Essay approaches

Essays are appropriate for assessment in some knowledge-driven units, especially if the elements are to evaluate, compare or identify etc. An essay guide outlining requirements is an integral part of the assessment tool, but the RTO only needs to have one essay guide for all different essays. See the brief guide. (Link opens new window)

The topic must address the unit elements and any other requirements in the unit, such as required evidence.

Two variations

Variation 1: You set the topics. The tool developer (who might be the assessor) sets a rigid essay topic because it must be carefully chosen and defined to meet a complex set of requirements. If the assessor is a different person from the tool developer, he/she does cannot change it.

Variation 2: Students choose their own topics. Many higher qualifications require students to be able to identify, refine and explore issues, and essays are sometimes the most practical kind of assessment mode. The tool is then simply a statement of instructions and parameters. It would be lazy to use this kind of assessment too often.