How do you approach an English essay?

Firstly, I would begin by highlighting key words in the essay question as this will help you formulate an argument that is relevant and that directly addresses the question. With these key words in mind, begin to jot down roughly any ideas that you think pertain to this particular essay question but remember to focus on the words that you have highlighted so that your ideas remain pertinent. Once you have done this, try to look for a theme that encompasses all or some of your ideas. If you can't do this, take your best idea and try to expand on this. This will enable you to develop your main argument that will run throughout your essay. This argument will be your starting point and you should express this argument clearly in your introduction. Furthermore, every paragraph should start and end by reaffirming this argument but the bulk of your paragraphs will provide evidence and deal with the analysis of this evidence.