How do I write an essay?

Firstly - take a deep breath. This is an opportunity for you to pool all of your knowledge together and show off.Secondly - consider the wording of the question. The wording of the question will determine how you go about answering. For instance, if the question says "How does the author's use of personification assist the genre of gothic horror?" then ensure you refer to the question. Underline key phrases. In this case: personification and gothic horror.Thirdly - plan your answer. Plan in a way that feels right for you. It might mean you try out a few different ways of 'planning' before you find the method that helps you the most. For instance, you could bullet point your answer, you could put it on a timeline, you could use a storyboard. I find that mind-maps are the most helpful. Fourth - Remember this simple acronym: PEEL. P: Point - What point are you trying to make? E.g. The author chooses to personify the trees which helps to create a more sinister atmosphere within the context of gothic horror. E: Evidence - What quote can you use from the text? E.g. The trees are personified when the author writes: "the trees spindly hands clawed into the moonlit skies. E: Explain - Explain the effect this has, or develop your point. For instance: This assists the genre of gothic horror as it develops the atmosphere to evoke more fear from the setting. The image evokes thoughts of skeletal hands which adds to the spooky atmosphere consistent with gothic horror.L: Link - Link it back to the question using the original language! Remember to reflect the question back as I have done above. I have put the 'link' in bold.
Finally! Breathe again. You can do it. Send me any questions and I will be sure to help further. Go for it.