Evaluate the claim that we are never free to make our own decisions.

For this type of essay question we are being asked to evaluate which means we must consider all sides of the argument and present a suggestion for which is the best point of view. Start with a simple essay plan and ask yourself whether people are free to make their own decisions. The three main theories behind this question come under the subject of determinism. You might consider hard determinism, libertarianism and soft determinism. If you identify with one theory more than another make this clear in your introduction and reiterate it throughout your essay. Remember that whichever theory you argue for you must remember to explain why you agree or disagree with that theory. This means presenting the other theories but explaining why they might be wrong. It is important to consistently relate back to the question and answer it. With three main theories, the structure to your essay is simple. Start with your preferred theory and why this is preferred. In suggesting why, it would be important to consider the strengths of the argument but also to consider the weaknesses of the argument and then argue against the weaknesses. This is called a counter argument and is a good way of showing evaluation, directly answering the question. Then consider other theories and why they might be wrong. Your conclusion will summarise what you've said and will directly answer the question. You will show that you have evaluated all theories and which is preferred.