How should I structure my English Essay?

When structuring your essay, you should initially look at the question and pick out the key areas that require your focus. Highlight areas of the question and write (use colours if it helps!) what is meant by the words that are in the question; you can then determine exactly what the question is asking. Next think about what you think you should put into your essay. One you have some ideas, bullet point key points that answer the question or address an aspect of the question. You should aim to have between three and five points to paragraph in your essay dependent on the time you are given. Anything over 45 minutes should have between 4-5 points (or more) but anything less, three points is enough.
Then you should use the PEE structure. I always say in a good essay, there should be PEE all over the page! Using this, you should make your point for the first sentence of the paragraph. This is called the 'topic sentence' and it allows the reader to know what you are going to be speaking about in this section of your essay. You should then use evidence that supports your point. This should be a quote or direct piece of context, or critic (dependent on the examination board requirements) and should be structured in a simple sentence that follows from your topic sentence. Next is where your creative thinking comes in! You now need to EXPLAIN your point. So you need to summarise why the piece of evidence you have chosen, links to your topic sentence and break down how this happens. Don't worry about using too many fancy words or long sentences. As long as the point you try to make is clear then this is the key to examination success. However, it should be noted that is is important that you are aware of your key words as these are expected to be used in exams (enjambment, narrative etc).
Next you should tackle your conclusion. This should be a simple summary of the direction of argument you have taken in your essay. For example, if you have argued that Mary Shelly explores the power of guilt in Frankenstein, you should summarise this by reflecting on the examples you have given in your essay. This part is not too tricky, you have already done all the hard work!
And don't worry, I haven't forgotten. A top tip is to leave your introduction until last! The introduction should simply tell the reader (or examiner) what you are going to be writing in your essay. So a summary without a line of argument such as 'In Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, different aspects of emotion are explored to allow the reader to develop better understanding of the characters actions.' You should also define your interpretation of any key words in the introduction to allow your reader an insight to your thought processes from the start of the essay. Doing your introduction is the last step and it means you are almost finished with your essay. Well done.
Finally proof read and then you are ready to submit after checking that your paragraphs meet the PEE structure! A top tip is to highlight your work. You should have one colour for point, one for evidence and one for explain. The paragraphs should consist of one sentence for point. Between one and two for evidence and should be more than three sentences for explain. This will make sure your work is well balanced and that you have addressed all aspects of analysis in each paragraph. All done!