Essay Guidelines

 Structure

 Introduction (10% or 350 words approx.)

o Hook and orient the reader
o State the aim and purpose of your essay
o Define the scope and focus
o State briefly what you are going to argue and why

 Body
o Arguments elaborated while critically assessing relevant theory/law/commentaries

 Conclusion (10% or 350 words approx.)

o Restate key points and arguments

o Reflect briefly on the limitations, significance and implications of your main argument(s)
[Optional; can also be covered under Intro or Main Body]

 Language & Presentation

 Clarity (Short, crisp sentences; formal yet readable; proper punctuation and grammar; spell-checked
and proof-read)
 Consistency (in spelling, formatting and citations)
 Proper transition points: From one paragraph to another; use headings if necessary

 Argument
 Critical engagement with relevant texts (legal instruments, case-law, commentaries) to form your own
opinion

 Integrate and synthesize knowledge and insights from across the course. If possible, also draw on what
you learned under HR 353.

 Use examples and illustrations to explain your argument(s)

 CRC and General Comments of CRC Committee will be highly relevant to most essay topics. Do look
up concluding observations if the topics relates to a country context

 There are manuals and factsheets available on substantive rights, especially in the context of ECHR.

 Anticipate potential objections to your argument(s)

i. Show that you have considered those objections
ii. Try to refute some of them