How to write an essay from a Case

There are many differences between writing about a case and discussing a case. Some of the very key differences may include the following:

  • In a case discussion, there are many participants, sharing different ideas and perspectives which my help guide other participants in the speech. Whereas, in a case essay, you are along and depend only on your personal analyzes of the case.
  • There is not much emphasis on language and grammar form in a discussion. While in writing, key attention is paid on language and proper use of grammar.
  • In a case discussion like any other discussion exercise, participants can always change their position, moving back and forth without much interference in the flow if the discussion. This is not acceptable in writing because the writer must be logical, coherent and convincing in the presentation of facts and thoughts on a subject.

Characteristics of a persuasive Case essay

The nature of the case (problem, decision, and evaluation) must be reflected in the way the essay is presented. After a careful analyzes of the case, the writer must be able to answer the questions; What? Why? And sometimes – How?

The question “What?” makes proposition statement about the case.

The “Why?” uses evidence from the case to persuade the reader.

The “How?” may provide an action plan if needed.

You should pay more attention in answering the question you have been asked in the case and not narrate the case. To better structure you essay, try as much as possible to provide answers to the What? Why? And How? Of the case. Note that your position statement will respond to What? and your argument will answer the Why? How? Refers to action: How should the recommended decision be implemented? How can the problem be fixed? Etc.

Position statement

Your essay will make sound very purposeful and interesting if you have a sharply focused position statement. Do not try to appear general in your writing. Look at the case from a chosen angle.

“Stating your position at the beginning has several advantages. First, the reader expect you to answer the question you have been asked. […] Second, critical readers evaluate an argument as they go along. Professors do this in order to award grade. Others do so to judge how convincing the argument is and what implications it may have for their thinking and for action. Readers can’t evaluate an argument, however, until they know what it’s trying to prove. If your conclusion appears at the end of your essay, they must go back to the beginning and compare the proof to the position. The reading will be more effective if they know the position before the proof. Finally, and probably most important, a position statement at the beginning of an essay provides a statement of intention for the reader- and for you, the writer. The statement of intention can be your reference point as you compose.”

William Ellet

Evidence

Proper use of evidence from a case is the most important skill a case writer needs to convince the reader. Providing enough evidence from a case is a proof that the writer has understood the case and is most likely to draw a conclusion that reflects the situation of the case.

Action plan

The action plan is a answers the question How? I can also be a bold demonstration of the writer’s ability to implement change. For example:

  • How do you solve a problem?
  • How do you implement a decision?
  • How do you improve a performance?

The table bellowshows the relationship between evidence (Why?) and an action plan (How?).

What action plans do
Case situation Argument Action plan
Problem / Prove cause-effect relationship that account for problem / Solve problem: fix weaknesses and reinforce or increase strengths
Decision / Recommend best decision / Implement decision: show the best pathway to achieve desired outcome
Evaluation / Provide detailed evaluation of performance, act, or outcome / Improve performance or outcome; implement or change decision

It must be noted that the argument must precede the action plan because there is no cause for action without evidence to prove that one is needed. It is always advisable to separate the argument from the action plan to maintain the logic of your argument and the chronology of your action plan.

An effective action plan will:

  • Set goals based on the argument
  • Address the actionable content of the argument
  • Consist of specific steps
  • Have realistic short – and long – term steps
  • Identify and respond to the major risk to the plan

Make sure your action plan is SMART and addresses all causes that led to the action plan.

Specific in relation to the situation

Measurable in terms of it short – and long – term effects

Achievable in terms of its feasibility

Relevant in dealing with the situation at hand and to the case protagonist

Time bound. The action plan must be achievable within a specific time frame

Risk

Every action plan will have some element of uncertainty and risk. There is a popular saying that goes thus; “Always hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst”. It is better to identify potential pit falls of your action plan and take necessary measures for a back up. Ask and find out the worst thing that could go wrong with your plan, and try to contain the risk and why not possibly eliminate it.

Always keep you writing simple and straight to the point. Do not let you writing complicate your action plan.

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