How do I structure an essay?

Your essay should begin with a short introduction to set the tone of what you will be discussing in the essay, but you should not give away all of your points immediately, just summarise what you will be saying in your paragraphs.The paragraphs should be themed, each answering different aspects of the question. You should use PQA - point, quote, analysis, each paragraph should begin with a sentence that presents the point you will be making, you should then quote from the text to back it up and then analyse this quote to prove your point. The essay should end with a conclusion that sums up all you have said and comes to a new overriding conclusion that you have not previously stated.

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

I know the points I’d like to make, but how would I go about structuring my essay?


How should I prepare for an unseen?


How should I approach an unseen poem in an exam, such as Thomas Hardy's 'The Voice'?


Time is beautiful and ugly, compassionate and cruel. Ultimately, time gives and time takes away. In response to this view, explore connections between the ways in which Larkin and Duffy present their ideas about time.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences