Example essay outlines

Below are two examples of essay outlines that were written in response to the essay question: ‘Explain the relationship between
police culture and police accountability’.

Version 1 reflects the sort of plans that many students produce. While it works as a starting point, it needs to be further developed.
It’s very descriptive, and requires a stronger argument and deeper analysis. Version 2, on the other hand, presents a clear
argument. It states the contention in the introduction, followed by a series of supporting points that are based on evidence.

Version 1
Version 2
No argument, too descriptive and no
Clearer argument with more analysis
analysis
Introduction Introduction

 Police culture stems from a
common mission and sense of
‘brotherhood’.
 Police culture has bred cynicism,
racism and a ‘code of silence’
 This essay will explore the effect
of police culture on police
accountability.
Contention: Police culture is an impediment to police accountability.
Main points: Police culture has bred cynicism, racism and a ‘code of silence’, to
the detriment of integrity, morality and the law.
A combination of internal and external controls are needed to achieve greater
transparency and integrity.
 Version 1
Version 2
No argument, too descriptive and no
Clearer argument with more analysis
analysis

Point 1 Point 1

Define police culture. Police culture as defined by Chan.

Other definitions?

Discuss problems with defining it.

How Chan’s definition sets parameters for this essay.

Point 2 Point 2

James and Warren outline the negative Topic sentence: ‘Code of silence’ is part of police culture which enables
aspects of police culture: ‘Code of silence’ corruption and misconduct.
and cynicism/pessimism in the police
force. Evidence (& analysis of evidence): Kelling et al. highlight specific outcomes of
this including: abuse of authority, brutality, misuse of force, bribery…

How does their view compare with other studies? Strengths/weaknesses?

 Version 1
Version 2
No argument, too descriptive and no
Clearer argument with more analysis
analysis

Point 3 Point 3

Smith and Reside (2010) say that racism
and discrimination is part of police
culture.
Topic sentence: Police become cynical of their social environment, and become
isolated or detached from it which feeds into police culture. This inadvertently
impedes accountability as it contributes to indifference, aggression, an ‘us and
them’ mentality, exercise of a higher degree of authority and force, and even
racism and discrimination.

Evidence (& analysis of evidence): studies by James and Warren, also Smith and
Reside. Strengths and weaknesses of these studies; how they compare with other
studies or viewpoints.
 Version 1
Version 2
No argument, too descriptive and no
Clearer argument with more analysis
analysis

Point 4 Point 4

Description of the independent bodies that Topic sentence: The establishment of independent bodies to investigate and
have been established to investigate and prevent misconduct and corruption are themselves evidence of problems with
prevent corruption. police culture.

Evidence (& analysis of evidence): Chan, 1999; UBAC, OPI.

Strengths/weaknesses of independent bodies. How effective have they been?
Compare different viewpoints.

Conclusion Conclusion

Negative aspects of police culture impede Contention: Police culture is one of the biggest obstacles to police accountability.
police accountability.
Broader significance: Both internal and external regulation are needed to
preserve the integrity of law enforcement in Australia

Version 1:

 Doesn’t answer the essay question in the introduction.

  The contention is stated in the conclusion, but needs to be stated in the introduction, and then developed throughout the
entire essay.
 Paragraphs describe particular theories/ideas but don’t analyse them or say how they help to answer the essay question.

Version 2:

 States the contention in the introduction.

 Claims are presented in response to the essay question (in the topic sentences), and are supported by analysed evidence.
 Conclusion sums up the argument and reflects on implications.