You get your essay back, look at the result and see 65%. You were hoping for 70%, so it’s a little disappointing.
You start thinking about what went wrong. Were your references enough? Did you explain your points properly? Or was your argument missing something?
If you’re trying to learn how to write a first class essay, these small details are worth looking at. A higher mark doesn’t always mean doing more research or writing longer paragraphs.
It often means making better use of the research you already have. So, let’s look at what markers expect from a first-class essay and how it differs from a 2:1.
What Is the Difference Between a First-Class and a 2:1 Essay?
In the UK undergraduate grading system, a first-class mark generally starts at 70%, while a 2:1 (Upper Second-Class Honours) falls between 60% and 69%.
These are common boundaries, although individual universities have their own assessment regulations.
| Assessment area | First-class essay | 2:1 essay |
| Argument | Clear, convincing and well-developed | Relevant and generally clear |
| Critical Analysis | Evaluates and challenges ideas | Shows analysis but may include description |
| Research | Connects and compares academic sources | Uses relevant sources to support points |
| Evidence | Examines the strengths and limits of evidence | Uses evidence to explain arguments |
| Structure | Builds a consistent line of reasoning | Follows a logical structure |
For example, a 2:1 essay might explain two theories and describe what each researcher believes.
A first-class essay would compare those theories, question their limitations and explain which offers the stronger explanation.
That extra level of thinking can make a real difference.
What Does a First-Class Essay Structure Look Like?
A first-class essay does not need a complicated format. It needs a structure that helps your argument develop naturally.
Most university essays have three main parts.
First-Class Essay Introduction
Your introduction is where you get the essay started. Tell the reader what the topic is about, give some background and explain the point you want to make. You don’t need to explain everything straight away. Save the details for later.
A strong introduction should:
- Bring up the topic without going into too much detail.
- Explain any terms that might be unfamiliar.
- Tell the reader what your main argument is.
- Give a brief idea of what you’ll cover.
Don’t spend too long on the introduction. Your lecturer wants to know what you’re going to discuss, so get to the point.
First-Class Essay Body
This is where you get into the main discussion. Each paragraph should cover a point and explain it properly. Use research to back up what you’re saying, but don’t expect a quote to do all the work for you.
Don’t just copy a line from a journal article and move on. Explain what the researcher means and how it fits with your point.
You can also bring in other researchers’ views. See where they agree, where they differ and what their findings tell you. This gives your essay more depth than simply describing the topic.
The PEEL method (Point, Evidence, Explanation and Link) can help you put paragraphs together. Use it if you find it helpful, but don’t force every paragraph into the same pattern.
Using PEEL to organise your ideas can take practice, and our essay writing help can help you improve your paragraph structure and flow.
First-Class Essay Conclusion
By the end of your essay, the reader should know what answer you’ve reached. Bring your main points together and explain how they answer the question.
You don’t need to bring in new information or go over the introduction again. Just finish your discussion clearly and leave the reader with your main point.
How Does a First-Class Essay Differ Across Academic Subjects?
Not every university essay follows the same approach. Your subject matters, and understanding its requirements can help you plan your work more effectively.
First-Class Law Essay
A first-class Law essay requires more than describing legislation.
You need to apply relevant statutes and case law, examine judicial decisions and discuss different legal interpretations. Explain why a particular legal argument is convincing, rather than simply listing relevant cases.
Follow your department’s required referencing style, such as OSCOLA.
First-Class Politics Essay
Politics essays often involve competing theories, ideologies and interpretations.
Compare different political perspectives and support your argument with relevant examples, policies or research.
For instance, when discussing democracy, consider whether different political systems deliver the same level of representation.
First-Class Psychology Essay
In Psychology, you need to connect theories with research findings. Discuss the methods used in studies, evaluate their limitations and consider alternative explanations.
Do not assume that a published study proves a theory beyond question.
First-Class Reflective Essay
Reflective writing is different because you are expected to examine your own experience.
However, describing what happened is not enough. Explain your decisions, consider what you could have done differently and connect your experience with academic theory.
Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle can help organise this discussion when appropriate.
How to Write a First-Class Essay: 5 Practical Steps
If your marks usually fall between 60% and 69%, focus on improving the way you develop your arguments.
These five steps offer a useful starting point.
- Understand the assignment question.
Identify words such as analyse, evaluate, compare and discuss. Each requires a different approach. Check your marking rubric before planning. - Build your argument before writing.
Decide what position you want to defend. Your research should help you develop that position. - Choose relevant academic sources.
Use peer-reviewed research, academic books and reliable primary sources.
A longer reference list does not automatically mean a stronger essay. - Move beyond description.
Compare viewpoints, question assumptions and explain the significance of your evidence. - Review your work against the marking criteria.
Check whether every paragraph answers the question. Look for unsupported claims, weak links between ideas and referencing errors.
Consider this simple example:
Descriptive: Social media has changed political communication.
More analytical: Although social media has widened access to political debate, unreliable information and algorithmic filtering can affect how people understand political issues.
The second statement does more than identify a change. It considers its effects and introduces an argument that can be explored.
Finding Support With Your University Assignment
You may have done the reading and gathered your sources, but putting everything into a good essay is another challenge.
That’s where we can help.
At Elite Assignments, we provide online assignment writing support to students across the UK. If you’re finding any part of your university work difficult, take a look at how we can help.
From planning an essay to checking a finished draft, our support is there to make your assignment work a little easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you write a first-class essay at university?
Start by understanding the question. Make your argument clear and use good academic sources to support it. Don’t just repeat what others have said. Add your own thoughts.
2. What should a first-class essay introduction include?
Introduce the topic and give a little background. Explain your main argument and what you plan to discuss.
3. How is a first-class Law essay different from a Psychology essay?
A Law essay looks at laws, court cases and legal arguments. Psychology essays focus more on human behaviour, theories and research findings.
4. Can a reflective essay achieve a first-class grade?
Yes. Think about what happened, what you learned and what you could have done differently. Link your experience to relevant academic ideas.
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How to Write a First-Class Essay | A Guide for 70%+