How do I structure my exam answer?

I would firstly suggest that before you begin writing an answer you must identify the keyword in the question and create a brief plan. Identify the keyword in the question by either highlighting it or underlining it. This is an effective way to ensure that you addressing what the examiner requires from you. For example, a question asking "how far" an author presents a particular theme is requiring you to assess the extent of which that theme is presented. In other words, you must present a balanced account by giving different ways the author presents the themes and the extent to which it is conveyed. Secondly, I would create a brief bullet point plan of what you intend to discuss within the body of the essay - ideally this can be three bullet points entailing three main ideas. This helps create an organised structure to your essay so that you can look back at your plan for reference in case you forget one of your ideas. Lastly, when answering the exam question, stick to one point per paragraph to make it clear for the examiner to read. Remember the P.E.E.L technique - Point - Make your point, Evidence - Back up your point by including embedded quotations, Explain - Explain your idea and why it is relevant to the question, L- Link - This is crucial in attaining top marks - always link your point back to question.. Try and ask yourself "so what?" after you have made your point. When you link your point back to the question you ensure that you are answering the question at hand and avoids deviation. For example, a good way to link your answer back to the question can be along the lines of: "Therefore, the representation of power in ____ is clearly conveyed by the way in which the characters use polar questions within the dialogue in the novel." Remember, the question is there for you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding, it is not there to trick you!