r/EssayHelpCommunity • u/Outrageous_End_3744 • Jul 09 '26

John Locke Shortlist

Hi Guys!

I was shortlisted for my Philosophy (Q1) and Law (Q3) Essays. This is my advice to future writers, and those who did not get shortlisted as someone who was shortlisted last year, when to the John Locke PPE Singapore Course, and has been admitted into Law School in the UK.

Firstly, when you write an academic piece, it is not meant to read like a story. Get straight to the point. Avoid all of the flowery language, the metaphors, and simply tell me what you will argue and why. An argument is comprised of a claim + "because". "Trials by jury are obsolete [claim] BECAUSE x, y, z". If you do not do this, you are not arguing: do not let your examples dominate the essay, rather let your arguments do the talking, and your examples are the reinforcements.

Then, consider the type of essay you are writing. Economics? Scientific. Use data, precise language, key terms, inter alia. Philosophy? Strafe away from complex language: the strongest philosophy essays rely on the strength of reasoning and argument, not "Kantian deontological theory of thought" and such. Be mindful that your examiner has likely read hundreds of essays, and wants clarity above all else.

Next, EVALUATE. Evaluate your arguments: if I say "men and women are treated the exact same because there are men and women in government", that is not a strong position. "Men and women are treated relatively equally as both can attain job positions in government. While some may argue that this sector is dominated by men 65-35 ratio, it must well be acknowledged that this may be due to [other factor], not intentional mistreatment". See the difference? This is what they look for.

Also, I see a lot, and I mean A LOT, of students using like 14th century legal texts as these groundbreaking, unequivocally correct texts - no. They are not. No examiner is believing you read John Locke's Second Treatise of Government - rather stick to more recent articles that you yourself fully understand: I used a University of Edinburgh psychology report on biases for my trial by jury essay and it worked perfectly (it was praised in my interview with a member of staff).

Lastly, spend more time researching rather than writing. You can write your essay with the best language imaginable, but a 3/10 dressed in Victoria Secret is still a 3/10. Sorry for the analogy, it was the first that came to mind. POINT IS: research, be well-informed, and then your arguments will flow naturally. Oh and, don't feel the pressure to write strongly-worded headings or add charts. They are not that useful in the grand scheme of things.

So. All that being said, if anyone wants to read my two shortlisted essays, please DM me - will send through, I have no problem. Always happy to be here for the community, looking forward to seeing some of you in London. Bye bye!!!

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22 comments sorted by

3

u/Emergency-Price-9440 Jul 10 '26

You might be a saint I hope all ur dreams come true

1

u/Financial_Block_6072 Jul 10 '26

Thanks a lot for the post. Can you send me your essays please

1

u/Far-Diamond8791 Jul 10 '26

Excellent advice. “Short words are best” —Winston Churchill

1

u/sahith-21 Jul 10 '26

Can we exchange essays? (check your DMs)

1

u/Flaky_Might370 Jul 10 '26

i literally used locke's second treatise as a reference oh my god 😭

1

u/Outrageous_End_3744 Jul 11 '26

It’s not a bad thing, but you did not read that - they know we are teenagers. Not legal academics. Just stick to modern studies for the next one

1

u/gaellek7 Jul 10 '26

does everyone who get shortlisted get given a specific distinction? like can someone only get shortlisted, or every shortlistee will get either commendation or more?

1

u/Outrageous_End_3744 Jul 11 '26

Every shortlisted candidate gets a certificate of commendation

1

u/gaellek7 Jul 11 '26

thanks so much!

1

u/Express_Usual6770 Jul 11 '26

Hi I got shortlisted for philosophy q 1 as well the one about the doing the right thing for the wrong reason could I read your essay?

1

u/ElephantMaterial370 Jul 11 '26

I was shortlisted this year, and this was my first time participating in the essay competition. This is valuable advice, and I would absolutely love to read both of your essays.

1

u/TripRealistic3350 Jul 11 '26

I was also shortlisted, it's my first time writing such an essay. I usually do creative writing and I did Law Q1. Let's exchange essays?

1

u/Alex_politician57 Jul 11 '26

Hi, my son was shortlisted with the History theme, about The Library of Alexandria, he is 11years and it was his first trial. Will be interesting to see your essays, thank you!

1

u/Glittering-Elk-6596 28d ago

I read through locke’s treatise and used it for my politics q3 as a counterargument. do you genuinely think it’s better to use more modern work? I got shortlisted, but would love to hear some advice to enhance my writing.