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How to write a Criminology Essay (A Full Guide for Students)

Writing a criminology essay is one of the most satisfying assignments you will have in college. Majorly, criminology is an exciting subject that makes you want to inquire further and compose papers explaining, solving, or analyzing various criminological issues while applying criminological theories or theoretical frameworks.

As a cross-disciplinary field, criminology examines crime from a social view. It entails the study of how laws are made, the nature, causes, and extent of crime, and the efforts by various authorities to address and control crime via the juvenile and criminal systems. Majorly, when undertaking criminological writing, you use criminological theories drawn from social sciences such as psychology, sociology, political science, and economics. They also draw from other humanity subjects such as history, philosophy, ethics, and biology. When writing a criminological essay, it is important to differentiate criminology from criminal justice. Majorly, since criminology is a sub-discipline of sociology, your writing must portray a sociological perspective.

Given the interdependence of criminology on other disciplines or subjects, you will undoubtedly be assigned essays on various topics. Yours is to demonstrate that you can research and discuss the topics academically. Let’s dig deeper into how to write an excellent criminology essay.

Steps for Writing an Essay on a Criminology Topic

Some of the common criminology topics include causes and factors influencing crime, measures and procedures to combat and manage crime, the link between ethnicity/race and crime, social prevention, criminological theories, terrorism, human and drug trafficking, technology and crime, cybersecurity, punishment, the criminal justice system, the role of genetics and psychology on crime, etc.

Regardless of your chosen topic, here are the steps to write the best criminology essay that a professor will read and give you the highest possible grades.

Step 1: Understand the Assignment

Read and understand the prompt or instructions before doing anything else on the criminology essay assignment. You can only write a great essay when you know what you are addressing.

As you read the instructions, try to understand the types of topics you are expected to handle. If there is a list of criminology topics you have been assigned to choose, select a topic you can manage regarding research and the time allocated for the assignment.

A successful criminological essay must address the essay question from the body to the conclusion. Therefore, when reading the instructions, pay close attention to signal words such as analyze, describe, explain, criticize, evaluate, compare and contrast, critically analyze, or explore.

If you are required to address a specific area or theory, understanding these task words or phrases will tell you what to do, which defines the scope of your essay.

Brainstorm ideas that come to mind as you read the essay question and use tools such as concept maps, mind maps, and freewriting to record this information.

Step 2: Research the Essay Question

With an understanding of what is required of you in the essay, your next step is to conduct preliminary research. The assumption here is that you have gone through the process of choosing a good topic .

Because by now you have deconstructed the essay question, you need to delve deep into research to understand it better and organize your answer.

You need to look into scholarly and non-scholarly resources for your research.

The non-scholarly resources are for your personal understanding of the dynamics of the topics. However, you can only cite and reference scholarly sources such as Journal articles, organizational and government publications, and books. You can make use of online databases with criminology research articles and resources.  You can check government websites and law enforcement agency publications to establish the best evidence to use when addressing your arguments in the essay.

Organize resources with the same ideas and take shorthand notes when undertaking the research. You can also use tables to prioritize the ideas and sketch what you want your final paper to look like.

If you need to use any theoretical or conceptual frameworks in the criminological essay, research them further and take relevant notes. Do the same for criminology theories and other concepts that you come across during research.

With the research, you should be able to formulate your thesis to include rational arguments. A strong criminological essay must have a defensible thesis supported by evidence. To have an effective thesis statement, ensure it is clear, concise, and easy to understand. It should also be complex enough to allow you to defend it and relevant to the topic.  Ensure it has two to three arguments supported by facts and evidence and a counterargument if that fits.

Step 3: Plan and Organize

Once you have understood the instructions, essay questions, and other dynamics, you must construct your response to the prompt or question. Although you might have brainstormed when researching, there is no harm in doing it all over again.

You can achieve this in many different ways. Visual approaches like concept maps, mind maps, or tables can be used.

A perfect way to do it is to start from what you know to the unknown. You should list the main concepts at the center of the page and use arrows to show the related concepts and ideas. You can, for example, explore the criminological theories, sociological theories, concepts, theoretical constructs, and ideas that relate to the central themes you have selected for your essay.

You can also organize the literature you have read during the research into categories to formulate a good response without losing yourself. For this, you can use online citation management tools such as Zotero.

Step 4: Outline your Essay

The structure of the essay guides how you will prioritize and present ideas. It should be divided into an introduction, the main body, and a conclusion.

In the introduction, ensure you feature the opening sentences (hook), background statement, signposts, and thesis statement.

The main body should have several paragraphs, each having a topic sentence, a series of supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence that transitions the paragraph to the subsequent sentence.

The conclusion should tie everything together, offer closure to readers, and present solutions and recommendations.

When outlining, you can use the alphanumeric, decimal, or full-sentence outline essay outline formats , depending on what your intentions are. The full-sentence format cuts down writing time and inspires confidence when you are writing.

After the outline, take a break. It is an important part of the writing process . You can then resume writing the paper with confidence and speed.

Step 5: Write the Essay

A criminology essay comprises the introduction, main body, and conclusion.

The introduction should be clear, concise, and coherent. It should include one or two opening sentences ( attention-getters ) that identify the essay's purpose and the question that your essay addresses.

Related Reading: Main Parts of an Introduction Paragraph.

Give brief background information on the topic or subject so that your readers can identify what your essay is about.

Also, outline how you are approaching the essay topic by signposting the ideas in your essay. Finally, round up the introduction by fronting your core argument in the paper – the thesis statement, in one or two sentences.

Each topic sentence in the essay's body should signal a new main idea connected to the thesis. Ensure that you support the ideas using definitions, examples, criminological perspectives, logic, reasoning, statistics, and materials from other sources.

Immediately after the facts, conclude the paragraph and transition to the next. Repeat the process until you have exhausted the body section, then transition to the conclusion.  Include academic words and phrases in your essay to make sense and have a good flow of ideas.

As you write the body paragraphs, follow the PEEL/TEEL format . Other formats, such as the MEAL plan , can also suffice. You should have a scholarly engagement with the sources, which means critically reading and writing answers that make sense.

Related Readings:

  • Types of body paragraphs
  • How many paragraphs make a good essay.
  • Steps and tips for the best body paragraphs.

Finally, write the conclusion of the essay . It should be 10% of the entire word count.

Include one or two conclusion closing sentences that summarize the arguments in the essay and provide closure to your readers. You can also reflect on the main points and present your counterargument , then refute it by giving a rebuttal.

You should also restate the thesis to help your readers link ideas from the introduction and the body. Refrain from including any new ideas in the essay at this point.

Step 6: Revise and Edit

After writing the essay, you need to take a break. The length of your break depends on the deadline. The longer it is, the longer your break should be.

After the break, read the essay aloud to spot any mistakes, omissions, and errors. Reread it slowly as you pay attention to the sentence, paragraph, and essay structures.

Check your essay for grammar. You can use software such as Grammarly or Ginger software to ensure it is grammatically sound. There is no chance for spelling mistakes because you want a high-quality criminology essay. As you check all these, check the in-text citations and references.

Also, countercheck the plagiarism score to ensure you are submitting a paper with the lowest or no score. Your paper should be as exciting and engaging as possible. If there are areas you have made subjective opinions, find means to make them objective. You can submit the paper in the best format (PDF, PPT, Google Doc, or Word document) only when you have addressed everything.

Useful Tips When Writing a Criminology Essay

A criminology essay can be persuasive, expository, analytical, historical, or comparative. Regardless of what type of arguments you are presenting, here are some best essay tips to consider.

  • Work on your essay as soon as possible to avoid the last-minute rush.
  • Revise and review the class readings and notes on concepts related to the topic. Check your class notes for examples your professor or instructor used.
  • Every paragraph should portray maturity in writing using transition words, effective word choice, and the best presentation.
  • Avoid run-on sentences. Instead, use a mix of short and long sentences.
  • Don’t just describe; compare the insights on the same concepts by different authors while noting your stance objectively.
  • Don’t ignore any counterarguments. If you are convinced of counterarguments against your thesis, present them, then give a well-supported rebuttal.
  • Your essay should offer a solution to a criminological issue. Therefore, ensure that you state your recommendations in the conclusion based on the main points in the body.
  • When writing the body of the criminology essay, weave in sociological, religious, political, legal, and psychological points of view. Using different perspectives helps you to demonstrate your writing prowess.
  • Give concrete examples and be analytical in your presentation of facts. Never use direct quotes unless allowed, but they should be limited.
  • When giving criminological evidence, ensure it has an economic, political, sociological, and psychological foundation. You can use both qualitative and quantitative data to elucidate your main arguments.
  • You can format the paper in APA, ASA, MLA, Harvard, Vancouver, or Turabian format. Follow the guidebook recommendations when formatting and structuring the paper. You should maintain consistency throughout the paper.
  • Ensure you have a good understanding of a theory before applying it. For instance, if you are writing a paper based on Rational Choice Theory or Conflict theory, research the theory, understand it, then apply it to the context of your essay topic.
  • Write in an active voice because it ensures the conciseness and liveliness of your essay.
  • Present facts chronologically without confusing the readers. The points in your essay should flow into one another.

Now that you know, ….

When writing an essay or paper for a criminology course, you must bring the best out of yourself. Naturally, a criminology essay will explore different criminological concepts while attempting to find solutions. Check out our respective guides to related essays:

  • How to write a persuasive essay.
  • Steps and tips for writing a perfect synthesis essay.
  • Steps for analytical essay writing.
  • How to write an argumentative essay.

Also, check out our famous list of criminology and criminal justice topics to get topics and ideas you can use for your criminological paper.

If you want to hire the best essay writers, we assure you that ordering an essay from our website will be the best decision you will ever make in your academic journey. We have polished and erudite writers who understand criminology in and out. Go to our homepage, fill out the order form, and get the best paper you dream of writing. We allow you to access and chat directly with the writer so they can weave in your ideas and suggestions for a personal touch on the final essay.

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how to write a good criminology essay

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How to Write a Criminology Essay: Writing Guide, Examples, Outline & Structure

Criminology is a fascinating area of study that looks at the causes, implications, and prevention of crime. If you are a criminology student, you may be needed to craft essays on number of topics relevant to this topic.

Writing a criminology essay can be difficult, particularly, if you are unfamiliar with the writing style and forma needed for academic writing.

In this blog post, we will offer you with techniques and instructions on how to write a criminology essay that satisfies the academic specifications. We will also give you with some example of criminology essays to give you a concept of how to structure and convey your ideas. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced  essay writer , this blog post will be resourcefully of value for you.

Table of Contents

Understanding the essay prompt and selecting a topic.

Comprehending the essay prompt and choosing a topic is essential steps in writing a effective criminology essay. Here are some pointers for every stage of the process:

Understanding the essay prompt:

  • Read the prompt keenly: Before you begin writing, ensure you comprehend exactly what the prompt is asking you to do. Search for main phrases or words that show the scope of the assignment, like “compare,” “contrast,” “analyze,” or “evaluate.”
  • Determine the topic: after you’ve parsed the prompt, you should have a clear idea of the general topic your essay will discuss.
  • Identify the scope: based on the length of your essay and the focus of the prompt, you may need to narrow your topic down to a particular element of the wider theme.

Selecting a topic:

  • Think about your interests: When selecting a topic, it’s crucial to pick something that you find involving in person.
  • Search for gaps in the research: One way to select a topic is to look for areas of criminology that have not been extensively researched or that haven’t been looked at from a particular angle.
  • Think about recent events s: picking a topic is another approach is to look for current events or ongoing debates in criminology that you find interesting.
  • Brainstorm potential angles: after you have a general topic in mind, brainstorm different angles or ways you could take to assess the topic.

Sample Topic : The  Impact of Solitary Confinement  on Prisoners’ Mental Health

For instance, when, your essay prompt requests you to evaluate the effects of specific element of the criminal justice system on a problem in criminology, you might pick to concentrate on the use of solitary confinement in prisons. This is a subject that has been the topic of ongoing debate in recent years, and it has significant consequences for the mental health and wellbeing of incarcerated person. To narrow your focus, you might select to the specific impacts of long-term solitary confinement on prisoners’ mental health, or you might evaluate the ethical consequences of using this practice as a kind of punishment.

Conducting Research and Organizing Your Ideas

Carrying out research and structuring your concepts is an important step in writing an effective criminology essay. Here are some tips and sample ideas to assist you do it successfully:

  • Begin with research query: Before you start your research, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of what you want to look at in your essay.   Related : How to write a research paper .
  • Find trustworthy sources: after you have a research question, it’s time to find sources to back up your argument. Look for reputable academic journals, books, and other scholarly sources that offer in-depth analyses of your topic
  • Take proper notes: As you read through your sources, take in-depth notes on the most crucial points and claims.
  • Organize your notes into an outline: after you have completed your research, it’s time to arrange your ideas into a clear, logical structure for your essay
  • Employ evidence to back up your arguments: As you write your essay, make sure to use evidence from your research to back up your arguments.

Sample topic: Exploring the connection between poverty and crime Research question: How does poverty add to criminal behavior?

  • Wilson, W. J. (2012). The Truly Disadvantaged: The Inner City, the Underclass, and Public Policy. University of Chicago Press .
  • Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1993). Crime in the Making: Pathways and Turning Points through Life. Harvard University Press.
  • National Bureau of Economic Research . (2020). “Crime and the Labor Market.” NBER Working Paper No. 27539.

Criminology Essay Outline

  • Introduction
  • Definition of poverty and its effect on society
  • Research question
  • Poverty and crime
  • Illustration of the connection between poverty and criminal behavior
  • Evidence from academic studies
  • The role of social factors
  • The effect of family structure and social networks on crime
  • The impact of education and job chances on criminal behavior
  • Policy implications
  • possible solutions for lowering poverty and crime
  • The significance of discussing poverty in criminal justice reform efforts
  • Summary of main arguments
  • Suggestions for future research

Writing A Compelling Introduction and Thesis Statement

When it comes to crafting a criminology essay, a strong introduction and thesis statement are important in capturing the readers interest and setting the stage for your argument. Here are some tips for crafting successful introduction and thesis statement:

  • Hook the reader with an interest grabbing opening sentence. The initial sentences of your essay need to be memorable and involving.
  • Give some history information on your topic. Once your opening sentence, you need to give some context for your argument.
  • Introduce your thesis statement. Your thesis statement needs to be the last sentence of your introduction. This is the major point that you will be arguing throughout your essay, so it needs to be clear, concise, and precise

Here’s an instance of a successful introduction and thesis statement for a criminology essay:

Opening sentence: “Did you know that hate crimes against Asian Americans increased by 149% in major U.S. cities in 2020?”

Background information: “As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, so did racist rhetoric blame Asian people for the outbreak. This xenophobic sentiment has manifested in a surge of hate crimes intended for Asian Americans, especially in urban places.”

Read the comprehensive guide on how to write a Covid-19 essay .

Thesis statement: “This essay will argue that social media platforms have facilitated the spread of racist and xenophobic messages, adding to the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Supporting Your Argument with Evidence and Analysis

When writing a criminology essay, backing up your argument with evidence and analysis is a critical element of an effective essay. Here are some tips and sample ideas to assist you successfully incorporate evidence and analysis into your essay:

  • Select related sources: ensure to pick sources that are directly related to your argument.

Sample idea: If you’re arguing that harsher sentencing does not deter crime, you could utilize sources that give data on crime rates before and after the implementation of mandatory minimum sentences.

  • Employ credible sources: Your sources need to be trustworthy and credible. Look for sources that have been published in reputable journals or crafted by experts in the field.

Sample idea: If you’re arguing that the death penalty is not an efficient deterrent to crime, you may utilize sources like academic studies or reports from organizations like Amnesty International .

  • Evaluate your evidence: Don’t just convey your evidence; evaluate it to show how it backs up it to demonstrate how it supports your argument. Illustrate why the evidence is related and how it back up your thesis.

Sample idea: If you’re arguing that mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses disproportionately affect people of color, you could analyze data on the racial breakdown of those serving mandatory minimum sentences to demonstrate your point.

  • Employ a variety of evidence: utilize different forms of evidence to back up your argument, like statistics, case studies, or expert testimony.

Sample idea: If you’re arguing that police brutality against minorities is a systemic issue, you could utilize case studies of high-profile incidents and also statistical data on police use of force to back up your argument.

Related: statistics homework help and Case study homework help .

  • Think about counterarguments: Anticipate and discuss counterarguments to your position. This will indicate that you have taken into account different perspectives and strengthen your general argument. Read more about how to write an argumentative essay .

Sample idea: If you’re arguing that gun control laws are necessary to lower gun violence, you could discuss counterarguments that suggest that gun control infringes on Second Amendment rights or that criminals will find a way to acquire guns regardless of the law.

Related: How to write a gun control essay .

Editing and Proofreading for Clarity and Coherence

Editing and proofreading are crucial steps in crafting any academic essay, involving a criminology essay. Here are some techniques for editing and proofreading your essay to be sure clarity and coherence:

  • Take a break before editing: It’s crucial to step away from your essay for a while before you begin editing
  • Read your essay out loud: Reading your essay out loud could assist you to determine awkward sentences, grammatical mistakes, and other problem that might not be apparent when reading silently.
  • Utilize spellcheck and grammar tools: Spellcheck and grammar tools can assist you spot spelling and grammar mistakes, but keep awareness that they are not foolproof
  • Verify for consistency: ensure that your essay is consistent in terms of formatting, language, and style.
  • Check your transitions: ensure that your essay smoothly flows from one paragraph to the next. Check your transitions to make sure that your ideas are linked and that your arguments are logical.
  • Remove unnecessary words and phrases: make sure to remove any unnecessary words and phrases that may be distracting the clarity and coherence of your essay.

Sample topic: The effect of community policing on crime rates in urban areas.

Editing and proofreading for clarity and coherence are crucial to producing a high-quality criminology essay. By spending the time to review your work keenly and make necessary revisions, you can make sure that your essay is simple to comprehend and efficiently discuss your ideas. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your criminology essay is clear, coherent, and convincing.

Examples of Essay on Criminology

Sample 1: capital punishment.

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior and the criminal justice system. It is a multidisciplinary field that draws upon knowledge and theories from a variety of social sciences, including sociology,  psychology , and law. Criminologists seek to understand the causes of crime, the impact of crime on society and the effectiveness of criminal justice policies and practices.

One of the most important tasks of criminologists is to identify the risk factors that contribute to criminal behavior which includes examining factors such as poverty,  family dynamics , mental illness, and drug addiction. By understanding these risk factors, criminologists can develop strategies to prevent crime and intervene early to address the underlying issues that lead to criminal behavior.

Another key area of focus for criminologists is the criminal justice system itself including examining the effectiveness of various criminal justice policies and practices, such as policing strategies, sentencing guidelines, and prison reform initiatives. Criminologists also study the impact of the criminal justice system on individuals and communities, including issues of racial and economic inequality.

The field of criminology plays a critical role in understanding and addressing crime and its effects on society. Through rigorous research and analysis, criminologists can provide policymakers with evidence-based recommendations for improving the criminal justice system and reducing crime. Conclusively, criminology is an important field for anyone interested in promoting social justice and public safety.

Sample 2: Capital Punishment Essay

As a definition , Capital punishment , also known as the  death penalty , refers to the practice of executing individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes, typically murder. The use of capital punishment is a largely controversial issue with proponents arguing that it serves as a deterrent to crime and ensures justice for victims. Opponents argue that it is a violation of human rights and has no proven deterrent effect.

One argument in favor of capital punishment is that it serves as a deterrent to crime. According to  armensty.org on the topic , the idea is that the fear of execution will deter potential criminals from committing murder, as they will be aware of the consequences. However, this argument is hotly debated, with opponents citing studies that show no significant difference in murder rates between states with and without the death penalty.

Opponents of capital punishment argue that it is a violation of human rights, as it involves taking the life of a human being. They also point out that the death penalty is often disproportionately applied to  marginalized groups , such as the poor and people of color, and that there have been cases of innocent people being executed.

Another argument against capital punishment is that it does not provide closure for victims’ families. While proponents argue that the death penalty provides justice for the victim, opponents argue that the lengthy appeals process and uncertainty surrounding execution dates can prolong the pain and trauma experienced by the families of murder victims.

Conclusively, capital punishment is a contentious issue that raises complex ethical and legal questions. While proponents argue that it serves as a deterrent to crime and ensures justice for victims, opponents argue that it violates human rights and is often applied in a discriminatory manner. As such, the use of capital punishment remains a deeply divisive issue, with no easy answers.

Pay Someone to Write My Criminology Essay for Me

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A criminology essay purposes to look at particular element of criminology, like a theory, policy, or phenomenon, and deeply evaluates. The objective is to convey a well-supported argument that adds to the field of criminology and shows critical thinking and analytical skills.

When picking a topic, think about what interests you within the field of criminology, and what particular element of the topic you want to look at. You should also take into account the availability of sources and research on the subject, and whether you can make a specific contribution to the discussion.

A criminology essay needs to have a clear and concise introduction that gives background information and states your thesis statement. The body of the essay needs to convey evidence and evaluation to back up your argument, and the ending needs to sum up your key points and restate your thesis.

You need to utilize various trustworthy sources, including academic articles, books, government reports, and statistics. Ensure to analyze to the credibility and relevance of your sources before employing them in your essay.

You need to employ evidence to back up your argument, but also evaluates and interpret it to show your critical thinking skills. Ensure to illustrate how every piece of evidence backs up your thesis, and think about alternative interpretations or counterarguments.

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Guide to the master’s essay in criminal justice

A master's essay is a scholarly paper demonstrating a student's understanding of the issues and research surrounding a particular topic in criminology and criminal justice. The essay follows the completion of all coursework and is guided by a faculty advisor. The finished product is an essay that displays a thorough understanding and mastery of the research topic.

After consultation with your faculty essay advisor, you should submit the master's essay form to the academic services officer, who will then complete an override allowing you to register for three essay credits (CRJ 7999).

Choosing an essay topic and advisor

Students choosing the essay option should approach a faculty member regarding essay advising the semester prior to beginning work on the essay. Choose up to three areas of criminology/criminal justice that you would like to investigate in-depth. You will eventually choose only one and narrow that topic in consultation with your essay advisor. Think about topics in your classes that interest you and begin reading articles and books on the topics.

Knowledge of current research in the area will help you narrow your topic and present a more coherent proposal to prospective advisors. Students who wish to pursue a topic on which they have had no coursework should consider working with a faculty member on the topic through a Directed Study (CRJ 7990) before beginning the essay.

Contact a faculty member whose area of specialization most closely matches your preferred topic. Describe your plans and ask if he or she would be willing to work with you on the project. If he or she accepts, you will begin negotiating the terms of the essay. After submitting your essay form you will be able to register for CRJ 7999 for three credits. If the faculty member declines, contact another professor or begin the process again with a different topic. Students unsure of whom to approach should consult with the graduate director regarding potential faculty advisors.

The essay advisor-student relationship is an agreement between the student and the faculty member. You will negotiate the topic, scope, approximate length, due dates, and any other aspects of the essay deemed necessary.

Writing your essay

Researching and writing the essay typically requires students' complete commitment without other coursework for at least one full semester. Follow the plan agreed upon with your essay advisor. Keep in contact, letting your advisor know of your progress, difficulties, and successes. Work on the essay requires intensive research and writing, revision, and refinement. Follow the American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines for formatting your essay. The essay is complete when the essay advisor determines that the finished product displays a thorough understanding and mastery of the research topic and is of sufficient quality to warrant the awarding of a master's degree.

You must receive a grade of B- or better on the essay.

Important deadlines/submitting your essay

Be sure to apply for your degree on Academica by no later than the fourth week of classes in the semester you expect to complete your essay.

Check with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (313-577-5188) regarding their deadline for submission of the essay . Then contact your essay advisor to determine his/her deadline, allowing sufficient time for him/her to read and grade the essay by the college deadline. The deadline is usually several weeks before the end of the semester, so you must work with your advisor to plan your timeline accordingly.

Make sure your essay conforms to the American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines.

Make sure your essay's format, binding and cover page conform to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences guidelines for the master's essay .

Submit two copies of your essay (one for the college and one for the department) to your essay advisor.

Your essay advisor will grade your essay.

Other resources

If you have difficulties with your writing, you may want to work with a copy editor or visit The Writing Center .

The department recommends the following book as a guide to writing an essay: W.A. Johnson, Rettig, R.P., Scott, G.M., and Garrison, S.M. (2005). The Criminal Justice Student Writer's Manual (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Sample essays are available for review by arrangement with the academic services officer at 313-577-0772.

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The SAGE Guide to Writing in Criminal Justice

The SAGE Guide to Writing in Criminal Justice

  • Steven Hougland - Florida Sheriffs Association
  • Jennifer M. Allen - Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
  • Description

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

For assistance with your order: Please email us at [email protected] or connect with your SAGE representative.

SAGE 2455 Teller Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 www.sagepub.com

“The SAGE Guide to Writing in Criminal Justice provides students studying crime with a “how-to” manual for effective writing in institutions of higher learning, professional settings, public and private agencies, and beyond. It is an easy, accessible resource for anyone hoping to learn the nuts and bolts of writing for criminal justice audiences.”

“This is my new textbook for my ‘Professional Writing in Criminal Justice’ course!...This is the book that I have been looking for, and I am SO glad to see if come to fruition!  Kudos to the authors!”

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“A nice point of reference for students who wish/need to improve their writing abilities, and who want to be better prepared for the after-University.”

“This brief writing guide provides criminal justice students straightforward descriptions of basic report writing as well as college paper writing.  The text provides helpful examples and puts into context the importance of writing well.”

Proper Writing skills are essential to all academics. I reviewed the book. The section I found most relative is the APA format chapters at the end which I have listed in my syllabi for essential reading and Chapters 1 and 3 will be utilized for the Fall semester as mandatory Chapters. I will require this for my history courses too. Do you have one develop for writing in History?

KEY FEATURES: 

  • Effective writing strategies for report writing guide students through the legal requirements and best practices for creating and completing reports commonly found in the criminal justice system. 
  • Writing assignments and exercises provide students with opportunities to apply course material.
  • Examples of resumes and cover letters offer students real-world tips to help prepare them for the workforce. 
  • A discussion on plagiarism clearly defines the concept to students as well as offers advice on how plagiarism can be avoided. 
  • An entire chapter devoted to information literacy explains to students how to better identify, obtain, and evaluate information. 
  • Two chapters on formatting and writing an academic paper guide students through the writing process and help them develop a well-researched academic paper.  

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 2: What is Information Literacy

Chapter 3: Writing in Criminal Justice

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Help with writing assignments

You can improve your skills at writing assignments for your subject area in a number of ways: 

  • Read the guidance or view the online tutorial on this page.  They both go through the TIME model (Targeted, In-depth, Measured, Evidence-based) to explain what's required in academic writing.
  • Attend one of our Succeed@Tees workshops. We run a workshop on academic writing, as well as on other types of writing (including critical writing, reflective writing, report writing).  See Succeed@Tees workshops  for more information, including a list of dates and times.
  • Book a one-to-one tutorial with our learning and development team . We can provide guidance on your structure and writing style.

Guidance on academic writing

Evidence-based.

  • Bringing it all together
  • Finally ...

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  • Writing an assignment takes time, more time than you may expect.  Just because you find yourself spending many weeks on an assignment doesn’t mean that you’re approaching it in the wrong way.
  • It also takes time to develop the skills to write well, so don’t be discouraged if your early marks aren’t what you’d hoped for.  Use the feedback from your previous assignments to improve.
  • Different types of assignments require different styles, so be prepared for the need to continue to develop your skills.

We’ve broken down TIME into 4 key elements of academic writing: Targeted, In-depth, Measured and Evidence-based.

time togos

  • What is an academic piece of work

Target logo

Your assignment needs to be targeted .  It should:

  • Be focused on the questions and criteria
  • Make a decision
  • Follow an argument
  • How to be targeted
  • Academic keywords or clue words

in-depth logo

Your assignment needs to be in-depth .  You should consider your questions and criteria thoroughly, thinking about all possible aspects, and including the argument both for and against different viewpoints.

You should:

  • Identify topic areas
  • Plan your assignment
  • Think about your introduction and conclusion
  • How to be in-depth
  • How to read quickly

measured logo

An academic writing style is measured. By this, we mean that it’s:

  • Emotionally neutral
  • Formal – written in the third person and in full sentences
  • How to be measured

evidence-based logo

Your assignment needs to be evidence-based . You should:

  • Reference all the ideas in your work
  • Paraphrase your evidence
  • Apply critical thinking to your evidence
  • How to be evidence-based
  • How to paraphrase

Once you’ve found all your evidence, and have decided what to say in each section, you need to write it up as paragraphs.  Each paragraph should be on a single topic, making a single point.  A paragraph is usually around a third of a page. 

We find Godwin’s (2014) WEED model very helpful for constructing paragraphs.

W is for What

You should begin your paragraph with the topic or point that you’re making, so that it’s clear to your lecturer.  Everything in the paragraph should fit in with this opening sentence.

E is for Evidence  

The middle of your paragraph should be full of evidence – this is where all your references should be incorporated.  Make sure that your evidence fits in with your topic.

E is for Examples

Sometimes it’s useful to expand on your evidence.  If you’re talking about a case study, the example might be how your point relates to the particular scenario being discussed.

D is for Do

You should conclude your paragraph with the implications of your discussion.  This gives you the opportunity to add your commentary, which is very important in assignments which require you to use critical analysis. 

So, in effect, each paragraph is like a mini-essay, with an introduction, main body and conclusion.

Allow yourself some TIME to proofread your assignment.  You’ll probably want to proofread it several times. 

You should read it through at least once for sense and structure, to see if your paragraphs flow.  Check that your introduction matches the content of your assignment.  You’ll also want to make sure that you’ve been concise in your writing style. 

You’ll then need to read it again to check for grammatical errors, typos and that your references are correct.

It’s best if you can create some distance from your assignment by coming back to it after a few days. It’s also often easier to pick out mistakes if you read your work aloud.

  • How to proofread

Online tutorial for writing assignments

We have an online tutorial to support academic writing. Click on the image below or go to Academic Writing  to view the tutorial.

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Further Reading

how to write a good criminology essay

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  • Last Updated: Apr 4, 2024 8:42 AM
  • URL: https://libguides.tees.ac.uk/Criminology

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How to write a Criminology Essay (A Full Steer for Students)

Writing adenine criminology attempt are one to the most satisfying assignments you will must in college. Majorly, criminology is into stimulating subject that makes you want to inquire additional and compose papers explaining, solving, or analyzing various clinical issues during request criminological theories or theoretical skeletons. Pursuing A Degree In Criminology Essay - 637 Words | Bartleby

As a cross-disciplinary field, criminology examines crime from a social view. This involve the study of how laws are done, the nature, causes, and extent of crime, and which efforts by various public at speech and control crime by the juvenile and criminal systems. Majorly, when undertaking criminologists writing, she use criminalistics theories drawn out social sciences such as studying, sociology, public physical, press economics. They also draw from other humankind subject how as history, philosophy, ethics, and biology. When writing adenine criminological editorial, it is important to differentiate criminology off offender justice. Majorly, since criminology exists a sub-discipline of sociology, your writing must portray a socratic perspective.

Given the interdependence of criminology on diverse disciplines or subjects, you wishes undoubtedly be assigned essays on variously topics. Yours is to demonstrate that you can research real discussions the subjects academically. Let’s trench deeper in how to write an excellent criminology test.

Steps for Writing an Composition on an Criminology Theme

Certain starting the common criminology topics include causal and factors impact crime, measures and procedures in combat and admin crime, the bond between ethnicity/race and crime, social disability, criminological theorizing, terrorism, human and drug trafficking, technology and crime, cybersecurity, punishment, the criminal justice plant, the role of genetics and psychology on crime, etc.

Regardless the your chosen theme, here are the steps on write the better criminology seek so a professor will read and give i this highest possible grades.

Step 1: Understandable the Assignment

Read and understand the prompts button instructions before doing anything else on the criminology essay assignment. You ca only write a great essay when her perceive what you are addressing. ... good student in Criminology. Time I possess ... Good Essays. The Pros And Shortcomings Of Criminal Judiciary. 740 Words; 3 ... Criminal Profiling Essay example. 1826 Words; 8 ...

As you read the instructions, try to understand the types of themes you be expected to handle. If there is a list of criminology themes you have been assigned go start, name adenine topic you cans manage regarding research and the wetter allocated for the mission. How to write a Law Article

A successful criminological essay have address the essay question since the bodies to the conclusion. That, whereas learning the instructions, pay close attention to signal terms such as study, describe, explain, criticize, review, compare and contrast, severely analyse, or exploration.

If you are required to address adenine specific area or theorie, understanding above-mentioned task words or phrases willingness tell you what to achieve, the defines the scope the your essay. Computer Essay ? - The Student My

Brainstorm ideas that come to mind like you how that essay question and use tools such as concept maps, mind maps, and freewriting at record diese information.

Step 2: Research the Essay Question

With an understanding of what shall necessary of you within the essay, the next step is up leadership preliminary research. The assumption here is that i have gone through who process of choosing a good topic .

Because by now you have deconstructed the essay question, thee need to delve deep into research to understand it better and organize your respond.

You need to show into academic and non-scholarly resources for your research.

The non-scholarly resources are for your personal sympathy out the movement of the topic. Although, you cannot with quoting and reference scholarly sources such more Journal articles, organizational and government publications, and books. You can do use of on-line records with criminology research articles and tools.  You can stop government websites and law enforcement agency news to establish to optimal evidence to use when addressing thine arguments in the essay. Look at examples via a google search. Think about how to using the structure go shape owner reasonable. MYSELF inclination up do introduction, background, headings for specific ...

Organize resources with the same ideas and intake shorthand notes when undertaking the research. Thou can and use tables to prioritize the ideas and sketch what she want your final paper for look like. Know instructions to write a top-grade criminology essay that addresses select the instructions and will the rubric requirements to sheet an A+.

If you need to use any theoretical conversely conceptual frameworks in the kriminological essay, research them further and take relevant notes. Do the similar for criminology theories both other concepts that you come across during search.

To of conduct, you should be clever to formulate your thesis up include reasonable arguments. A strong kriminological essay require have a defensible premise supported by evidence. To have an effective thesis statement, guarantee e exists clear, concise, and easy to understand. It should also be complex enough to grant you to defend it and relevant to the topic.  Ensure it has two to three arguments supported by facts and detection and a counterargument if that convulsions.

Step 3: Plan and Organize

Once you have understood the instructions, essay questions, and other dynamics, you must construct your response into the prompt or question. Despite her might have brainstormed once investigate, there is no harmful in doing it all override again.

She can achieve this in many different lanes. Visual approaches like concept geographic, mind maps, or tables can be used.

ONE perfect way until do it is to launch from what you know the the obscure. You should list the hauptinsel conceptions at the center the who page and use arrows to show the related concepts and ideas. Them can, for example, nachforschen the criminologists theories, sociological theorize, concepts, theoretical constructs, and ideas that relate to the central issues you have selected for your endeavor.

You can also organize which literature you have read during the research into categories to formulate a good react without losing yourself. By this, them can use online citation management tools such as Zotero.

Step 4: Outline your Essay

The structure of the essay guideline whereby you leave prioritize and present ideas. It should be divided into an introduction, the main body, and a conclusion.

With the introduction, provide you feature the opening sentences (hook), background statement, signposts, and thesis account.

The main car should have several headings, each having a topic catch, an series of supporting phrases, and an concluding sentence that transitions the vertical to the subsequent sentence.

The conclusion should bind everything together, present shut till readers, and present solutions and recommended.

When outlining, you can make aforementioned alphanumeric, decimal, or full-sentence outline essay outline formats , depending on what owner purpose are. Aforementioned full-sentence form cuts down writing zeitraum and inspires confidence when him are writing.

After the frame, capture a break. It is an importance part about the writing process . You bottle when resume writings aforementioned report with trust and speed.

Step 5: Write the Essay

A crash essay comprises the installation, main body, and conclusion.

The introduction should be clear, concise, and coherent. It should include one or two opening sentences ( attention-getters ) that identify to essay's purpose and the question that your essay directory.

Related Reading: Main Parts of into Getting Paragraph.

Give brief background information on the topic or theme so that your readers can identify that respective essay is about.

Or, outline how you are approaching the essay topic by signposting the ideas in your essay. Finalized, round up the introduction by fronting your heart argument in the paper – the thesis assertion, in neat with two sentences.

Each topic sentence in one essay's body should set ampere new chief idea connected go the thesis. Ensure that you support the ideas using definitions, examples, criminological perspectives, logic, reasoning, statistics, and materials with other sources. Posted by u/Youre_name_is_myname - 25 views and 6 comments

Immediately after the facts, conclude the paragraph and transition to and next. Reiterate the process by you have exhausted the body section, then transition to the conclusion.  Include academic words and phrases in your essay to construct sense and have a good flow of ideas.

As you how the body paragraphs, observe the PEEL/TEEL format . Other formats, such when of MEAL plan , can also suffice. To should have a scientist engagement by the sources, which means critically reading and write answers is making sensibility.

Related Readings:

  • Types of body paragraphs
  • How more paragraphs make a good essay.
  • Steps and tips for the best g paragraphs.

Finally, write the conclusion of the test . It should be 10% of the entire word count.

Include one or two conclusion closing sayings that summarized the arguments on the essay and provision sealing to your readers. You sack also reflect on the main points and present your counterargument , then refute it due give ampere answer.

It should also restate the proposition to assist your readers link ideas from the introduction and the frame. Refraining from including any new ideas within which essay at this point.

Step 6: Revise and Edit

After writing and essay, you need to get ampere break. The length for owner pause depends on the deadline. The prolonged it is, the long your broken should be.

After the break, read the essay speak to spot any mistakes, omissions, and errors. Reread it go as you reward attention to and sentence, paragraph, and essay structures.

Check your essay required grammar. You can use software such as Grammarly otherwise Ginger software to ensure it is grammatically audio. There be no chance for spelling mistakes as she want a high-quality criminology essay. As you check all these, check the in-text list and references. How up write a criminology essay - A step-by-step guide to writing at academic criminology essays to meet the 2:1 seminary standard.

Also, countercheck one plagiarism score to ensure you are submitting adenine article with the lowest or cannot rating. Your paper ought be as exciting additionally engaging while possible. With there are areas you have made subjective opinions, finds means to make the objective. You can submit the page in this superior select (PDF, PPT, Google Doc, or Word document) only when you have addressed everything.

Useful Hints Once Writing a Criminology Essay

A criminology essay can be persuasive, expository, analytical, historical, or comparative. Regardless of what type of arguments you will presenting, here are some best essay tips to consider. Wie to Write a Theory Essay: Steps, Tips, and Practical Insights

  • Work on owner essay as nearly as any in avoid the last-minute rush.
  • Revise and review this class readings and notes on concepts related to the themes. Check your class notes for examples your professor or instructor former. r/Criminology on Reddit: Criminology Essay Topics
  • Every paragraph supposed portray maturity in writings utilizing transition words, effective talk choice, and the greatest presentation.
  • Avoid run-on sentences. Choose, use a mix of short and length sentences.
  • Don’t just describe; compare the insights on the same business by variously authors time noting to stance objectively.
  • Don’t ignore any counterarguments. For you are convinced of counterarguments versus your thesis, presentation them, then invite a well-supported rebuttal.
  • Your essay should offer a solution to ampere criminological issue. Therefore, ensure ensure you state your recommendations inches the conclusion based on the major points in the body. How on Writers a Criminology Attempt
  • When writing the car of the criminology essay, weave include sociological, religious, political, legal, and psychological credits on view. Using differentially views helps you on demonstrate your writing prowess.
  • Grant tangible examples and be analytics in thy presentation of facts. Never use gleich quotes unless allowed, but they should be limited.
  • Whenever give penology prove, ensure it has an economic, political, sociological, and psychological foundation. You can use both qualitative and quantitative data to elucidate your core arguments. Criminology Essay
  • It can format the paper in APA, FAST, MLA, Harbourage, Vancouver, or Turabian format. Follow the guidebook recommendations when master the structuring which papers. She should maintained consistency throughout the glass.
  • Ensure you have a ok understanding of a theoretical before applying it. For instance, if you are writing a paper based over Rational Choice Lecture or Conflict theory, research aforementioned theory, understand it, then apply items toward the context of your essay topic. Writing in Criminology
  • Record in one active voice because it assures the conciseness and liveliness of your essay.
  • Present facts chronologically without confusing to book. The points the the essay shall course on one another.

Now that you know, ….

When writing an essay or essay for a introduction course, you musts convey the best out of yourself. Naturally, a criminology essay will untersuchen different criminological concepts while attempting at find solutions. Check out our respective guides for related essays:

  • How to letter a persuasive endeavor.
  • Steps and tips since writing a perfection combination essay.
  • Steps for analytical essay writing.
  • How to script an argumentative essay.

Also, check go is famous list of computer and criminal judicial topics to retrieve topics and ideas you can use for to criminological paper.

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Academic Sciences

How to Write a Criminology Essay

Make sure you understand what is being asked of you

If you are to complete a well-written criminology essay then it is essential that you understand what is being asked of you. Are you being asked to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the issue or are you being asked to offer a critique. The difference is important because it will entirely alter the framework of your essay. Describing a concept requires you to present an understanding of relevant literature, but discussing or criticising the concept requires you to present an argument, which should conclude with an informed opinion. There are certain phrases that are commonly used in essay questions that indicate what is being asked of you. You should look out for words like, ‘discuss', ‘explain', ‘criticise', ‘describe'. Once you have an understanding of the question, you should ensure that anything you write addresses the question and attempts to answer it. Keep referring back to the essay question to help you stay on track so that your criminology essay remains relevant.

Collate relevant information that will help you provide your answer

Once you have gained an understanding of what is being asked of you, your next task is to carry out relevant research. You will need to find information that addresses the question, which will require a great deal of wider reading. You will know at this point, which area of criminology you are going to be researching, which will help you hone in on certain authors or direct you towards certain sites, such as BUBL, or Social Science Information Gateway. You may have identified a need to collate statistics from the UK Statistics Authority. Although you may be aware of which sites will provide you with the information you are looking for you will still need to decipher the content for what is relevant and pertains to your essay question. Using online databases to find your articles will allow you to enter in keywords that you know are relevant to your research.

Plan what you are going to write about 

Now that you have brought together all of the information that you require you will need to decide how you are going to use it. An essay plan will help you formulate your ideas and structure them into an understandable, well-presented argument. Without structure essays can lose meaning and become confusing. The reader is left with the task of finding out information for themselves rather than having it presented to them in a manageable format. You can start by deciding which content is useful and will introduce the reader to the essay so that they have an understanding of what you are writing about. What is the background to the essay that is useful for the reader to know about? From this point you can start to plan how you will discuss the subject and present the argument in terms of strengths and weaknesses, or present the relevant concepts in order of how they relate to one another. You can categorise your research into how it relates to your plan so that you know when you will make reference to each of your sources and how this relates to your understanding of how to write a criminology essay.

Structure your ideas

However you plan your ideas and whatever the essay question is, your structure will fall into three sections to include the introduction, the main body, and the conclusion. The introduction is your opportunity to engage with the reader and offer insight into the area of inquiry. You can provide background so that the reader is aware of why this is an important subject. You can also provide an overview of what you are going to write about so that the reader is aware of what they will find out from reading your paper.

The main body will fall in line with the overview you have given in the introduction. You must organise your thoughts into a comprehensive flow of ideas and arguments that relate to one another so that your paper does not become disjointed. Every paragraph will make a point that flows into the paragraph that follows. If the content is easier to read it will be easier to mark.

The concluding section of your paper is your opportunity to bring together everything you have written and provide a general summation that reinforces your ideas and could be argued to be one of the most important parts to understand when learning how to write a criminology essay. You can only offer a conclusion based on what you have presented, however, as anything more would invalidate your conclusion based on the fact that it has not been grounded in substantial research. Only use the facts and arguments that you have been able to present based on the information you have been able to obtain. This will add meaning to your conclusion.

Follow any formatting requirements

Formatting may not seem like an essential consideration but the format for your essay will have been specified and if you cannot demonstrate that you are able to follow this then you will indicate that you may not be able to follow other instructions either. For the marker, this will create a negative impression of your abilities, and they may be left wondering if you do indeed know how to write a criminology essay. Pay attention to margins and line spacing. Choose a font that is readable and presentable. Most people opt for Times New Roman or Arial. Use spell checking tools to double check everything you have written is grammatically sound, and error free. Make any necessary amendments before submission.

Ensure originality of content and avoid plagiarism

Citations and referencing are essential and directly impact the validity and originality of your paper. Any idea that you present that isn't your own must be referenced. Any source you quote or paper that you refer to must be cited. Your own ideas are important, though, and you should not be frightened of adding your own content. The marker will be well aware of all of the relevant concepts and findings that exist in your area of research and you are not being asked to simply make a list of, and explain, everything you have read about. Add your own interpretations of the material you have read. This will make your essay more interesting to those who are marking it. Be conscious, though, that any idea that isn't yours must be referenced or else you will be exposed to accusations of plagiarism, which is very serious.

How to reference

Part of the understanding of how to write a criminology essay relates to understanding how to reference correctly. Be sure to cite every source you use in the text. This can be done in the following ways:

In text citations tend to take three forms. If a theory is cited then it is with the author's surname and the date of their paper in brackets. If the author is referenced then the date of the paper you are referring to must be included in brackets. If you are inserting a direct quotation then you must provide the author's surname, the date of the paper, and the page the quote was written on.

Anything you cite must be included in your list of references and provide all of the details of each source. The sources may come in the form of a book, a section within a book, a journal, or a web-based reference. Each different type of source requires its own referencing source and will depend on the referencing style you are being asked to follow, which is usually Harvard or APA for the social sciences. If you are using Harvard, check out this generator to help you create your bibliography!

Are you struggling with the perfect Criminology essay? Academic Sciences is able to provide custom essays and model answers which can help you manage your Criminology essay writing and get the grade you want. We have a variety of solutions available to you to suit both your academic level, time frame and budget. Have a look through our academic guides and if you are still struggling, consider giving us a call or placing an order for an essay on-line.  

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What is a Literature Review?

The scholarly conversation.

A literature review provides an overview of previous research on a topic that critically evaluates, classifies, and compares what has already been published on a particular topic. It allows the author to synthesize and place into context the research and scholarly literature relevant to the topic. It helps map the different approaches to a given question and reveals patterns. It forms the foundation for the author’s subsequent research and justifies the significance of the new investigation.

A literature review can be a short introductory section of a research article or a report or policy paper that focuses on recent research. Or, in the case of dissertations, theses, and review articles, it can be an extensive review of all relevant research.

  • The format is usually a bibliographic essay; sources are briefly cited within the body of the essay, with full bibliographic citations at the end.
  • The introduction should define the topic and set the context for the literature review. It will include the author's perspective or point of view on the topic, how they have defined the scope of the topic (including what's not included), and how the review will be organized. It can point out overall trends, conflicts in methodology or conclusions, and gaps in the research.
  • In the body of the review, the author should organize the research into major topics and subtopics. These groupings may be by subject, (e.g., globalization of clothing manufacturing), type of research (e.g., case studies), methodology (e.g., qualitative), genre, chronology, or other common characteristics. Within these groups, the author can then discuss the merits of each article and analyze and compare the importance of each article to similar ones.
  • The conclusion will summarize the main findings, make clear how this review of the literature supports (or not) the research to follow, and may point the direction for further research.
  • The list of references will include full citations for all of the items mentioned in the literature review.

Key Questions for a Literature Review

A literature review should try to answer questions such as

  • Who are the key researchers on this topic?
  • What has been the focus of the research efforts so far and what is the current status?
  • How have certain studies built on prior studies? Where are the connections? Are there new interpretations of the research?
  • Have there been any controversies or debate about the research? Is there consensus? Are there any contradictions?
  • Which areas have been identified as needing further research? Have any pathways been suggested?
  • How will your topic uniquely contribute to this body of knowledge?
  • Which methodologies have researchers used and which appear to be the most productive?
  • What sources of information or data were identified that might be useful to you?
  • How does your particular topic fit into the larger context of what has already been done?
  • How has the research that has already been done help frame your current investigation ?

Examples of Literature Reviews

Example of a literature review at the beginning of an article: Forbes, C. C., Blanchard, C. M., Mummery, W. K., & Courneya, K. S. (2015, March). Prevalence and correlates of strength exercise among breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors . Oncology Nursing Forum, 42(2), 118+. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.sonoma.idm.oclc.org/ps/i.do?p=HRCA&sw=w&u=sonomacsu&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA422059606&asid=27e45873fddc413ac1bebbc129f7649c Example of a comprehensive review of the literature: Wilson, J. L. (2016). An exploration of bullying behaviours in nursing: a review of the literature.   British Journal Of Nursing ,  25 (6), 303-306. For additional examples, see:

Galvan, J., Galvan, M., & ProQuest. (2017). Writing literature reviews: A guide for students of the social and behavioral sciences (Seventh ed.). [Electronic book]

Pan, M., & Lopez, M. (2008). Preparing literature reviews: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (3rd ed.). Glendale, CA: Pyrczak Pub. [ Q180.55.E9 P36 2008]

Useful Links

  • Write a Literature Review (UCSC)
  • Literature Reviews (Purdue)
  • Literature Reviews: overview (UNC)
  • Review of Literature (UW-Madison)

Evidence Matrix for Literature Reviews

The  Evidence Matrix  can help you  organize your research  before writing your lit review.  Use it to  identify patterns  and commonalities in the articles you have found--similar methodologies ?  common  theoretical frameworks ? It helps you make sure that all your major concepts covered. It also helps you see how your research fits into the context  of the overall topic.

  • Evidence Matrix Special thanks to Dr. Cindy Stearns, SSU Sociology Dept, for permission to use this Matrix as an example.
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  • Last Updated: Jan 17, 2024 12:31 PM
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Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology

Essay-writing: tips & hints for success.

Posted on: 28 February 2022 by Kirsten Ward in Blog

An image of a student sat at a desk with a notepad and an open laptop, writing an essay

At several points during your degree, you may be asked to write an essay. In some modules, essays form a key component of your summative assessment. To celebrate National Essay Day on 28th February, we have collated a set of hints & tips, designed to help you succeed in achieving a higher mark in your essay-based assessments.

So, what makes a great essay? Great essays are not just discursive but also analytical. Done well, essays not only communicate your understanding of a topic to the examiner, but can be learning processes in themselves, encouraging you to organise relevant material and think in new and creative ways. To impress an examiner, essays must be appropriately referenced and carefully framed, using academic language, and be free from typographical errors. For these reasons, you are strongly encouraged to start your essays early, leaving enough time for thorough proofreading with fresh eyes.

At a base level, your essay is a reasoned answer, supported by evidence, to the question set. The evidence for your argument comes from your wider reading. The way you select and interpret this evidence and explain how this helps you to answer the question, demonstrates your own thinking to the examiner. Producing a well-organised and evidence-based critical discussion, that directly answers the question set, is not an easy task. You will find that your essay writing improves with practice as you progress throughout your degree. However, developing good habits from the outset can go a long way in helping you to achieve success in your essay-based assessments.

Reading with Purpose

When you first receive the essay question, it is important to avoid rushing into the writing process. Although you may wish to show off the breadth of your knowledge to the examiner, writing down everything that you know about a topic, without a clear plan or structure, is likely to reduce the strength of your argument. Aim to make your examiners life as easy as possible, by grouping ideas together, and considering your overarching narrative, before putting pen to paper.

The first key tip is to ensure you answer the question. As with writing, do not rush into research. Instead, dedicate some time to understanding exactly what the question is asking. Consider the question within its context: what wider debates and issues may it be touching on from your lectures and seminars? Is there a specific viewpoint, or angle, that the question takes, or wishes you to explore? Is the question part of a wider discussion, perhaps one that is ongoing within the academic literature? Your lecturer may encourage you to narrow the question down, particularly if there is a tight word-limit. If you choose to focus on a particular area, ensure that you explain your choice to the examiner. Show them that you understand that, whilst there may be wider issues at play, you have chosen to conduct a deeper analysis within a certain area, given the constraints of the word limit. Likewise, if the question retains a narrow focus, ensure that you stay within the defined limits, and try not to entertain tangential debates.

Re-reading the question and underlining key words can help in clarifying what your answer should cover. Look out for any subject-specific terms that are used, and check that you fully understand them. You may also wish to highlight the type of analysis that the question is asking you to undertake. For example, are you being asked to compare and contrast or to critically analyse, possibly by reference to key cases or academic papers? If in doubt, break the question down. Ask, why is this topic important? Set yourself an orderly plan for research. What do you need to find out first? Breaking the question down into bitesize research tasks can prove useful when you come to plan your essay. You will then already have done a lot of the work in determining what each aspect of your argument adds to the assessment.

Once you have considered what the question is asking, you may wish to note down your initial thoughts, including: (a) what you already know about the topic (b) any aspects that you may need to research further and (c) your preliminary conclusion. This begins the process of formulating your argument and is likely to help you in prioritising your reading. Once you have completed your research, you may wish to repeat this process. By bringing together key ideas from your wider reading, you can clarify: (a) what you have found out and (b) whether your initial conclusions have changed. Remember when conducting your research, make sure you jot down a brief citation for each academic source. This will prove useful when collating your bibliography prior to submission.

Developing as a Researcher

Good essays are underpinned by sound critical analysis. Your aim when conducting preparatory research is to analyse material and evaluate the contribution it makes to your argument. Although critical analysis may seem, at first sight, a high-level skill, we make reasoned decisions every day. Critical analysis involves two main tasks: (a) weighing up the evidence supporting a certain idea to determine whether it is convincing, and (b) explaining why the evidence is, or is not, convincing. You may find it useful to approach your wider reading with a list of questions to trigger a critical approach, including (i) what is the author’s viewpoint and could it be biased? (ii) could the intended audience have influenced the way that the information is presented? (iii) what is the author’s main argument and what evidence is used in support? (iv) is the argument convincing and what are the challenges that could be waged against the conclusions made? Critical analysis does not necessarily mean disagreeing with an argument. It is equally important to be able to explain why you agree with a certain line of reasoning.

Post-it notes on a wall to symbolise planning

Post-it notes on a wall show one method of essay planning.

Planning with Intent

Writing with a plan often increases the overall coherence and structure of an essay. Because you know your end point and have undertaken the complex reasoning needed to bring logic to your argument, a plan allows you to focus on effectively communicating your ideas to the examiner. It also avoids the common pitfall of changing your line of reasoning halfway through writing your argument. Becoming comfortable with leaving aspects out of your essay is a skill. Remember, your word count means that it is impossible to cover everything. Your examiner is instead assessing your ability to harness and bring order to a tailored set of evidence.

Each of us adopts our own style of planning. Most commonly, you may wish to brainstorm your ideas, and arrange them into three or four groups, reflecting the key sections within your essay. Remember, not all ideas will fit neatly into this structure, so be prepared to discard them if necessary. Many writers find it helpful to store less relevant ideas within a separate Word document. Likewise, some students prefer visual plans, such as spider diagrams or mind maps, with key ideas springing out from a central question. Ideas can then be numbered, or colour coded, to structure the creative brainstorm. Others prefer a linear style, such as bullet pointing. Once you have your plan, a quick overview can often indicate whether you have too much, or too little, information. As always, be prepared for your exact line, or structure, of your argument to change as you write. You may notice new connections and patterns within, or between, your ideas. However, a plan is easily adaptable. Having an initial overarching structure will ensure that you can quickly see where any new thoughts or arguments fit into your essay.

The main purpose of planning is to set out what you will focus on in each section. This will include an introduction, where you will address: (a) what the question is asking (b) why this is interesting for your examiner and (c) how you plan to answer it. If you are struggling to get started, write down each question you are seeking to answer in turn, and take one at a time. Some students prefer to write a summary before they begin, setting out the central thesis of their essay within one or two sentences, to ensure they have a strong, overarching direction. Others prefer to write their introduction last, once they have a clear idea of their argument within the essay. You may choose to begin with the paragraph you feel most confident about and build momentum from there. Your outline should also address the main body of your essay, focusing on how each paragraph will build your argument. You may wish to try out different sequences for your groups of ideas, to determine which structure is the most persuasive. Remember that your key aim is to answer the question set. One useful tip is to focus each paragraph on one argument only. You may wish to break your plan down into more detailed sub-sections, noting the evidence from your wider reading which supports each point. Finally, your plan should bring your ideas together into a conclusion, where you summarise your arguments and show how you have addressed the question set.

Writing for Success

With a structured plan, you should have a good idea of what role each paragraph plays within your overall argument. This should help you to gauge what evidence you need to include within each section and how your essay fits together as a whole. Remember, introductions and conclusions serve key purposes within your assessment: they can make a good first and last impression. Both are core structural devices to guide the examiner through your argument. Introductions should also set out the conceptual and theoretical framework underpinning your essay. Ask yourself what the examiner needs to know, to be able to follow your argument, and how best you can draw them in from the outset. Likewise, consider what message you wish to leave the examiner with, and whether your main argument comes through clearly in your conclusion.

Remember, your introduction is the gateway into your essay. It is a map that guides the examiner, identifying the main route, and positioning your argument within the wider academic landscape. The main body of your essay should then develop the ideas that you have outlined in your introduction. The key to a successful essay is to integrate your own arguments with evidence from your wider reading. Generally, it is better to discuss fewer points, in more depth. The strongest approaches also tend to adopt a thematic analysis, integrating the arguments which can be advanced on both sides of a debate, as opposed to addressing one after the other. Remember that your essay should be analytical as opposed to descriptive. Try to only include background details where they add directly to your argument. It can prove a useful exercise once you have a first draft, to highlight areas of description in one colour and areas of analysis and evaluation in another. This will allow you to check that you have an appropriate balance.

Whilst everyone has their own style of writing, each paragraph should adopt a strong structure. Beginning with a topic sentence, the paragraph should signal to the examiner what it adds to the essay. The introductory sentence should then be supported by evidence and critical analysis. You should seek to interpret the evidence, explaining how, and why, your wider reading supports your main line of argument. Avoid simply letting the evidence ‘speak for itself’ or relying on sweeping generalisations. Instead, use case studies and specific examples. Counterarguments though, can be turned to your advantage. The strongest essays do not ignore opposing viewpoints, but rather address them head-on.

Each paragraph should then finish with a mini conclusion, linking the paragraph back to the question set. Remember that each idea should be supported by a fully cited reference from your wider reading. You should also pay close attention to the advice given by your lecturer, who may share their own style preferences, including the use of subheadings, first person and indentation. Always keep the question in front of you during the writing process. Be ruthless in discarding irrelevant material: a lack of succinctness may cost you marks. Finally, signpost your reader by using appropriate connecting phrases, guiding them through the overarching narrative of your answer.

Your conclusion should capture the journey your examiner has undertaken in reading your essay. It should allow for reflection on the main issues discussed, and directly relate back to the question set, showing how you have reached your answer. If the question asks you to make a judgment call, then you should clearly outline your reasoning. Whilst a nuanced conclusion may be appropriate, you should try to avoid ‘sitting on the fence’ or combining several sides of an argument into a muddled conclusion. Importantly, you should not introduce new material into a conclusion. Instead, focus on ‘closing the circle’ of your discussion by answering the questions raised in your introduction. You may wish to comment speculatively regarding future developments, although some writers prefer to include these discussions as part of their analysis. Similarly, although it may be appropriate to comment on the limitations of your analysis, you should avoid ending your argument on a negative or a rhetorical question. Ultimately, your conclusion should leave the examiner with a clear and positive view of your main argument.

Developing as a Writer

Writing is not an easy task. If at any stage, you become stuck, it may be useful to revisit your main ideas. Try writing one or two sentences, explaining what you are trying to get across to the examiner, without worrying about the exact phrasing. It may also help to explain the idea out loud. A trusted friend or family member can highlight any aspects which need further exploration. Do though, pay careful attention to academic integrity guidelines. After submitting a few essays, you will begin to understand what type of writer you are. You can then adapt your planning and writing habits to suit your needs. For example, if you are a slow writer, perhaps because you seek perfection in each sentence as you write, you may wish to explore writing a rough draft and beginning the editing process from there. In any event, redrafting is unavoidable, and time spent on editing and proofreading can make a real difference to your final mark.

Essays should be written in a formal academic style, avoiding the use of cliches, contractions and subjective descriptions. Common pitfalls include overreliance on ‘academic-sounding’ words and the use of overly long sentences. Both inhibit clear and accurate communication. Ideally, leave a day between finishing your essay and proofreading to gain some distance from your work. Try reading your essay aloud or using the ‘read aloud’ function on Word. This will ensure you focus on each word, highlighting sentences that are too long or dense. Check too, that your argument flows and makes sense as a cohesive whole. Do not be afraid to restructure, even at this late stage, or to cut information that is not directly relevant to the question. Remember, the examiner is looking for a focused argument. Put yourself in their shoes. Can you follow the argument clearly? Are there gaps in the reasoning? Is the argument signposted? You also need to check your references and bibliography, adopting a consistent formatting style throughout. Finally, pay close attention to any feedback you have received on previous essays. Do not be afraid to approach your lecturer or academic adviser with any questions you may have. Good luck!

Keywords: Essay Writing , National Essay-Writing Day , Essay planning , writing for success , developing as a writer , Reading , research , Research writing .

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How to Write a Criminology Essay

Make sure you understand what is being asked of you

  If you need to accomplish  a well examined & well on the paper criminology essay, then it is important to fully comprehend what is examined by you. Do you know that  there is a need to show off comprehensive know, how about the subject do you need to do some critique job? These 2 are essential, since it will change the outline of the paper. When you relate an idea that mandates you to show a comprehension about a related literature, which must conclude with a well informed point of view.

There are different sayings that are usually used in paper queries that includes the subject asked of you.  You need to look for words such as explain, discuss, disparage and define, as soon as you have comprehended the query, you must make sure that everything you compose will deal with the answer to the question asked of you. You must keep mentioning back to the proper inquiry to aid you in checking, so that your criminology paper will stay appropriate.

Collate relevant information that will help you provide your answer

As soon as you have enough comprehension of what is requested by you, your following job is to bring out all associated research. You need to look for the material that speaks the problem, which will necessitate you to deal with broader understanding. You will know at this time, which part of the criminology you will look for, which will aid you in honing your skills in becoming a good composer of your paper  you might have discovered that there is a necessity to organize data from the UK statistics authority. Even if you might not know about the sites that will offer you with the details that you are seeking for, you must check the content of what is close and affects the essay queries. When you use an online database to look for the articles to enable you to key in the keywords that you know are close to what you are looking for.

Plan what you are going to write about

Upon compiling composed all of the essential details that you need to do will make you think of how you are going to use it. In a paper plan to find help in composing ideas and organizing them into a more comprehensive, well obtainable dispute. Without the structure essays, your paper may lose its meaning and it will be very mystifying. The person who reads I will be left with the work of discovering out some details more than presenting them in a controllable form. You can easily start by deciphering which  content will be useful and what will present the person who reads the paper, so that they will have a clear sympathetic of what you are composing about.

The background also matters to the readers. From this viewpoint, you can now initiate the plan of in what way you will deliberate the matter with the current dispute when it comes to the strong points & flaws or current related concepts to come up with an idea of how they are linked to one another. You can also categorize the study on how it is related to your strategy, this way you will know how you will make the reference to every source and how it was related to your comprehension of how to write the criminology essay .

Structure your ideas

No matter how you plan the concepts and the type of essay question there is, your construction will still fall into 3 different parts with introductory page, main body & conclusion as well. The outline is your chance to deal with the person who reads & bargain your ideas on the part required. You can likewise give an introduction about what you will compose, this way the readers will be conscious of their discovery when they look at your essay. The main part of the body will be in the introduction you have provided in the introductory page. You need to fix your views into a more precise stream of thoughts  and disputes that link to another one, this will make your essay become fragmented.

Every section will give you an idea that runs going to the section that trails. If the composition is simpler for the readers, it will be stress-free to spot it. The conclusion of the essay is your chance to give your insights & overall summary that imposes your concepts and may be discussed to be an essential part to better comprehend whenever you learn how to write a criminology essay . You can also work on your assumption grounded on what is visible, on the other hand, for anything that will be invalidated the summation grounded with the truth that it hasn’t been seen a considerable with the research. You should cling to the truth & the advices that were taken. This will enhance weight to the end of your paper.  

Follow any formatting requirements

The formatting might not seem close to an important deliberation, but the arrangement of the paper should be well indicated and if you can’t show capability in following this, at that time you need to include that you might not follow other directives as well. For the indicator, it will make a bad dint of your capacities, and they might be left thinking if you truly know how to write a criminology essay . You need to check on the limitations &  streak spaces too. You can pick fonts that are easy to read and very presentable as well. A lot of people look for Times New Roman or Arial when working on their paper. You also need to use spell checkers to check if you have any grammatical mistakes. Be sure you have amended even before you submit your paper.

Ensure originality of content & avoids plagiarism

Citations & referencing are both important and they also have a straightforward effect of the rationality & innovation of the essay. Any concept that you will show that is not yours must be referenced to prevent plagiarism. Any source of quote or essay should also be cited. Your very private thoughts are very essential, though you must not be scared of adding more original content to your paper. The indicator will be cautious with related concepts and results that are available in the field of study &  you will not be asked to come up with a list, explain and read everything about it. Yu can also enhance your individual idea of the source. It will make the composition of the paper easier and more relevant to people marking it.

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  • Sample APA Student Paper This document from the APA web site illustrates the 7th edition formatting of a student paper. This format is a simplified version of the professional paper format (excluding things like running heads, etc.).
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  • may include qualitative, quantitative, or a variety of other types of research;
  • should define and clarify the problem being reviewed;
  • summarize previous research to inform readers of where research stands currently in regard to the problem;
  • identify relationships, contradictions, gaps, and inconsistencies in the current literature;
  • suggest next steps or further research needed to move toward solving the problem.  (APA, 2020, Section 1.6, p. 8)

* American Psychological Association. (2020).  Publication manual of the American Psychological Association: The official guide to APA style (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.

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Criminology Essay Topics

Cathy A.

Unveiling the Top 200+ Criminology Essay Topics

16 min read

Published on: May 6, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

Criminology essay topics

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Writing an essay on criminology can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing a topic. With so many areas of study to explore, it can be challenging to know where to start.

Students often struggle to find unique and interesting criminology essay topics that will demonstrate their knowledge of the subject matter.

Without a compelling topic, it's difficult to create a standout essay that will impress professors and earn high grades.

This blog post includes a list of criminology essay topics that are sure to make your writing process much easier. 

Whether you're interested in cybercrime, mass incarceration, or police brutality, we've got you covered. 

With over 200 topics to choose from, you're sure to find one that sparks your interest and suits your assignment requirements.

Let’s get started.

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What is a Criminology Essay?

Criminology essays are a type of academic paper. They focus on topics related to the study of crime, such as its causes and prevention.

A criminology essay requires students to conduct research, analyze data, and provide evidence-based arguments to support their ideas. 

This type of essay is usually assigned to students who are studying criminology or related fields. This includes criminal justice, sociology, or psychology.

Purpose Of Writing a Criminology Essay

The purpose of writing a criminology essay is to analyze and evaluate a particular topic related to the study of crime.

This type of essay requires students to conduct research, and provide evidence-based arguments to support their ideas.

It helps the students to develop critical thinking and research skills that are essential for success in criminology and related fields.

Moreover, writing a criminology essay is a way for students to contribute to the ongoing discourse on crime and its prevention. 

Criminology Essay Topics For College Students

Criminology is a fascinating subject that offers a vast array of topics for students to explore.

Here are some criminology essay topics for college students:

  • The impact of social media on cybercrime
  • Juvenile justice: rehabilitation vs. punishment
  • The effectiveness of community policing in reducing crime
  • The link between poverty and crime
  • The role of DNA evidence in solving crimes
  • Mass incarceration and its impact on communities of color
  • The effects of drug addiction on crime rates
  • Domestic violence: causes, effects, and prevention
  • The ethics of the death penalty
  • International crime: human trafficking and drug trafficking

Criminology Essay Topics For University Students

  • White-collar crime: causes, impacts, and prevention
  • Cybersecurity and cybercrime: protecting individuals and organizations
  • Theories of crime: examining the biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives
  • The role of the media in shaping public perception of crime
  • The impact of race and ethnicity on the criminal justice system
  • Capital punishment: examining the ethical, social, and legal implications
  • The relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior
  • Policing in the 21st century: challenges and opportunities
  • The impact of globalization on crime and criminal justice
  • The intersection of gender and crime: exploring the experiences of female offenders

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List of Basic Criminal Justice Topics

  • History of criminology and its evolution over time
  • Crime and social inequality: examining the relationship
  • Economic factors and their impact on crime rates
  • Geographic profiling in criminal investigations
  • Gender and sexuality in criminal behavior
  • Social and cultural factors and their impact on crime
  • Deterrence as a criminal justice strategy: effectiveness and limitations
  • Incarceration and its impact on families and communities
  • Ethics of conducting criminological research
  • Globalization and its impact on crime and criminal justice

Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics on Society & Justice

  • Impact of mass incarceration on marginalized communities
  • Media’s role in shaping public perceptions of crime and criminal justice
  • Restorative justice programs and their impact on victims and offenders
  • Challenges of providing legal representation to indigent defendants
  • Police militarization and its effect on community relations and public trust
  • Role of community-based organizations in promoting social justice and reducing crime
  • Impact of the War on Drugs on criminal justice and society
  • Addressing domestic violence in criminal justice policies and practices
  • The impact of mandatory minimum sentencing on the criminal justice system
  • The role of mental health services in the criminal justice system

Theories of crime and their relevance to criminal justice

  • The role of criminal profiling in criminal investigations
  • The impact of technology on crime prevention and investigation
  • Restorative justice and its application in the criminal justice system
  • The effectiveness of community policing in reducing crime rates
  • The challenges of addressing hate crimes in criminal justice policies and practices
  • The role of public surveillance in crime prevention and investigation
  • The impact of incarceration on recidivism rates
  • The use of alternative sentencing in the criminal justice system
  • The effectiveness of drug treatment programs in reducing crime rates

Criminology Research & Measurement

  • Analyzing the reliability and validity of crime statistics
  • The use of forensic science in criminology research
  • The impact of racial bias on criminology research and measurement
  • The challenges of measuring white-collar crime and its impact on society
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in reducing recidivism rates
  • The use of experimental designs in criminology research
  • The impact of technology on criminology research and measurement
  • Analyzing the relationship between social inequality and crime
  • The challenges of measuring cybercrime and its impact on society
  • The use of qualitative research methods in criminology research

Check out this blg for criminology essay examples !

Criminology Essay Topics on Racism and Discrimination

  • The impact of impacts of solitary confinement on criminal justice policies 
  • Analyzing the intersection of race, class, and crime
  • The role of implicit bias in criminal justice decision-making
  • The impact of racial profiling on communities of color
  • The effectiveness of diversity and inclusion initiatives in the criminal justice system
  • The impact of the school-to-prison pipeline on marginalized communities
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of affirmative action in reducing discrimination in criminal justice
  • The impact of language barriers on the criminal justice system
  • The role of restorative justice in addressing racism and discrimination in the criminal justice system
  • The impact of hate crimes on marginalized communities and the criminal justice response

Criminal Law Research Topics

  • Analyzing the legal concept of mens rea and its impact on criminal law
  • The use of eyewitness testimony in criminal trials: reliability and validity
  • The role of expert witnesses in criminal trials: benefits and limitations
  • The legal and ethical implications of plea bargaining in criminal cases
  • The impact of technology on criminal law: examining the use of DNA evidence in court
  • The legal implications of hate crimes: defining and prosecuting bias-motivated offenses
  • The challenges of prosecuting and punishing juvenile offenders in criminal court
  • Examining the legal and ethical implications of the insanity defense
  • Analyzing the legal and social consequences of wrongful convictions
  • The impact of international law on domestic criminal justice systems

International Criminal Law Research Topics

  • The role of the International Criminal Court in promoting international justice and accountability
  • The legal and ethical implications of targeted killings and drone strikes in the fight against terrorism
  • Examining the impact of international human rights law on international criminal law
  • The use of transitional justice mechanisms in post-conflict societies: a comparative analysis
  • The legal and ethical implications of refugee and migrant detention in international law
  • The relationship between international criminal law and terrorism: challenges and opportunities
  • The role of international law in addressing global environmental crimes and their impact on human security
  • The challenges of investigating and prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity in conflict zones
  • The role of international criminal tribunals in promoting peace and reconciliation in post-conflict societies
  • The legal and ethical implications of extraterritorial jurisdiction in United States

Criminology Essay Topics on Types of Crime

  • Hate crimes: analyzing patterns and trends
  • Organized crime: examining the structure and activities of criminal organizations
  • Cybercrime: exploring the challenges of investigating and prosecuting online criminal activity
  • Property crime: analyzing causes and prevention strategies
  • Violent crime: exploring the factors that contribute to violent behavior
  • Sexual assault: examining the prevalence and impact of this type of crime
  • Drug-related crime: exploring the connections between drugs and criminal activity
  • Financial crime: analyzing white-collar crime and fraud
  • Environmental crime: exploring crimes against the environment and the impact on society
  • Human trafficking: analyzing the causes, impact, and prevention of this crime

Criminology Essay Research: Theories

  • Rational choice theory: analyzing the decision-making process of criminals
  • Social disorganization theory: examining the impact of social and economic factors on crime
  • Strain theory: exploring the connection between social inequality and criminal behavior
  • Routine activities theory: analyzing how the convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians lead to crime
  • Social learning theory: examining how individuals learn criminal behavior through observation and imitation
  • Labeling theory: exploring the impact of social labels on individuals and their involvement in criminal activity
  • Feminist criminology: analyzing the impact of gender on criminal behavior and the criminal justice system
  • Critical criminology: exploring the role of power and social inequality in criminal behavior
  • Life course theory: examining how events throughout an individual's life impact their likelihood of involvement in criminal activity
  • Integrated theory: analyzing how multiple criminological theories can be combined to explain criminal behavior

Criminology Essay Topics on Victimization

  • Domestic violence: exploring the impact on victims and prevention strategies
  • Victim blaming: analyzing the societal attitudes towards victims of crime
  • The impact of crime on mental health: exploring the psychological effects of victimization
  • Child abuse: analyzing the prevalence and impact of this type of victimization
  • Elder abuse: examining the challenges of protecting vulnerable elderly individuals from victimization
  • Restorative justice: exploring alternative approaches to addressing victimization
  • Human trafficking: examining the experiences of victims and the challenges of identifying and prosecuting offenders
  • Hate crimes: exploring the impact on victims and prevention strategies
  • The role of victim advocacy in the criminal justice system
  • Cyber victimization: analyzing the impact of online victimization and the challenges of addressing it

Hot Criminal Justice Topics 2024

  • Mass incarceration: exploring the impact of policies and practices that lead to high rates of imprisonment
  • The death penalty: analyzing the ethics and effectiveness of capital punishment
  • The war on drugs: examining the impact of drug policies on criminal justice and society
  • Racial disparities in the criminal justice system: analyzing the impact of systemic racism on policing, prosecution, and sentencing
  • Community policing: exploring alternative approaches to policing and their effectiveness
  • Restorative justice: examining alternative approaches to punishment and their impact on individuals and communities
  • Mental health and the criminal justice system: analyzing the challenges of addressing mental health needs in the criminal justice system
  • Technology and criminal justice: exploring the benefits and challenges of using technology in law enforcement and the criminal justice system
  • International criminal justice: examining the challenges of addressing transnational crime and the role of international institutions in promoting justice.

Criminal Justice Research Topics about Court Cases

  • The impact of Miranda v. Arizona on police practices
  • The role of plea bargaining in the criminal justice system
  • The impact of the O.J. Simpson trial on race relations in America
  • The impact of the Casey Anthony trial on perceptions of motherhood and crime
  • The role of prosecutorial discretion in charging decisions
  • The impact of the George Zimmerman trial on perceptions of self-defense laws
  • The role of the insanity defense in criminal cases
  • The impact of the Scott Peterson trial on media coverage of criminal trials
  • The role of eyewitness testimony in criminal cases
  • The impact of the Timothy McVeigh trial on domestic terrorism laws

List of Realistic Crime Research Topics

  • The impact of social media on cyberbullying and online harassment
  • The role of community policing in reducing crime rates
  • The impact of mandatory minimum sentences on the criminal justice system
  • The effectiveness of drug treatment programs in reducing recidivism rates
  • The role of mental health in criminal behavior
  • The impact of the war on drugs on minority communities
  • The role of restorative justice in the criminal justice system
  • The impact of juvenile delinquency on future criminal behavior
  • The effectiveness of body-worn cameras in reducing police misconduct
  • The role of race and gender in sentencing disparities in the criminal justice system

Reasonable Criminology Research Topics

  • The impact of social media on crime rates and criminal behavior
  • The effectiveness of community-based programs in reducing recidivism
  • Examining the relationship between poverty and crime
  • The impact of parental incarceration on children and families
  • The role of media in shaping public perception of crime and criminal justice
  • The effectiveness of restorative justice practices in reducing crime and recidivism
  • The role of education and employment in reducing criminal behavior
  • The impact of domestic violence on children and families
  • The effectiveness of drug treatment programs in reducing drug-related crime
  • The relationship between mental health and criminal behavior

Criminology and Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • Crime prevention strategies for reducing property crime
  • Gun control and crime prevention: exploring the relationship
  • The role of surveillance technology in crime prevention
  • The impact of community policing on crime prevention
  • The effectiveness of restorative justice practices in achieving justice for victims
  • The impact of mandatory sentencing laws on crime prevention and justice
  • The role of rehabilitation in achieving justice for offenders
  • The impact of hate crime legislation on crime prevention and justice
  • The role of technology in preventing cybercrime
  • The effectiveness of early intervention programs in preventing juvenile delinquency

Criminology Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Should rehabilitation programs be prioritized over punishment in the criminal justice system?
  • Can community policing build trust between law enforcement and communities?
  • Is the death penalty an effective deterrent to crime?
  • Should mandatory minimum sentencing laws be abolished?
  • Can restorative justice reduce recidivism rates?
  • Should prisons focus on punishment or rehabilitation?
  • Is there a correlation between poverty and crime rates?
  • Should there be a greater focus on mental health treatment in the criminal justice system?
  • Can technology be used to reduce crime rates?
  • Should non-violent drug offenders be sentenced to rehabilitation instead of prison?

Criminology Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Is solitary confinement a cruel and unusual punishment?
  • Does the criminal justice system disproportionately affect marginalized communities?
  • Should juveniles be tried as adults for serious crimes?
  • Is racial profiling a necessary tool for law enforcement or a violation of civil rights?
  • Should police officers be required to wear body cameras?
  • Is the use of the death penalty morally justifiable?
  • Should hate crimes be punished more severely than other crimes?
  • Are “three strikes” laws an effective deterrent to repeat offenders?
  • Should the government be allowed to access individuals’ personal data in the interest of national security?
  • Is the “not guilty by reason of insanity” defense a valid excuse for criminal behavior?

Easy Essay Topics On Criminology

  • The role of race, ethnicity, and class in shaping perceptions of criminality and punishment
  • The impact of globalization on crime rates and criminal justice systems
  • The effectiveness of drug courts in addressing drug-related crimes
  • The role of social media in facilitating criminal activity and how law enforcement can respond
  • The impact of technology on policing practices and the criminal justice system as a whole
  • The impact of community-based organizations on crime prevention and intervention
  • The impact of victim advocacy groups on the criminal justice system
  • The effectiveness of diversion programs for adult offenders
  • The impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, and society as a whole
  • The impact of the “tough on crime” movement on the criminal justice system and society.

How To Choose A Criminology Essay Topic

When it comes to choosing a criminology essay topic, there are several factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Area of Interest

First and foremost, it's important to choose a topic that you are interested in. This will help you stay motivated and engaged throughout the research and writing process.

The topic you choose should be relevant to the field of criminology. It should address a specific aspect of crime, criminal behavior, the criminal justice system, or related topics.

  • Originality

While it's fine to build on existing research, choose a topic that is original and hasn't been extensively covered before.

  • Feasibility

You should also consider whether the topic you choose is feasible within the constraints of your assignment. Is there enough research material available on the topic? Can you realistically cover the topic within the given word count or time frame?

  • Controversy

Finally, you might also consider choosing a topic that is controversial or debatable within the field of criminology. This can help you develop a thought-provoking essay that is likely to catch the attention of your readers.

Tips To Write An Effective Criminology Essay Topic

When it comes to writing an effective criminology essay, it's important to keep the following tips in mind:

Understand the Assignment

Before you start writing, make sure you understand the assignment instructions and the requirements for the essay. This will help you structure your essay and ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria.

Conduct thorough Research

In order to write a well-informed essay, it's important to conduct thorough research on your chosen topic. Use a variety of reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and government reports to gather information and data.

Organize your Ideas

Once you have conducted your research, organize your ideas into a logical and coherent structure. This will help you create a clear and concise argument that is easy for the reader to follow.

Use Evidence To Support Your Argument

When making claims or arguments in your essay, be sure to use evidence and examples to support them. This will add credibility to your essay and help you make a more convincing argument.

Edit and Proofread

Finally, be sure to edit and proofread your essay thoroughly before submitting it. Check for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and make sure your essay is well-organized and flows logically.

By following these tips, you can write an effective criminology essay that is well-researched, well-organized, and convincing.

In conclusion, criminology essay topics are diverse. They range from the causes and effects of crime to theories and policies that shape our criminal justice system.

Selecting a suitable topic and writing an effective essay requires thoughtfulness. Consider your interests, the instructions of the assignment and the wider subject of criminology.

Follow best practices when researching and writing an essay. This will ensure you present a well-informed argument. Your argument will contribute to the conversation about crime and justice.

However, If you need further assistance with your essay, consider reaching out to the custom writing service - CollegeEssay.org. 

Our essay writer can help you refine your topic. It will also develop a compelling argument, to ensure your essay meets the highest standards. 

Hire our criminology essay writing service today to learn more!

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how to write a good criminology essay

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  • Criminology essays

Our free criminology essays cover many topics including crime and criminal justice, criminals and victims, criminological problems and theories, victimisation, responses to crime and deviance, policy questions both nationally and internationally, and much more. Use them to inspire your own research and writing in this fascinating field of study.

Theories of crime: Bowlby, Erikson, Eysenck

John Bowlby’s attachment theory, otherwise known as ‘maternal deprivation’ is a well-known psychological theory of delinquency. Attachment theory originated from John Bowlby (1940) in his study of the effects of maternal deprivation on personality development. Bowlby developed attachment theory from his observations of children’s response to the breaking of bonds with their primary care giver. … Read more

Evaluating the ACE tool as a method of assessment (case study)

Within the United Kingdom initially work with offenders took the form of social casework with the focus on the relationship and the overarching aim of rehabilitation (Fitzgibbon 2007). However the 1907 Probation of Offenders Act enshrined in legislation the function of a Probation Officer to ‘advise assist and befriend’ (Canton 2011:5). This is incorporated into … Read more

Terrorism – definition, evolution & root causes

Defining Terrorism The term terrorism is mired in a definitional quagmire. Although several definitions have been postulated by experts, policy makers and security agencies; no consensus has been reached. This lack of definition has rendered the term an “opportunistic appropriation” (Saul, 2008, P. 3); and an “essentially contested concept” – “concepts the proper use of … Read more

Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is an extension of traditional stalking as the offender uses a high-tech modus operandi to commit the crime (Petherick, 2007). It is defined as, “the repeated pursuit of an individual using internet-capable or electronic devices” (Reyns et al., 2012, p.1). And, repeated pursuits include any unwanted electronic communications that may be intimidating, coercive or … Read more

Stricter gun control laws need to be enforced

In the span of a little more than 6 minutes, 17 lives vanished and another 14 lives were harmed by one gunman with an AR-15 rifle. This was the reality for the students and faculty members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. It was Valentine’s Day, the day of love and … Read more

Effects the murder of Stephen Lawrence on policing procedures

This essay will analyse the effects the murder of Stephen Lawrence, which lead to the Macpherson report had on changes in police procedures and policy; especially concerning ethnic communities. The report itself includes seventy proposals of recommendation to tackle racism in the police force; with the race relations legislation being an important policy to improving … Read more

The evolution of the juvenile justice system

The juvenile justice system has made many changes since it was first developed in 1899. Courts put much more emphasis on the rehabilitation and intervention aspect than today where all we try to do is punish and hold someone accountable. There was also much more anonymity to prevent children from being seen as criminals that … Read more

America’s Racial Caste and the Policing of Racial Order

Introduction: A racial caste is a group that is locked into an inferior position. Once placed into the racial caste you are deemed as a permanent second-class citizen. Our system perpetuates a racist divide in our country by creating (and re-creating) systematic ways to maintain white supremacy and black subordination. The United States, successfully, has … Read more

Is it more effective to punish prisoners or rehabilitate them?

This essay considers whether it is more effective to punish prisoners or rehabilitate them to reduce crime and re-offending.

Death penalty perspectives – deterrence and morality

The death penalty is a very controversial issue in the United States because there are multiple perspectives to look at it through and through the end it’s either you’re for or against the death penalty. While there are many supporters of it, there is also a large amount of opposition. Currently, there are thirty-three states … Read more

To what extent does reductivism play a role in current sentencing policy?

The idea of reductivism is, ‘the idea that punishment can be justified by its ability to prevent crime from happening again in the future.’ Therefore the justification theories of punishment instructs the understanding that this theory rationales and justifies the nature of punishment based on the efficiency, or the fairness of the punishment which conforms … Read more

What is crime?

When focusing on what crime is, it is regarded ‘’as an act that breaks the law’’. As criminologists, we focus on why certain actions committed by individuals result in them being criminalised. Tappan’s definition of crime is ‘‘an intentional act in violation of the criminal law committed without defense of excuse and penalized by the … Read more

The terror of doxing in an era of social media

Intelligence gathering has been in existence in society since throughout human history. Human beings are known to hide or conceal personal information away from unwanted access. However, the concealed personal information has always been revealed especially to the government and some private firms. The revealed information gathered is usually used by states and private firms … Read more

The normal criminal justice system should be used for countering terrorism

In 2000, The Terrorism Act was introduced to remedy problems of increased terrorism. In this Act “terrorism” means the use or threat of action where– (a) the action falls within subsection (2)….. (5) In this Act a reference to action taken for the purposes of terrorism includes a reference to action taken for the benefit … Read more

Anarchist principles evident in criminological theories

The word anarchy comes from the Greek αναρχία (anarchíā), meaning “without ruler.” It calls for a society without a ruler rather than without order. Anarchy often exists where there is no central authority that has the ability to rule over the people. An anarchist is often a person who wants no central authority to control … Read more

How to write a criminology essay

Criminology essays address various factors associated with crime i.e. its nature, victim, range of theories and other social theories in order to arrive at a conclusion that answers the question.

The below sections give you fundamental guidelines on how to write a criminology essay.

Before writing the criminology essay, it is advised to divide the work into following steps:

Step 1: Preparation

Prior to writing, it is necessary to understand the question by asking ourselves about the requirement. Recollect whatever information you know about the question and indentify relevant sources from where you can get additional information that can address the question appropriately. Criminological essays are more often related to types of crime or associated theories. So it is necessary to understand the question beforehand, consider the various parts of the questions and try to explain the inter-relationships among them. Compare the objects in questions, present an argument and make critical observations on how a particular question needs to be answered. For example, if the question is to analyse various criminological theories in respect to a particular crime, you are being asked to present an argument on available theories and find correlation to the crime in question. There are valuable resources on key essay terms published by the University of Manchester and it may be a useful resource before beginning the essay.

Step 2: Research

Analyzing the question is an important activity before beginning to write the essay. Once you have detailed analysis of the questions, you are aware of the terms that need to be researched, what sort of information will be required and what method should be used to collect the information which can form the basis of answering the question. Gathering information becomes easier when you know the exact term that needs to be researched. For instance, in the above example, various criminological theories need to be analysed in particular. ‘Criminological theories’ needs to be researched from various sources which brings us plenty of information. Well, sources for criminology research are numerous for e.g. ISI web of knowledge, BUBL link catalogue, Criminology research council, Institute of Criminology and many other agencies. Nevertheless, the internet provides links to websites where papers on criminology are published and are available for free as well as on subscription.

Step 3: Planning – Writing and Formatting

After thorough research is done on the topic and necessary information collected, the next step is to design a structure in such a way that the gathered information is grouped under various themes and organise the themes into a meaningful order. The information should be organised under different sub-heads so that it’s easy to use the information without confusion. Such arrangement will help you in deciding what you are going to say in the essay. This will form the introduction and will lay the basis for argument in the coming sections. The Introduction should demonstrate the understanding and importance of the research question and how the writer is going to present the answer. The next thing is to ‘say whatever you want to say’ about the topic in question and present a valid argument through critical analysis. Then note down every point from the resources, and whatever you intend to say in the introduction and body, which will finally conclude the answer providing befitting response to the question.

Formatting in essay writing is of paramount importance. There are certain institutions, universities and other agencies that set guidelines regarding margin, font size, style and the way of presentation. Nevertheless, it is necessary to ensure that essay is formatted using classic fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, sized at 10 or 12 with line spacing of 1.5 or double and that the margins are 1″ on all sides of the A4 paper.

Knowing  how to write a criminology essay  is not only about writing the actual essay. It is also about the content you use, and your use of spelling and grammar. Once you feel that paper has been completed, read through the paper so as to ensure that any missing content or unnecessary statements are deleted or added and to rectify spelling and grammatical errors.

Step 4: Plagiarism

Because you have to refer to various sources that include books, websites, articles, periodicals, etc, it is inevitable that we are going to use the information collected from these sources. It is necessary to acknowledge the rightful author whose information has been used through appropriate citation and referencing. This is necessary to avoid plagiarism which is a serious offence and continuous instances of plagiarism will result in failure and dismissal. Using a free tool such as https://www.plagiarismchecker.net can be helpful to ensure you haven’t accidentally plagiarised.

Step 5: Referencing

There are guidelines that have been set by institutions like Modern Language Associations (MLA), American Psychological Associations (APA), Harvard, etc. which determine the style of in-text citations and referencing. Therefore, be sure to cite the sources and provide the full list of sources used in the referencing section. In text citation can be as follows:

Labeling theory is discussed by (Author, date)…

Similarly, this statement can be presented as: Author (date) mentioned labeling theory as…

For instance, if direct quotations are used in the text, it can be presented as:

“ Labeling theory is the work of… ” (Author, Date, Page Nos).

All the sources mentioned in the text are required to be presented in the reference list on the final page like:

Last Name, Initial (year) Title of the Book, Ed. Place: Publisher’s Name

For Chapter in a book:

Last Name, Initial (Year) Title of the Chapter, In Initial (Ed) . Title of the Book, Place: Publisher’s Name

Journal Article:

Last Name, Initial (Year) Title of the Article Journal Title, Volume No., Page No.

We hope you liked reading our free ‘how to write a criminology essay’ guide.

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  • How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples

How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on February 4, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.

The main goals of an introduction are to:

  • Catch your reader’s attention.
  • Give background on your topic.
  • Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay.

This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

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Table of contents

Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.

Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Examples: Writing a good hook

Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.

  • Braille was an extremely important invention.
  • The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly  why the topic is important.

  • The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
  • The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.

  • Mary Shelley’s  Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
  • Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.

Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.

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how to write a good criminology essay

Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:

  • Historical, geographical, or social context
  • An outline of the debate you’re addressing
  • A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
  • Definitions of key terms

The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Don’t give too much detail—you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.

How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:

Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.

This is the most important part of your introduction. A  good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.

The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.

Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.

As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.

For this reason, it’s often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraph—it can even be the very last thing you write.

When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.

It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.

To polish your writing, you can use something like a paraphrasing tool .

You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.

Checklist: Essay introduction

My first sentence is engaging and relevant.

I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.

I have defined any important terms.

My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.

Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.

  • Argumentative
  • Literary analysis

This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

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Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

  • An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
  • Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
  • A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.

To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

  • It gives your writing direction and focus.
  • It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

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Tips for writing an effective college essay.

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Personal Statement for Criminology Tips: With Helpful Examples

In this article, we discuss how to write a personal statement for criminology with helpful examples.

One student dreams of being an FBI officer and the other is fascinated by designing surveys. What do they have in common? Criminology will help both of them land their dream jobs. Read on for our top tips for writing a personal statement for criminology.

Table of contents, what is a personal statement for criminology, what should you consider when writing a personal statement for criminology, how to write an effective personal statement for criminology.

  • Example 1 – A focus on academic achievement
  • Example 2 – A focus on a professional goal

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

It’s a short essay that applicants of criminology programs submit when they apply for specific criminology courses at colleges or universities.

It helps applicants show their preparedness and convince the selection committee of their suitability to undertake the program.

The personal statement should include details of the applicant’s skills and strengths, motivations, career aspirations, and ability to contribute to the institute. It shows how the applicant stands out from other contenders.

1. Qualifications

To study criminology for an undergraduate (4-year) degree, applicants should generally have achieved a good GPA in High School and may be required to attend an admissions interview.

Furthermore, applicants may be asked to have achieved good grades in certain subjects such as psychology, sociology, and law. Finally, some courses may require applicants to have specific work experience or to have completed certain courses before they can be accepted and being able to use a computer is essential.

In order to ensure that applicants are well-prepared for a degree in criminology, they may also be expected to demonstrate knowledge of wider research, current affairs, and social, organizational, or global issues.

2. Motivation and interest in Criminology

It is important to consider motivation when writing a personal statement for criminology to show why you are interested in the field and what you plan to do with your degree.

Motivation can be personal, such as wanting to help people or make a difference in society, or professional, such as wanting to use your skills and experience to advance your career. You must be motivated to pursue this field to the best of your ability and use the knowledge you gain to benefit both yourself and society.

Motivation can include a commitment to research, a desire to solve problems, and a willingness to take on difficult tasks.

‘When people think of fighting crime it’s natural that they might think of police officers and the FBI, but I believe that without skilled researchers gathering and interpreting data policing will remain reactive rather than proactive.’

3. Life Experiences that relate to criminology

These could include:

  • Family situations that involve law enforcement or the judiciary system. How have these experiences shaped your life and motivated you to pursue a criminology degree?

‘Being the eldest daughter of two police officers has taught me how to balance life, a part-time job, volunteering and schoolwork. I have been taking college courses at our local community college while finishing up high school in order to accelerate my degree and I gained a great deal of knowledge from my social work college-level classes’

  • Personality traits that are suited to the intended career. Have you always been fascinated by the work of the police and the FBI?
  • Do you have a relative or family friend that worked in law enforcement, social services or in the courts that you want to emulate?
  • Talking about how psychology has had a direct impact on your life, such as having counselling sessions for anxiety and how this has given you the desire to work with people that have been affected by crime.

4. Background knowledge of criminology

It’s important to show an understanding of some elements of criminology. These could include some criminological research and theories or having an awareness of contemporary crime prevention strategies.

‘As part of our High School Psychology course, we studied critical analyses of crime studies, which involves looking at the various aspects of a crime such as the social and economic factors that lead to it and the use theoretical frameworks to understand the underlying causes and effects of criminal behavior.’

Being familiar with laws and criminal justice systems in your state, and an understanding of the ethical considerations applicable to criminology will be valuable to you.

During the application process, it is important to demonstrate that you have the following skills:

  • written and verbal communication skills,
  • critical reading and writing skills,
  • technology and analysis skills,
  • research and problem-solving skills,
  • understanding of social, organizational and global issues,
  • an awareness of current affairs on both a local and a global perspective.

Enhanced communication skills such as clarifying, listening and offering advice as well as the ability to gather and assess data and other information will help your application.

6. Experience

Think about your experiences in jobs, work experience, work placements, apprenticeships and any other relevant education or professional background.

Additionally, one should reflect on any current or past work in the criminal justice field, such as working in youth corrections.

Furthermore, it is important to consider any personal experiences that may have influenced the decision to pursue criminology, such as volunteering with victims or exposure to the criminal justice system.

Step 1: Talk about your qualifications

Discuss how your qualifications or current GPA specifically prepares you for a criminology degree.

Mention any other qualifications, volunteering positions or work experience you have that may be relevant.

Step 2: Explain why you chose criminology.

Show the reader your enthusiasm and knowledge of the field by providing evidence of your passion for the subject. This could include discussing your experience with law enforcement or the judicial system or providing examples of research on crime and criminal justice topics.

‘My biggest dream is to be an FBI agent and with that goal in mind I am committed to studying the field of criminology, to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of criminal justice, law, and psychology.’

Your personal statement should include stories that highlight your experiences and explain how these contributed to your choice of a career in criminology. Make sure to connect your experiences and goals by emphasizing how they have helped shape your path.

Step 3: Share your knowledge of criminology and solving crime.

Show an intellectual interest in which authors, modules, theorists, and debates have interested you, and how they could help you with your criminology degree.

Demonstrate your knowledge of criminology by discussing the topics you’ve researched on your own. This could include specific theories, current events, or other relevant topics.

Step 5: Show your initiative and drive

Showing initiative and drive is important. You can do this by writing about your academic achievements, your extra-curricular activities, and any relevant work experience to show the review committee the level of commitment and dedication you have towards your chosen career path.

You should also include details of any wider research or current affairs you are interested in. This could include discussing how you understand local law enforcement and crime concerns and how they can be integrated into a larger global perspective, or mentioning articles or books you have read about your chosen field of study.

Step 6: Proofread and edit your personal statement before submitting it

Accuracy in grammar and spelling is of utmost importance when writing a personal statement for criminology. Good written communication skills are essential for this field of study, as they are necessary for understanding, interpreting and critically analyzing any given data.

These communication skills also have a direct impact on the overall impression of a written statement, as a document full of errors can create a negative impression and make it appear as though the author is sloppy or not careful enough. In addition, as criminology is a field that requires much research and problem solving, attention to detail is critical for any successful analysis.

Examples from winning personal statements for Criminology

Example 1 – a focus on academic achievement.

Being the eldest daughter of two police officers has taught me how to balance life, a part time job, volunteering and schoolwork. With a 4.0 GPA, I have been taking college courses at our local community college while finishing up high school in order to accelerate my degree and I gained a great deal of knowledge from my social work college classes. I was also fortunate enough to learn about the law, criminal justice system, and how the court process works when my sister obtained an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Chelmhurst College – she jokes that I spent more time reading her notes and textbooks than she did! I am committed to a career in criminal justice research and have already volunteered on two projects undertaken by the state office, working on collating survey data relating to local crime.

My ambition has always been to work in Criminology, and I am confident in my ability to remain dedicated and professional. My academic and professional achievements have set me up to be an ideal student for a degree in Criminology. When people think of fighting crime it’s natural that they might think of police officers and the FBI, but I believe that without skilled researchers gathering and interpreting data policing will remain reactive rather than proactive. I want to be a big part of better understanding and lowering crime rates in my state through well-designed research projects that connect with the citizens we are working hard to protect.

Example 2 – a focus on a professional goal

My biggest dream is to be an FBI agent and with that goal in mind I am committed to studying the field of criminology, to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of criminal justice, law, and psychology. As part of our High School Psychology course, we studied critical analyses of crime studies, which involves looking at the various aspects of a crime such as the social and economic factors that lead to it and the use of theoretical frameworks to understand the underlying causes and effects of criminal behaviour. I was fascinated by the process of researching and analyzing data from crime statistics, identifying patterns, and coming to logical conclusions.

Working on interviews and other investigative techniques to gain insights into criminal mindsets and motivations will, I hope, make me a better FBI officer in the future and develop my sense of compassion for people trapped in challenging situations, as both the victims and perpetrators of crime. I have strong communication skills and am a team player, which I believe will fit well with the ethos of Milwaukee College.

Some of these questions were already covered in this blog post but I will still list them here (because not everyone carefully reads every paragraph) so here’s the TL;DR version.

What is Criminology?

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, including its causes, consequences, and control. It examines the legal and social aspects of crime, as well as the social, economic, and political factors that influence it.

It also looks into the various theories and approaches used to explain criminal behaviour and the effectiveness of various strategies used to control it. Furthermore, it considers the ethical issues related to criminal justice, such as the rights of victims and offenders, and the impact of crime on society.

By studying criminology, students can gain a better understanding of the criminal justice system, the causes of crime, and the ways in which it can be prevented and controlled.

What kind of career can be achieved with a Criminology degree?

With a degree in criminology, a wide range of career aspirations can be achieved.

  • Law enforcement, such as a police officer, detective, or federal agent;
  • Corrections, such as a probation officer or correctional officer;
  • Social work, such as a case manager or community outreach worker;
  • Criminal justice research, such as a crime analyst or research assistant;
  • Victim advocacy, such as a victim advocate or crisis counsellor.
  • Forensic psychology, forensic accounting, and cybercrime.

What traits are needed to be successful in Criminology?

Criminology is an exciting and challenging field which requires a range of skills and qualities to be successful. These include:

  • Dedication: Being dedicated to the study of criminology and its related fields, and having a strong commitment to learning.
  • Reliability: Being dependable and able to complete tasks accurately and efficiently.
  • Concentration: Having the ability to focus intently and pay attention to detail.
  • Professionalism: Being able to ethically and responsibly handle sensitive matters.
  • Adaptability: Being able to adjust to changing environments and quickly respond to issues as they arise.
  • Compassion: Being able to empathize with others, understand their views and opinions, and provide necessary assistance.

What kind of research should I do to write a personal statement for Criminology?

  • Review the Course Overview and Requirements: Research the topics that will be covered in the course, such as criminal law, criminal justice, criminology theories, and research methods.
  • Identify Your Interests: Think about why you are interested in Criminology and what experiences or skills you can bring to the course. Consider your past experiences, such as volunteering in a criminal justice organization or working in a related field, and any research or writing you have done on criminology topics.
  • Collect Evidence: Collect evidence to support your personal statement. This could include academic qualifications, recommendations, and any other evidence that shows your commitment to the field of Criminology.
  • Brainstorm and Outline: Create an outline of your personal statement. Brainstorm ideas and develop a strong thesis statement that outlines why you would be a good fit for the course and why you are passionate about Criminology.
  • Write and Edit: Once you have outlined your personal statement, it’s time to write and edit. Make sure to review your statement for grammar, spelling, and clarity and get feedback.

What should a Criminology personal statement include?

A Criminology personal statement should include information about the applicant’s interest in and knowledge of the field of Criminology, as well as their skills, experiences, and achievements in relation to the subject. It should also include their future ambitions and plans for contributing to society through their study of Criminology. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate their ability to research, their ability to work with others, and their readiness for the degree course.

In order to make their personal statement unique, applicants should start the essay with a personal experience, carefully curate the most relevant points, use storytelling instead of making formal statements, use simple language, and personalize the essay.

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  1. How to write a Criminology Essay

    Regardless of the content of the criminology essay, the structure of the essay should always follow the same structure. This structure takes the form of Introduction, Main Body, and Conclusion. The Introduction should set the scene or signpost the reader through the main body of the text. Moreover, the introduction should be written so that it ...

  2. How to Write a Criminology Essay: Steps, Tips, and Useful Insights

    Step 4: Outline your Essay. The structure of the essay guides how you will prioritize and present ideas. It should be divided into an introduction, the main body, and a conclusion. In the introduction, ensure you feature the opening sentences (hook), background statement, signposts, and thesis statement.

  3. Criminology Essay: Writing Guide, Examples, Outline & Format

    Sample 1: Capital Punishment. Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior and the criminal justice system. It is a multidisciplinary field that draws upon knowledge and theories from a variety of social sciences, including sociology, psychology, and law. Criminologists seek to understand the causes of crime, the impact of ...

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  6. How to write a Criminology Essay

    A good way to begin is to write the central concepts in the centre of the page, and then draw branches to specific criminological theories, concepts, and ideas that relate to the central themes. Seeing how the literature relates to the central question in this manner can enable you to develop a well-structured answer.

  7. The SAGE Guide to Writing in Criminal Justice

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    ISBN: 0230220029. Publication Date: 2017. e-book. Writing for University by Jeanne Godfrey; Kate Williams (Series edited by) ISBN: 9781350933675. Publication Date: 2022-06-02. This indispensable guide shows students what successful academic writing involves and gives them the tools they will need to write successfully themselves.

  9. How to Write a Criminology Essay: Steps, Tips, and Useful Insights

    Steps for Writing an Essay switch a Criminology Topic. All out the common criminology topics include causes and factors influencing crime, measures and procedures in combat and manage crime, the link between ethnicity/race and crime, social prevention, criminological theories, terrorists, humane both drug trafficking, technology and crime ...

  10. How to Write a Criminology Essay

    Part of the understanding of how to write a criminology essay relates to understanding how to reference correctly. Be sure to cite every source you use in the text. This can be done in the following ways: In text citations tend to take three forms. If a theory is cited then it is with the author's surname and the date of their paper in brackets.

  11. Top Criminology Essay Examples

    Writing a criminology essay requires careful attention to detail and a clear understanding of the subject matter. Here are some tips to help you write a successful criminology essay: Conduct thorough research: Before writing your essay, make sure you have a solid understanding of the topic. This requires conducting thorough research using a ...

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    A literature review can be a short introductory section of a research article or a report or policy paper that focuses on recent research. Or, in the case of dissertations, theses, and review articles, it can be an extensive review of all relevant research. The format is usually a bibliographic essay; sources are briefly cited within the body ...

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    Essay-Writing: Tips & Hints for Success. Posted on: 28 February 2022 by Kirsten Ward in Blog. A student sits at a desk with a notepad and an open laptop writing an essay. At several points during your degree, you may be asked to write an essay. In some modules, essays form a key component of your summative assessment.

  14. How to Write a Criminology Essay

    You need to fix your views into a more precise stream of thoughts and disputes that link to another one, this will make your essay become fragmented. Every section will give you an idea that runs going to the section that trails. If the composition is simpler for the readers, it will be stress-free to spot it.

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    Criminology Essay Critically evaluate the view that media representations of crime distort rather than reflect reality. Since its introduction, the media has always been an important source of communication. However, in the twenty-first century the expansion of mass media has meant that its impacts are now even more profound.

  17. Criminal Justice Guide for Graduate Students: Write a Thesis

    A Thesis Resource Guide for Criminology and Criminal Justice by Marilyn D. McShane; Frank P. Williams. Call Number: HV6024.5 .M37 2008. ISBN: 0132368951. Publication Date: 2019. This handbook is a comprehensive guide to developing and writing graduate level research. It takes the reader on a step-by-step journey through the entire thesis ...

  18. 200+ Criminology Essay Topics for Your Next Assignment

    Here are some criminology essay topics for college students: The impact of social media on cybercrime. Juvenile justice: rehabilitation vs. punishment. The effectiveness of community policing in reducing crime. The link between poverty and crime. The role of DNA evidence in solving crimes.

  19. How to Write Your Undergraduate Dissertation in Criminology

    This book provides a guide for undergraduate criminology and criminal justice students undertaking their final-year dissertation. It speaks to the specific challenges for criminology students who may wish to research closed institutions (such as prisons, courts, or the police) or vulnerable populations (such as people with convictions, victims ...

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    Criminology essays. Our free criminology essays cover many topics including crime and criminal justice, criminals and victims, criminological problems and theories, victimisation, responses to crime and deviance, policy questions both nationally and internationally, and much more. Use them to inspire your own research and writing in this ...

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  22. How To Write A Criminology Essay

    More specifically, criminologist study the crime and their causes and also the effects, and also the social effects. The first thing that everyone must have is his degree. The first step is to get a high school degree. Next step is to get a bachelor's degree. To obtain a bachelor's degree people have to take certain classes such as criminal ...

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  24. Personal Statement for Criminology Tips: With Helpful Examples

    How to Write an effective personal statement for Criminology. Examples from winning personal statements for Criminology. Example 1 - A focus on academic achievement. Example 2 - A focus on a professional goal. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)