How should I structure my essay?

It is a good idea to plan your essay structure before writing your answer, whether it is for coursework or an exam.

You should begin with an introduction that briefly answers the question and introduces the main points you will discuss in the essay. The main body of the essay will be 3-5 paragraphs explaining why you think this is the correct answer to the question. Each paragraph should be about a separate point and it can be very useful to start each paragraph with a topic sentence which clearly explains what this paragraph is focusing on. You can include lots of quotes as evidence for your ideas and explain why they are relevant, how they support your argument and comment on the language an author uses and the effects this creates. You could also contrast your own views with other interpretations to show you appreciate that a text can be understood in many ways. The conclusion should be a paragraph at the end which sums up your essay and makes sure the marker understands your argument.