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How to structure full-mark HSC Legal Studies responses

Need to elevate your short answer responses? Look no further. A deep dive breakdown on how to construct full-mark legal studies responses under a time crunch!

2 months ago   •   5 min read

Many students miss out on easy marks because they don’t answer the question properly and miss key bits of information. So here’s a simple guide to make sure you ace every question in your next legal studies exam.

First things first break down the question

This is arguably the most important step because it ensures that you aren't wasting precious time waffling about the wrong things.

The first thing to do here is to identify the task word, like describe , outline or evaluate . They will require you to do different things - it's all defined in the syllabus.

• Identify requires you to name or set out main features.
• Describe requires you to set out features or characteristics.
• Outline requires you to give a general account indicating key features or characteristics.
• Compare or contrast requires you to discuss similarities and differences.
• Explain requires you to make a detailed description of key features and characteristics.
• Examine requires you to explain and make a judgement while addressing the positives and negatives.
• Evaluate requires you to make judgments based on evidence.

Next, identify Key Words

Let's use an example from 2015's Legal Studies HSC paper

Here the keywords are

• Australian Human Rights Commission: Use them as an example (or another independent statutory authority) in your response.
• Promotes human rights: you need to link these processes to the promotion of human rights.

This basically will tell you the things you need to do to score full marks;

• Describe the processes used by the AHRC or another independent body.
• Provide a link to how these processes promote human rights.

It is common for students to over-write during short answers and not give themselves enough time for essays. The space provided is a general indication of how much the markers are expecting and you want to be as clear and concise as possible.

In this response, we have identified two methods of the AHRC; awareness programs and releasing reports , and linked them to the promotion of human rights, ticking off the two requirements of the question.

Let's do a harder example! Question 23 of 2015's HSC paper.

Here they are asking us to compare. That means we need to use words like similarly or contrastingly in our response to show that we are identifying similarities and differences.

For questions above 6-7 marks consider using a condensed essay structure.

• Topic statement for introduction (1-2 sentences).
• Point 1 (1-3 sentences)
• Point 2 (1-3 sentences)
• Concluding sentence / link back to question.

Now this isn't the only correct approach and you will see that the sample answer below does something different. However, using a consistent structure will ensure you are ticking all the boxes and that your response is logically structured - reduces meaningless waffle!!

Before jumping into the answer let's come up with a quick checklist of things the markers probably want us to do.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of common and statute laws.
• Compares (similarities and differences) of the contributions of common and statute laws by providing examples.
• Provide a link as to how each of these contributions enforced human rights.

The first paragraph describes the contribution of common law with an example. The second paragraph, similarly , describes the contribution of state law with an example. The third describes how they are similar. The fourth describes how they are different. Notice how each paragraph has the same structure of TEE (topic statement, example, explain). That is how all your responses should be!!

• Topic statement : A number of important rights have been developed by the common law.
• Example : Dietrich v The Queen (1992)
• Explain : Recognised the importance of a fair trial through the provision of legal aid to the accused in a serious criminal matter.

A pro tip when doing practice responses is to colour-code them to ensure that you are doing all three in each paragraph. For example;

• Your first sentence should be red for the topic statement.
• Green for your LCMR examples.
• Yellow for your explanations.

If you are struggling to memorise LCMR examples and figure out where to apply them, I would recommend using the syllabus as a guide. Underneath each dot point, write down all the LCMR you have been taught that apply and link them to the dot point.

For example underneath the dot point

• examine the conditions that give rise to law reform

I would list out a few examples such as the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) (1966) or Mabo v Queensland (1992) as well as a link as to how the context of these cases gave rise to law reform. That way if I get a question about law reform in the exam, I have my examples ready to go!

• Break down the questions words before you start writing.
• Use TEE structure for short responses ~ add a final concluding link for longer responses especially if you feel you've strayed away from the question's main purpose.
• For 5 marks and above ensure you have a logical structure to your paragraghing.
• Use the task word, mark distribution and space provided as an indicator of how much you have to write.
• Be clear and concise in your answer. Unlike English, the markers don't care how verbose you are, only if you have met the marking criteria and proved your knowledge of legal content.

Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!

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Legal Studies 2 unit

Course description.

Preliminary Course [Board Developed] 2 units HSC Course [Board Developed] 2 units

Legal Studies is a humanities subject that will give students the critical thinking and communication skills necessary to find employment in  a number of  fields including law,  journalism  and government. As such, in the course we spend significant time teaching students how to write and  provide them  with skills they can use in their other subjects.  

Students of Legal Studies will develop an understanding of legal concepts and the way the law functions in our society.  Being well informed about legal issues, including the rights and responsibilities integral to our society, is part of being an active and informed citizen.  

The Preliminary and HSC courses focus on the way in which law is  created , how it is structured and how it operates in Australia and inter nationally .  In this, students are required to consider whether laws are effective and whether they achieve justice.   

Students will develop an understanding of the implications that legal decisions can have for Australian society and the ways in which the legal system can affect the lives of Australian citizens. A critical understanding of the processes of reform and change will help students to contribute to making our society more equitable for all.  

Main Topics Covered:

The Structure of Legal Studies

Assessment – HSC Course Only

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How to Write a HSC Essay

Jamon Windeyer

Wednesday 16th, March 2016

Why do I need to know how to write an HSC essay? Well, it is impossible to go through Year 11 and 12 without writing one. In fact, it is pretty much impossible to go through without writing at least four of them! I personally had to write 8 of them across my subjects, and I was math/science oriented. If you are HSIE focused – Well, you would know all too well that essays can be nasty.

The thing is, essay writing is one of the skills we struggle with most as students. I hated it, especially in Year 11. I could argue a point and give examples, but I just couldn’t wrap my head around essay structure. I had absolutely no idea what a Thesis even was, let alone how to make a good one and link it to the question.

Thankfully, this is a skill that can be learned. I had awesome teachers and I stuck at it, and I got there in the end. The thing is, teachers almost never give this super important subject the time it deserves. Essay writing is a skill, just like differentiation in math, notating a rhythm in music, or citing a case in Legal Studies. It is one of the most important skills you’ll ever develop.

Before I start, I wanted to make sure you guys all knew about our FREE HSC Tutoring Threads . These are a great way to ask follow up questions on these articles and get help with anything you need, fast!

Legal Studies

Modern History

Mathematics

Mathematics Extension 1

Mathematics Extension 2 

English Advanced

English Standard

Studies of Religion

I wanted to write this guide as my break down for How to Write a HSC Essay. For any subject. In any scenario. Although every subject is slightly different, every essay has an almost identical backbone. It is this backbone that I had so much trouble with, and that is why I wrote this.

What is the Purpose of an Essay?

  An essay, generally, is an academic piece of work that presents the argument of the author. This is a very vague definition, but it pretty much hits the nail on the head as to what any HSC essay is for. You are presenting your argument. This could take the form of analysis of a text for English, personal opinion on a contemporary legal issue for Legal Studies. All slightly different, but the same in that it is your thoughts on paper.

When presenting your argument , as it were, you need a structure. An essay is the standard format (at least for HSC purposes) for presenting arguments. This serves two purposes. One, it organises your argument into logical sections (Intro, Body, Conclusion), which adds to its weight and sophistication (as opposed to, say, a free form extended response). Second, it provides a standardised format, so that academics can read outside of their subject area and still engage with the text, because they are used to the structure. It is kind of like driving in Melbourne versus Sydney: Yeah, there are differences, but the set structure is the same.

As a side note, what is with the right turns from the left hand lane in Melbourne? Ridiculous. Anyway…

  So, you need a structure. It can be broken down into three parts.

Thesis Paragraph (Introduction)

  Your Thesis paragraph is first. The first question to ask (and I asked a LOT before I finally understood) is, what is a Thesis? Put simply, a Thesis is a statement, a premise, an opinion, etc., put forward to the reader to be proved. For example, a Thesis statement from Legal Studies:

Domestic violence, despite a somewhat effective response from domestic measures, remains an example of how the NSW Legal System is failing to protect victims of relationship breakdown.

  As a side note, if you are a legal student and want help writing a Thesis like this, jump over to my Guide to Writing a Legal Studies Thesis!

This is the idea put forward, and as you may guess, is the focus of the essay. The Thesis is the most important part of a HSC essay. It must be sophisticated, it must address the question, and it must give you a chance to show what you know about the question.

To structure your Thesis Paragraph, follow the TALK scaffold:

Thesis: Your thesis statement, as outlined above. This is where you, immediately, put forward what you will be discussing in your essay. It may contain an opinion, it may not, but either way it is what you will be proving in your essay. This can be one or two sentences, depending on how complicated you want it to be.

Amplify: Some extra details with regard to your Thesis. This is where you link the idea to the question. For example, your Thesis might discuss how composers draw on their own experiences to create more powerful texts. You amplify by identifying the texts you have been asked to talk about. In general, the Thesis should stand alone from the question, and you then tie them together in the AMPLIFY section .

List your Arguments: This is where you list the mini-arguments you will use throughout your essay. The topics of your body paragraphs. Don’t start giving examples/evidence yet . You are only getting the reader ready for what is to come.

Key Statement : I liked to call the last sentence of the Thesis a key statement because it should be powerful. It should state definitely where you stand on the Thesis, in a way which ties the previous parts together. So, for an English essay, a very simple version would be something like:

Thus, it is clear how [COMPOSER A] and [COMPOSER B] have used [LISTED ARGUMENT #1], [LISTED ARGUMENT #2], and [LISTED ARGUMENT #3] to achieve [THESIS].

  You can sort of see how it ties the arguments you listed, with the composers in the amplification, with your Thesis. It is important to get this bit right!

Body Paragraphs

So, your intro is done. It sets up the argument of your essay. Now, we get into the meat of it. The body. This is where you actually present your points and back them up with evidence.

You should aim for 3 body paragraphs. 3 is generally how many are required to get a good level of detail and explanation.

To structure each of your Body Paragraphs, follow the MAPLE scaffold. This is very similar to the MATES scaffold, but I wanted something more general, and the PEEL scaffold is too general. I use MAPLE, and I personally love it.

Motherhood Statement: This is your topic sentence. It should directly link to one of the arguments you listed in your Thesis paragraph. Besides this, it simply sets up what this paragraph is about.

Amplification: Again, the AMPLIFY section is for any extra detail required. Definitions, further explanation, anything you feel is necessary. It is also the first chance for you to summarise the link between the Motherhood Statement and your Thesis. Say, in simple terms before you get in to the thick of it, why what you will talk about right now is relevant to the big picture. Why is talking about the theme of personal fear and confusion, for example, relevant to the over-arching idea of barriers to discovery?

 Points and Links: Now, to your points. Discuss what you think is necessary to discuss. Techniques, explanations, context, laws, case studies, Bible quotes… All that jazz. Do your thing! The thing that is different that I like to emphasise here is Links . Be sure to constantly link to the motherhood statement or your Thesis throughout your body paragraph. The golden rule is to never bring up a point without saying why it is relevant, either to your Motherhood Statement, or the Thesis. What this does is makes sure you stay on track.

Now, this is really tricky, and it is sometimes impossible, but it is a trick that really worked for me, and so maybe it will help you guys too! I was always a massive rambler/waffler, and this helps massively in avoiding that.

End (Conclusion): Okay, so maybe I just used End because MAPLC isn’t a word, but the meaning is the same. Wrap up your paragraph. Say that your point is proven and you are moving on. Hence, it is clear how Rowling has used literary techniques to present the universal theme of love in the Harry Potter series . Reading your conclusion should remind the reader what the point of the paragraph was, and give them a sense of closure before moving on to the next argument.

 Conclusion

  I was always a little more free-form with my conclusions. This is partially because I sometimes only had a chance to write two sentences, so I had to be flexible.

My only two tips for a great conclusion are these.

One – Follow the TALK scaffold again. Restate your Thesis. Amplify and link it to the question. List what you discussed. Then say, in your key statement, that you have now proven your point and you are leaving to go have coffee and eat food. There should be no questions at the end. “Thus, it is obvious that ______.”  Done and dusted.

Secondly, and this is a lesson I’ve learnt the hard way: Don’t skimp on it. The conclusion is just as important as any other part of your essay. Do not just write a sentence. Give your essay a good solid ending. Remember that amazing movie with the awesome acting and an amazing story, but it had that crappy ending? You know, a character dies for no good reason, there are plot holes, etc. Remember the dissatisfaction? Yeah, don’t make that your essay.

So this is my breakdown of how to write a HSC essay! It is by no means perfect, and you may totally disagree with how I approach it. Totally cool. Essay writing is something which everyone puts their little spin on. This is mine, and I hope it is helpful in some small way.

Q. What is the purpose of an essay in HSC?

An HSC essay is an academic piece of work that presents the an argument on a given topic. This could be an analysis of a text in English, a personal opinion on a legal issue in Legal Studies, or another subject-specific argument. The essay structure helps organize your thoughts into logical sections (Introduction, Body, Conclusion) and makes your argument accessible and coherent.

Q. What is a thesis and why is it important?

A thesis is a statement or premise put forward to be proved in your essay. It is the central argument that guides the entire essay. A strong thesis addresses the question directly, is sophisticated, and allows you to demonstrate your knowledge on the topic.

Q. How do I structure the introduction (Thesis Paragraph) of my essay?

Use the TALK scaffold to structure your introduction:

• Thesis: Present your main argument or premise.
• Amplify: Link the thesis to the question and provide context.
• List your Arguments: Outline the main points you will discuss in the body paragraphs.
• Key Statement: Sum up your introduction with a powerful statement that ties everything together.

Q. How should I organize the body paragraphs of my essay?

Follow the MAPLE scaffold for each body paragraph:

• Motherhood Statement: A topic sentence that links to one of the arguments listed in the thesis.
• Amplification: Provide extra details and explain the relevance of the argument to the thesis.
• Points and Links: Present evidence and constantly link back to the thesis and topic sentence.
• End (Conclusion): Summarize the point of the paragraph and provide a sense of closure before moving to the next argument.

Q. How do I write a strong conclusion for my essay?

Your conclusion should restate the thesis, amplify and link it to the question, list the key arguments discussed, and end with a definitive statement. Ensure your conclusion is well-developed and gives your essay a solid ending. Avoid leaving any unanswered questions.

Q. Do you have any general tips for writing an HSC essay?

• Directly Address the Question: Ensure each part of your essay ties back to the question.
• Use Evidence: Support your arguments with relevant examples, quotes, or data.
• Be Clear and Concise: Avoid waffling; stay focused on your thesis and main arguments.
• Revise and Edit: Review your essay to check for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.
• Practice: Regular practice will help you improve your essay writing skills.

Q. What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an HSC essay?

• Weak Thesis: A vague or overly broad thesis can undermine your essay. Make sure your thesis is specific and addresses the question directly.
• Lack of Structure: An unorganized essay is hard to follow. Stick to the TALK and MAPLE scaffolds to maintain a clear structure.
• Insufficient Evidence: Failing to support your arguments with evidence can weaken your essay. Always back up your points.
• Poor Conclusion: A weak conclusion can leave a bad impression. Ensure your conclusion restates your main points and provides closure.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can develop strong essay writing skills that will help you succeed in your HSC exams.

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