How do I structure an English essay?

Structuring your English essay to ensure that it flows well, your argument is clear and you answer the question can seem like a daunting task, but it is crucial you do this to ensure you receive a high mark and is equally something that can be made very simple if you follow a few basic rules.

1. Define your thesis / overall argument clearly in your introduction. You need to ensure that your overall argument is made clear from the beginning; this will help the reader understand your later points that supplement your position and help give your essay a direction.

2. Ensure each of your paragraphs further develops your argument. Your paragraphs need to flow and develop your argument further; this can be done by starting your paragraphs with a topic sentence that introduces your point at the beginning, then develop your point further bringing in relevant evidence/sources, before then using your final sentence to re-emphasise your point. You should also ensure that your paragraphs link nicely together and don't simply skip from point to point randomly. 

3. Include criticism of your points but then explain why your argument is superior. You should develop critques for your point of view throughout your essay in order to show critical analysis and engagement with other lines of thought but should also go on to say why your argument is nonetheless superior to these.

4. Use relevant evidence from your sources, such as quotes. You should ensure you back up your points with strong and relevant evidence from your source. Quotes from the text are a great way to do this, historical context, symbolism and themes can also all be used further to help emphasise your points.

5. Finish on a high re-emphasising your points. Use your conclusion to re-emphasise your overall argument supplementing this with your strongest points from your paragraphs. Do not use it to introduce any new points or information and try to make the conlusion short, concise but powerful.

This is not an exhaustive list as to how to structure your essay but if you do follow these 5 tips it will certainly go a long way to help you clearly structure your English essay.