How do I approach structuring and planning an essay? For example, how do I answer- 'The education of Miranda and Ferdinand is at the heart of The Tempest' Evaluate this view.

In an exam, having 5-10 minutes to plan an essay can seem daunting! This question in particular at first glance can seem overwhelming. It may seem like there’s not an explicit theme being addressed, and this may be confusing-but don’t panic! Here’s how to get to grips with it when planning an answer: 1)ALWAYS start by breaking down the quote to yourself. Ask yourself, 'what is the question BEHIND the question?'. Here, it is simply: 'what does Shakespeare intend the main root theme of this play to be?' When you look at it that way, it becomes easier to manage :) 2) For an 'evaluate' question, your answer should be broken down, broadly speaking into ‘agree and disagree’. First, you must do this in relation to the given theme in the question. Your first point should aim to argue how the ‘education of Miranda and Ferdinand’ could be considered ‘the heart' of this play. Eg. Prospero’s grand spectacle of the parodied wedding masque is a good example of a demonstration of the value of chastity. But then, do Miranda and Ferdinand actually learn the value of chastity? I would argue no, this is not what Shakespeare intends us to see at its ‘heart’. For example, this lesson is undermined by Ferdinand and Miranda's continued allusions to their sexual desires. Therefore, though an important theme, you may argue that this is not at the ‘heart’ of this play as the characters are shown to care little for their 'education'. Already, you now have two points-an 'agree' and 'disagree' in relation to the question :) 3) If 'the education of Miranda and Ferdinand' isn't at the heart of the play- what is? Now, show your wider knowledge of the text by addressing The Tempest’s other key themes. Your other points could include: the nature of power, the nature of subjugation and control, the power of love and redemption etc. Choose which you believe is the real ‘heart’ and root of 'The Tempest and why. 4). Now we come to structuring; there should be 3-4 main points in your essay (one paragraph/point per theme). Order your points in a sensible way; the stated theme in the question should always be first, then the other themes in order of importance, ascending to the theme you believe is really Shakespeare's intended 'heart'. I know this can seem overwhelming! But it's totally manageable as long as you try to follow this set structure for each paragraph: - Argument/ point - Language (quote, then explain your quote) - Critic (quote critic, then engage with what the critic says-do you agree?) - Context (specific and relevant) As long as each of your points demonstrate these four things, with clear linking statements between paragraphs, you're on to a winner! Always make sure you are providing evidence and moulding this evidence to continually answer the question. The conclusion should aim to drive home your argument one more time, whilst ending on what I call a 'punchy' note; illuminating what the playwright’s overall intent is, or what the overall effect on the audience ends up being.