How do I structure and plan an 'explore' question in relation to theme?

When answering an explore question, the key to getting a top grade is to do exactly what it asks of you - to explore. You must evaluate a multiple of different arguments in the different way the theme is portrayed. For example, if the question was 'Explore how Shakespeare deals with love in Othello', you'd do at least three paragraphs on how love is explored. The important thing is to know the difference between exploration and presentation, writing about where love is presented in Othello is not enough for an A*. For example, talking about the fact that love is dealt with through the love Othello has for Desdemona isn't going to get you in the top bracket. Instead, think about love in Shakespeare and in Othello and how it is explored. You could talk about how love is often portrayed in a very unhealthy, obesssive way, or how Othello lacks love for himself. Turning the question on its head will impress the examiner as it shows you are really thinking about it.

All together I would do five paragraphs. An introduction, three main arguments and a conclusion. In the intro, you will outline your overeaching thesis and mention your main points. Make sure to answer the question! Shakespeare deals with love by....Then plan three arguments, so one about self love, one about obessive love and maybe one about the theory that Iago is in fact in love with Othello, when keeping inline with this Othello example. For each argument paragraph, I'd advise doing a 'sort of' PEEL style. You say your point, find quotes to evidence that, really take time to analysis specfiic language or techniques, refer to context, then always, always link back to the question in how that theme is explored.For the conclusion, summarise all of your points in a way that reflects your starting thesis in the introduction. And again, answer the question!