1. Critical Essay Writing Some advice…

2. Introduction Body paragraph/main idea 1 Body paragraph/main idea 3 Body paragraph/main idea 2 Conclusion

3. Re-phrase the question. Sum up each of your three main points in a sentence or two – do not give quotes. Make sure your main point sentences help to answer the question. Tie these in with techniques: E.G. “Imagery is an important techniques deployed throughout the play to emphasise the paradoxical nature of Romeo and Juliet’s relationship.” Make sure you mention the three main techniques you will be discussing. Introduction 

4. You should aim to have three main points that you will explore and develop within your critical essays. These should roughly be about a paragraph long. Remember: You take a new paragraph when you are making a new point – these points should explain how a technique has helped to create them. EVERY body paragraph should contain some form of PETAL – Point, Evidence, Technique, Analysis, Link. This should be checked for during the proof-reading stage. Evaluate how effective the techniques used are – This is your own, personal opinion. Show your reader that you have understood and engaged with the techniques used and how they link into the question: “Shakespeare masterfully used imagery throughout the play. Romeo’s consistant use of oxymorons, especially in the beginning of the play, highlight his paradoxical nature and indecisiveness and lead the way for his eventual suicide”. Make sure your point links back to the question – do not force this though and write “This links back to the question because it shows a character with inner-torment” at the end of every paragraph. Try and work it into your writing subtly; do not repeat lines. Body paragraphs 

5. Conclusion Your conclusion should simply sum up the main points of your essay. It should not introduce any new ideas to your reader The purpose of your conclusion is to tie everything up nicely and leave the reader feeling satisfied that it has been concluded well. You should: Answer the essay question in a couple of sentences. Summarise the main points you have made in your essay (similar, but not the same as in your introduction; reword it). Show, in your summaries of the main points, how the techniques you’ve discussed have contributed to answering the questoin/. At the bear minimum, make sure that you at least mention the techniques used (though it will likely result in a relatively weak conclusion). 