How can I write a well structured essay.

The first step is to read the question carefully, understand the direction words (evaluate, compare) and highlight the key words in the question. At this point, you need to take an angle or create an argument (for statement questions). It can also be important to acknowledge both why the argument is important and the challenges in answering the question as you plan. You will need to constantly show that you are answering the question throughout the essay. It is important here to take 5-10 minutes to thoroughly plan your essay . It can be useful to start with a bubble chart or mind-map and then create a more ordered outline of your essay plan.
The introduction will have a general opening statement. You will then introduce your angle or argument and go on to list the main points your essay will cover and how it concludes. Paragraphs in the body of the essay will be guided by the P.E.E acronym as guidance. Point: state what you will argue in the paragraph. Evidence: find examples in the text/contexts and /or quotes remembered that prove your point and back up your argument. Explain: analyse what your point means in relation to the evidence. Go into more detail. What impact does it have? Why is important? What connections to wider text/society are useful to mention? More general guidance for essay writing would be to curious and read around the themes and topics that you enjoy. It will expand your knowledge base and also help situate your reading historically and socially. It can also be useful to read criticisms and theories about the text or put yourself in someone else's shoes and think as to how they may have approached the subject, for example a feminist critic. It is also crucial to be specific by understanding and finding specific literary techniques in the text. Think about why the writer would have used certain techniques. Also, understand what the examiner is looking for in an essay.