How can I successfully integrate context into my essays?

Discussing the context in which a literary work was written is essential if you wish to access the top grades at A-Level, however this can be notoriously difficult to do well. It is important that your contextual knowledge is not only relevant to the question you are answering, but also to the specific point you are making.
So when is the best time to introduce context? The answer is... throughout the essay! I'd like to breakdown how to craft your contextual references so as to impress your examiner and access the best possible marks. When I was taking my exams, I personally found it very helpful to include some broad contextual material in my introduction. Referencing contextual factors at the very start of your essay immediately signals to your examiner that you have a thorough understanding of your text and its background. Try to keep in mind the acronym GASSH; that is, Genre, Autobiography, Science, Society and History. A strong introduction would aim to have a good spread of these contextual ideas. You should aim to drop as many of these in as you can. The aim of the introduction is to provide an overview of the text and your argument, but don't feel that you need to expand on these ideas too much- leave that for the main body of your essay.
Now you've done your introduction, it's time to introduce context into your main body paragraphs. The most helpful tip I can think of is having context, and a point to go with it, ready to go in your head. Context which is irrelevant to your argument will not help. For example, if you were discussing Lear giving up the crown in King Lear, it would make sense to reference the belief in 'the divine right of kings', as well as the turmoil caused by James I's ascension to the throne, to show how a contemporary audience would have reacted to this event. Whilst context is very important to writing a top band essay, keep in mind that you are being assessed first and foremost on your evaluation of the text and, of course, answering the question. That said, a discerning inclusion of context can really elevate your answers, which I hope this has helped you to do.