CEM Corner: The Emergency Management Essay

By Daryl Lee Spiewak,
CEM, TEM, CFM, CEM® Commissioner and ASPEP President
Emergency Action Coordinator, Brazos River Authority, Waco, TX

The emergency management essay is a short written narrative response to a given scenario representing the candidate's personal views. It is not an outline, a business report or a memo. It is similar to an interview, except that your response is written rather than verbal. The following are a few general guidelines you should use to prepare your essay.

Read the requirements. The details in the instruction packet contain all the information you need to prepare a successful essay. We evaluate your essay according to the instructions.

Determine exactly what you are required to discuss in your essay. You will find these requirements in the scenario itself. If the scenario says, "Provide a detailed description," then describe the different parts or aspects of your scenario; if it says, "Explain a process or procedure," then give an explanation; and if it says, "Persuade," then give us your best arguments. Remember to discuss the topic specified.

Develop and organize ideas that support your topic. Review the 12 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Criteria (KSAs) listed in the instructions.

Brainstorm as many supporting ideas as you can. Don't worry about form or format. Get all your ideas down on paper.

Develop your problem statement. We do not tell you what your problem is in the scenario; this you must determine on your own. Using the ideas and KSAs you developed above, identify the problem you will solve within your essay. Be creative. Candidates will develop different problem statements based upon their own experiences and interests.

Write the body. The body is the main part of your essay. It contains all the discussion, supporting facts and evidence demonstrating your grasp and application of the KSAs. Your basic outline for the body is already specified in the instructions. You must provide discussion for all six sections.

Write the introduction. Now you have at least six paragraphs. All you are lacking is the beginning and the end of your essay. Begin your introduction with an attention grabber. You may choose to provide some startling information, an anecdote, some dialogue, a quotation, a short history or background, or simply some summary information explaining your topic in general terms. Follow this with a transition sentence or two, and finish up the paragraph with your problem statement.

Write the conclusion. This paragraph closes your essay by summing up your points or providing a final perspective on the topic. Do not introduce a new topic or contradict your points. You may review your main points, but don't restate them exactly.

Add polish. Correct all spelling and grammar errors. Read, edit and rewrite your essay. Read it out loud for consistent tone, for the flow of your words, and for transitions between ideas and paragraphs. Ensure that your essay is concise and that it solves your problem statement. Let someone else read it. You can choose to accept their advice, but the final product must still be your independently completed essay.

Type and sign your essay. The last step is to type your essay in final form, double-spaced, on one side of the paper. Don't forget to add the verification statement at the end of your essay and sign it.

Congratulations, now you are ready to submit your essay.

December 2000, IAEM Bulletin