How do I ensure that may ideas are original and stand out?

It is hard to get top marks without what examiners may call 'original' ideas. I found it hard in school to filter out points which recieve bigger marks from the rest, therefore I have come up with a few tips on how to ensure your points are as effective as possible: 

1. Literary devices 

Especially when it comes to poetry, structure and form are not as utilised by students in their essays. Make sure you know the type of poem you are dealing with and whether this has any specific contextual references. The title is also a useful tool to guide your analysis. Rhyme and rhythym are also useful as the poet may rhyme certains words or phrases which link and juxtapose different ideas. 

2. Historical and Literary Context 

No text was created in a vacuum, therefore an effective way of strengthening your point is referring them to the context in which they were written. Although paragraphs and paragraphs of history will not get you marks a concise reference to the socio-political climate of the time will be well recieved by an examiner. Also, literary conext is also a useful way of showing wider reading and understanding of literature and its influences. 

3. Do not rely on study guides 

Although study giudes are useful to guide your understanding and check up on certain ideas you must be aware that the points they contain have been recycled for years! Therefore it is important that the first time you read the text that you jot down your immediate response. These first ideas can turn out to be the best!