The following is a mock essay that I could ask written in a Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy) class but probably won't. While this class may cover different issues and material, this mock essay is still good to consider for seeing principles of structure, form, and argumentation. I'd expect this for answers to questions with a point value of ten or higher, especially if the question asks for 300 words (1 page) or more. Short answer or brief essays don't need to follow this quite as strictly. For a brief essay, though, less than 300 words, a single introductory sentence and single conclusion sentence would suffice.
See below how I demonstrate the type of answer I am looking for. Notice the introduction and conclusion. The introduction paragraph ends with a "thesis statement." This sentence summarizes the message of the essay. Notice also how no assertion is made without evidence from the Bible, supporting facts, or reason. Do not feel you have to use this pattern word for word, but it is good to keep it in mind. I do look for introduction ending with thesis statement, body, and conclusion. Those parts are labeled below just before the sections. I do not expect that labeling to be done in a formal essay normally. I do expect good spelling and grammar, at the minimum, running the document through spell-check, and not misspelling any word that appears in the question.
This format shouldn't conflict with any essay instructions given with a specific assignment as these guidelines are more general and universal. If there is a conflict, the student should follow the specific instructions for the specific assignment and set aside what conflicts with that in these instructions. In addition, some questions may simply require a list of items for an answer, an that is taken into consideration. This mainly concerns questions with large point values that are in sections labeled with something like "Long Essay" or that say they seek an answer 300 words or more. Drop Box submissions also are usually to be considered as essays.
Write a 300-word theological essay on blindness in the Torah. First, list and briefly explain two passages in Leviticus, other than Leviticus 19:14, which discuss blindness. (The reason for this is that this essay was part of a larger exam where the previous question asked for analysis of Leviticus 19:14) Then, list and explain two additional blindness passages not in Leviticus.
Answer:
(Introduction) The Torah contains a number of passages that concern the issue of blindness. A brief sampling of these passages is considered here, starting with texts in Leviticus and expanding to texts in the Torah as a whole. (Thesis statement) Though blindness was understood as a blemish, the blind were still to be treated with dignity.
(Body) Blindness is considered in Leviticus in two significant places other than Lev 19:14. In Lev 22:22 it is said that a blind animal was not to be given as an offering since it was blemished. Lev 21:17, 18 says also that blindness was one of many disabling conditions that could keep a priest from approaching the Lord. Since priests and sacrifices were to be shadows of a perfect Messiah, (Heb 5:9, 10; 10:1, 2) clearly they must be unblemished in all ways. A blind priest, though, was to be fed even with the sacred bread. (Lev 21:22, 23) Thus, the blemish of blindness would not keep a priest from receiving sustenance and participating in worship.
The rest of the Torah also discusses blindness. Deut 27:18, in the covenant curses, says that one is cursed who leads the blind astray. An illustration of this leading astray may be found In Gen 27. Here, Jacob deceives his blind father by appearing to the touch as Esau. In Gen 47:9 when Jacob says his days were few, the text may be even suggesting how he dishonored his father in such deception. Such dishonoring would prevent Jacob from enjoying the length of days promised to those who honor their parents according to the Fifth Commandment. (exod 20:12)
(Conclusion) In conclusion, while blindness was a blemish in the Sanctuary system, the blind were still to be treated with fairness and equity. Thus, society today should be educated on the ways to most rightly and fairly treat the blind.