QUESTION:
“Recent events in British politics have stretched the capacity of our constitutional norms to their limits.” (M Russell, ‘Boris Johnson has shown why Britain’s constitution must be reformed’ (The Guardian 6 Sep 19) https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/sep/06/boris-johnson-britain-constitution-reform accessed 16 November 2020)
Discuss this statement and critically evaluate whether any reforms are needed, with reference to at least two sources of the Constitution.
Clear, concise, focused, structured and backed up by evidence.
Discuss – write about the most important aspects of (probably including criticism); give arguments for & against; consider the implications of
Critically evaluate – weigh arguments for and against something, assessing the strength of the evidence on both sides.
Must be: Introduction, main body & conclusion
Introduction:
– General context of what the question is asking – e.g. this essay will discuss/critically evaluate
– Focus of the essay –
– Choose particular focus/issues you will be addressing – provide a rationale/justification for the prioritization
– Must be a clear approach
Main Body:
– Answer the question!
– Show that you are able to identify, explain and address key concepts and issues.
– Draw upon, understand and synthesize relevant literature -> critically analyze and evaluate the issues raised by the question -> develop and present clear, well-developed arguments, using your own voice as much as possible -> support your arguments with appropriate authorities -> follow the conventions for citation and referencing of sources using OSCOLA system.
– Break up your discussion into clear, manageable sections.
DISCUSS THE STATEMENT IN THE QUESTION:
“Recent events in British politics have stretched the capacity of our constitutional norms to their limits.”
(so basically, argue for and against the British Constitution as it is NOW)
AS ONE PARAGRAPH
AND THEN CRITICALLY EVALUATE WHETHER REFORMS ARE NEEDED BASED ON THE STATEMENT. FOR AND AGAINST REFORMS BEING NEEDED.
WHY THEY ARE AND ARE NOT NEEDED IN REGARD TO RECENT EVENTS AND THE STATEMENT – WITH REFERENCE TO AT LEAST TWO SOURCES OF UK CONSTITUTION (THE ROYAL PREROGATIVE AND CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS)
SO, THE TWO SOURCES OF UK CONSTITUTION WILL BE THE ROYAL PREROGATIVE AND CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. TALK FOR AND AGAINST THE DIFFERENT REFORMS THAT COULD BE APPLIED TO THEM.
Structuring the main body:
PEEL/PEAL Approach:
Point (P)
– Write a topic sentence introducing the specific claim of this paragraph
Evidence (E)
– Expand this with more information e.g. examples, case law, definitions…
– Compare / contrast / examine opposing ideas / give reasons / causes
Explanation/Evaluation (E), Analysis (A)
– Evaluate the evidence and draw a conclusion
– Analyze and critique the argument you are making and / or the source(s) you are referencing
Link (L)
– Link back to the question and on to the next paragraph
Conclusion:
– Provide summative conclusions:
– These should appear to be the inevitable end-point of your line of reasoning -> purpose of conclusion is to stand back from the more detailed reasoning provided in the main of the essay and clarify the key messages that have emerged.
– Points present must be based on the discussion you have presented earlier.
– You must address what the question asked you.
– Avoid including new information and analysis in the conclusion.
Make sure:
– Evaluate sources – credibility, accuracy, reasonableness, support
