How can I improve the sophistication of my writing and achieve an A or A*?

One of the most effective ways to improve the sophistication and quality of your writing to reach the higher grades is to utilise embedded quotations. Consider the following example:

Without embedded quotations: In 'As You Like It' Shakespeare shows that Duker Senior disdains the court due to its superficial nature and because one does not have the freedom to express one's true opinions. Shakespeare achieves this using the plosive "free from painted pomp" and by describing the court as "envious."

With embedded quotations: In 'As You Like It,' "Duke Senior exalts the Forest of Arden to his "co-mates and brothers in exile," stating, that it is free from the "painted pomp" of the "envious court." The plosive in his descriptions truly emphasises his disdain for the superficial nature of the court - where one does not have the "liberty" to express one's true opinions.

Notice how in the first instance, the analysis is good (demonstrating the presence of plosive is insightful) but the writing itself is quite clunky and does not flow particularly well. Sentences that flow well are vital for weaving a convincing argument into an essay. In the second example, very short quotations have been carefully embedded into the sentences, creating a more elegant style, which simultaneously achieves a more convincing flow and demonstrates excellent knowledge of the material.