How do I write a top French A-level essay?

To write a top essay in French, you need structure, vocabulary and complex structures. Try to use topic-related vocab for both AS topics and for A2 literature, and try to use complex structures in as many sentences as possible! e.g. subjunctive, phrases like 'Il se peut que', 'personne ne peut nier que', 'Il est à noter que'.............
You must have structure to your essay if you want to reach the higher end of the mark scheme. Structure is absolutely vital for an essay as it makes it much easier for the examiner to read, and your arguments are laid out in a way which is easy to follow. Therefore you need to carefully plan an essay before writing it, even in the exam for 5-10 minutes before you start writing.
AS and A2 essays vary in terms of topics but generally speaking you need:A SHORT introduction which introduces the topic, mentions that the topic is a huge issue for society nowadays etc, and which briefly outlines that there are advantages/disadvantages (AS) or the different points of view you will use to make your arguments (A2)Points - for AS essays, you usually outline the advantages and disadvantages of a topic/ have to agree and disagree with a statement - so you should put the points that you do not personally agree with first, the the points which you do agree with last. For A2 essays, you will have an array of points to make about a book/film - start with the most obvious points and become more and more insightful with each point - also look for links between each point and use these links to order your essay appropriately and make you essay flow - e.g. This leads me onto X, which is closely linked to the point I have just mentioned.......; for all points that you make (AS or A2), remember to use PEEL - Point --> Example --> Evidence --> Link to the next point Conclusion - for AS essays, state which line of argument outweighs the other and why, and any final points on the topic as a whole. For A2 essays, try and summarise your essay and your points, and maybe even a quote at the end which perfectly sums up the topic/character you've been writing about :)