How to structure an essay

Start with an introduction where you give a brief summary of the events and main themes of the novel then refer to the question you are going to answer and how you plan to answer it (e.g. through looking at key scenes or key characters). Next, have two or three paragraphs using a P.E.E. structure (point, evidence, explanation). Make your point, back it up with evidence from the text, and explain how it refers to/answers your essay question.

Finally, your conclusion should not just summarize your essay but evaluate it, linking your topic to a wider concern which is perhaps prevalent in the novel or how the characters/events of the novel have been effected by the topic you discussed.

AB
Answered by Alison B. English Literature tutor

3708 Views

See similar English Literature GCSE tutors

Related English Literature GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How is the role of women portrayed in Pride and Prejudice?


What is the best way to structure a timed essay?


To what extent did Siegfried Sassoon influence Wilfred Owen's role as a war poet?


What if I don't know where to start with an unseen?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning