What is the purpose of your essay? To argue/contend. Your essay will always work best if you have a strong contention and you argue it enthusiastically. To analyse and explore. Don’t just respond to the topic question superficially, use it as a launching point for an in-depth discussion of the text (always centred around the original question).

Analyse the question Look carefully at key words and phrases Define Find synonyms Consider implications, what is the question leading you towards? How many different ways can it be interpreted? What links to the text can be immediately identified? What are some others that are not as obvious at first? What is your main contention?

Introduction Express your main contention clearly in the opening line Elaborate upon your main contention, focusing on the key words and phrases from the question clearly linking them to the text If practical, discuss the social, historical and cultural context of the text Give an overview of your three main arguments

Body Paragraphs T = Topic sentence. Must be a clear, well-worded statement that directly addresses the question. There will be at least three of these in your essay, they must not be too alike however they must all support your main contention and follow a logical sequence.

Body Paragraphs E = Elaborate/Explain. Build upon your topic sentence with some further explanation, making close links to the text E = Evidence. Include quotes or discussion of specific scenes or language features. Use close analysis L = If practical, end paragraph with a logical link to the next main idea

Conclusion Neat summary of main ideas. Reword the topic in an interesting way that also conveys your response No new ideas, but you can reiterate main points in different words Final statement should be conclusive and leave your reader thinking beyond your essay. How can you reflect the big picture ideas of your text?

Don’t forget the ‘basics’ Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of plot and context Discuss characters in depth. How would you describe them? What motivates them and how do they change or develop? How does the text reflect the social, historical and cultural context of the time it was written? What is the author’s main purpose? What views or values does he/she endorse or challenge?

But Mr Tiffen, what do I do if I don’t know what to do? A draft is a draft. The purpose of drafting is to improve upon each draft after feedback from me and workshopping from the class. Plan well and you will find it much easier. Writing an essay is like building a house. You wouldn’t build a house without a solid plan, See the essay in ‘parts’ rather than a whole. Focus on each part and it will be easier to achieve a final product.