How do I plan an essay effectively?

Read the question carefully, you might want to underline or highlight key words so as to ensure you keep these in mind when planning. You will need to consider which textual material to draw upon and what you are going to argue. However, this is not always easy. Sometimes when you read a question you may think you know what you want to argue almost instinctively, especially if you have considered similar themes before. But the planning process is crucial in order to strengthen your argument or even to help find what it is you want to argue in the first place.Everyone plans in different ways, but whether you make a list, a spider diagram, flow chart or anything else, it is important that you consider your ideas before starting to write an essay. Think about the different ways you could answer the question and points that you could make. Remember to keep in mind the acronym PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link) in order to ensure each point you are making clearly supports your argument as well as links back to the question. Although you want each point to be unique, don’t worry if there is some overlap or similarities between the points you note down in your plan. These can in fact be an easy way to find ways of linking separate points within a paragraph or even transitioning from one paragraph to another. Also, considering what your points have in common can be useful for working out what your line of argument is. Sometimes your plan may become overwhelming, therefore you may want to pause and think about how various points can be grouped together. Try coming up with a heading for each of your paragraphs so that your points can be grouped together thematically. You might even want to number your points based on which paragraph you think they would slot into. If you have a point that doesn’t fit under any of your headings it is worth considering whether the point is in line with what you are trying to argue.Once you are happy with what you are going to include in the body of your text it is important to reconsider your argument. Do not be afraid to let your argument evolve throughout the planning process. You have now thought about the question in greater depth and thus your original argument may no longer suit the direction your plan has taken you in. Always remember that an informed argument based around your plan will make for a stronger essay.