What do we mean by 'Assess'?

Before you start writing on an essay it is very important that you UNDERSTAND what the question is all about (what kind of answer it expects). Without proper understanding you will be going into the direction of writing points that are IRRELEVANT.


A common word used in essay questions is 'Assess' which requires you to:

1. Show the strengths and limitations of the statement
2. Make comparisons with other perspectives/theories/methods

Requirement number 2 is very important as this will help you achieve the best result for your essay. It shows that you are able to think critically and creatively: skills that are required in Sociology.

For example:

'Assess the advantages and limitations of using secondary data in sociological research' (25)

Although the question above requires you to write about the strengths and limitations of SECONDARY data you need to also write about PRIMARY data and make comparisons.

Always REMEMBER:

The exam question often tells you to write about 'one' thing BUT in order to get a high grade you must show how you can link other arguments to answer the question