purposeless writing.
The Introduction
Tip
Your introduction is Criterion A territory. The best way to introduce your RQ is through storytelling: guiding the reader on a journey that naturally leads to your research question.
Showcase your topic, its relevance, and the significance of answering your RQ. You want the examiner to finish your introduction thinking "this is interesting — I want to see what they found."
The Literature Review
Note
Your literature review is NOT a summary of what other people have written. It's a critical evaluation of existing research that positions your essay within the broader academic conversation.
"Smith (2020) found that social media increases political polarisation."
"While Smith (2020) demonstrated a correlation between social media use and political polarisation, the study's reliance on self-reported data limits its applicability to behavioural analysis of actual voting patterns."
The Methodology
Explain what tools, frameworks, and methods you used — and why. The "why" matters more than the "what." An examiner doesn't just want to know you used Porter's Five Forces — they want to know why it was the right tool for your specific RQ.
Note
Only include tools you actually use in your analysis. If you promise BCG Matrix in your methodology, the examiner expects to see it in Section IV. Promise and don't deliver = lost marks. This is one of the most common mistakes.
The Analysis
This is the heart of your essay and where most marks are won or lost. Apply your chosen tools to your specific topic. Present findings with evidence.
"ZARA has a fast supply chain that produces garments quickly."
"ZARA's inventory turnover ratio of 4.8 — notably below the industry average of 6.2 — suggests that despite its speed-to-market advantage, the company's rapid design cycles may actually result in excess seasonal stock, contradicting the commonly held assumption of supply chain efficiency."
The Discussion
Evaluate your findings. What do they mean in context? How do they connect to your literature review? What are the strengths and limitations? The best essays engage honestly with findings rather than cherry-picking evidence.
The Conclusion
Tip
Your conclusion directly answers your RQ. Don't introduce new information. Summarise key findings, state your conclusion clearly, acknowledge limitations, and suggest future research.
If someone read only your introduction and conclusion, they should understand the full arc of your essay.
Key Takeaways
- Introduction: storytelling hook that leads to your RQ (Criterion A)
- Literature Review: critically evaluate, don't summarise
- Methodology: explain WHY you chose each tool, not just what it is
- Analysis: use data and evidence, not descriptions
- Only include tools you actually use — don't promise and not deliver