How should I plan my essay?

STEP ONE: BREAK APART YOUR QUESTIONHighlight key words, Write a simplified version of the question if necessary. Our aim is to understand every part of the question completely.
STEP TWO: FIND YOUR OVERARCHING ARGUMENT This is the argument you will outline in your introduction, hammer home in your conclusion AND refer to throughout the entire content of your essay.
STEP THREE: POINTS THAT SUPPORT YOUR ARGUMENT (4)These should be the foundations for your paragraphs in which you are supporting your overarching argument- the evidence.
STEP FOUR: POINTS AGAINST YOUR ARGUMENT (3)You'll be using these as your counter argument and will help you debate within each paragraph. Showing you're considering other viewpoints to gain those extra marks.
STEP FIVE: WHAT QUOTES SUPPORT EACH POINT I'VE MADE?You want 4-5 quotes as a minimum in each paragraph so as a basis let's say 2 quotes for each point you've made (supporting and counter arguments)
NOW, WRITE :)

Answered by English Literature tutor

3521 Views

See similar English Literature A Level tutors

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

Are the supernatural elements in Marlowe's Doctor Faustus supposed to be frightening or ridiculous?


What is meant by the Oedipus Complex in Hamlet?


How do you approach feminism and femininity in an essay on Shakespeare’s 'King Lear?' (OCR marking criteria)


'Reason in madness' - Explore the varieties and significance of madness in King Lear.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning