The Essay

“The best way of breaking down barriers between people or communities is through
simple, unforced acts of kindness. One act can undo years of estrangement.”

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, The Home We Build Together, p.132

 

Discuss how barriers between people or communities in New Zealand can be broken down in order to achieve greater social cohesion.

Suggestions

  • It will be useful to define what social cohesion is, and why it is important

  • Consider some of the barriers between people or communities that you are aware of and research others that exist

  • Think about ways that encourage social cohesion that do not depend on being enforced by rules or laws

  • Research successful examples from other countries of breaking down such barriers and explore if they can be applied in New Zealand

  • Consider why civic responsibility is vital to achieving social cohesion

Judging criteria

When assessing each essay, the judges will be looking for the following features:

  • Relevance to the topic

  • Comprehensive ways of addressing the issues

  • Creative ways of addressing the subject

  • Ideas are clearly expressed

  • Arguments are supported by evidence and referenced

  • There is a logical progression of ideas through the essay

  • The essay shows original thought and approaches to the topic

  • The essay adheres to the style of formatting requirements

Style Guide

Your submission should be in the form of an essay and include the following elements:

  • A clear argument or statement explaining what the main purpose of your essay is and put the topic in a New Zealand context

  • A clear structure with each paragraph addressing a specific point

  • Ample evidence that supports and develops your essay

  • Clear and direct prose

  • Some mention what others have said about the topic and consideration of opposing views

  • Judicious use of brief quotations

  • Clear transitions between paragraphs

  • An ending that summarises the main argument that the evidence used and explains to the reader why your essay matters

  • You can use a referencing format of your choice (APA, Chicago, etc) and can use footnotes, endnotes, or in-text referencing

  • A bibliography listing only works referenced in the essay

  • Make sure you spell-check and thoroughly proofread your essay

Formatting

Essays are to be formatted as follows:

  • Font: Times New Roman | size 12

  • Text: Single spaced, fully justified

  • Gaps: No gaps between paragraphs

  • Headings: These can be used but sparingly

  • Numberings: Pages must be numbered

  • Length: 2000 words plus any references

  • Bibliography: To appear at the end of the essay

Any questions regarding essay style or formatting, please contact below.