How do I approach an A Level Spanish Literature essay?

It helps to be formulaic when approaching a broad essay title such as those found in an A Level Spanish paper. For example, if faced with the AQA June 2016 question - ¿Se puede decir que la representación de la cultura hispánica en la(s) novela(s) o los cuentos que has estudiado es positiva o negativa? Justifica tus opiniones, dando ejemplos. [40 marks] - I would advise 4 paragraphs for the main body of your essay, excluding an introduction and a conclusion. The first two paragraphs should be positive representations of Spanish culture, the second two negative. Begin each paragraph with a clear phrase such as 'Primeramente', 'En segundo lugar' or 'Por un lado' 'Por otro lado' so that the examiner can clearly see each point. Cite a specific example from the text you have studied - this may be a direct quote, a detailed description of a scene/event, or perhaps even an entire character. Then explain what this shows about Spanish culture, and finally evaluate whether it portrays it in a positive or a negative light. Your introduction should briefly outline the 4 things you are going to mention, and your conclusion should summarise what you have said, and offer a general comment on the portrayal of Spanish culture in the book you have studied. Following this formula will aid the examiner to give you marks for content, as your points will be explicitly clear, which is important as the content mark makes up the majority of the marks for the essay.