How to approach a GCSE English Literature essay. Example question: ‘How is Prospero’s sense of justice presented in Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’?

Firstly, you must read the question carefully and thoroughly. Highlight all the key terms. It doesn’t matter how brilliant your essay is- if it doesn’t directly answer the question in front of you, you will be marked down. Next, you must think up your argument. In doing so, it is important to consider the form of text you are using. If it is a play, think about how this could impact your answer- how might a dramatised performance of the text persuade an audience? The question will be structured in a subjective way - there will be no obvious right or wrong answer - and your argument must acknowledge counter-arguments and must seek to disprove these. Use your contextual and theoretical knowledge to determine your opinion. Try to think of three or four points that will illustrate your argument. Some people find a PEA structure useful for this (Point, Evidence from text, Analysis). Only once you have your key points, it is time to write your introduction (if you go straight to your introduction without considering your argument and key points, your introduction will read as weak and unclear which is a bad start!). Your introduction should introduce the text relating to the question (don’t give a summary of the text- your examiner will have read it!). For example, ‘William Shakespeare’s The Tempest (1611) explores the theme of justice through a complex tale of fantasy and revenge.’ Next, your introduction should explain your argument. For example, ‘Shakespeare encourages the reader to question and ultimately reject Prospero’s sense of justice through his relationship with his servants ‘Caliban’ and ‘Ariel’’. Then you introduce the key points you will use to validate your argument and any historical references which may support your argument. Each point will make up a paragraph in the main body of your essay. Try to be as clear and concise as possible- do not have more than one point per paragraph as this can read as messy and confusing. Each paragraph should have a natural continuity between the next. You want your essay to flow. This brings us to the conclusion. Your conclusion shouldn’t be particularly long and must not introduce any new ideas. The purpose of your conclusion is to relay your key points concisely and explain how they support your main argument. Your conclusion should link back to your introduction and most importantly back to the question! Think of it as if someone has asked you to answer the question in front of you in three or four lines. Your conclusion should highlight why your argument overcomes other potential answers to the question.Main tip: Every time you introduce a new point or idea, check back to the question and ask yourself: does this directly answer the question? It can be tempting to include other facts/ opinions, but if it isn’t relevant, don’t!