This is an area which we often spend the majority of our time working with students as they learn the ins and outs of what is required for the perfect essay. We will begin by saying that learning how to write the perfect essay is not a task achieved overnight. It is a skill that is constantly being improved so don’t worry if it takes a few attempts before getting it right.
We have available for free download our Essay Structure Plan. We recommend downloading this first as the rest of our tips will mostly link back to this structure.
STEP 1: Read the question and then read it again. Often one key aspect that lets down our students is that they don’t fully understand exactly what the question is asking and how to best prepare an argument
STEP 2: Highlight the relevant words of the question that you will need to focus on to develop your argument and answer to the question.
STEP 3: Take some time to think about the question, the argument you are going to run and the three themes you are going to explore. Then, start to put together a plan. Under each paragraph heading, jot down the theme/idea you will be addressing.
STEP 4: This step has two parts and can be done in either order, it is based on personal preference:
- A) Write your thesis statement keeping in mind the question and the three themes you will be covering through your essay (as marked in the body paragraphs from the previous step). At this stage your work is still in progress so don’t get held up trying to write the perfect thesis first time. It might change as you develop your essay and that is totally fine.
- B) Write your three topic sentences based on the question and remember to keep it specific to the theme you are writing about in each particular paragraph. TOP TIP: Try and avoid naming the text and characters in the topic sentence (the only exception to this is Module B: Close Study of Text). You want to keep the TS as thematic as possible and further develop your argument rather than recount the text
STEP 5: Go ahead and collect your evidence (make sure not to forget to include the technique with each of the examples- keep it short and simple – metaphor, biblical allusion, visual imagery). You are aiming for 2 examples per paragraph. TOP TP: Keep in mind for Shakespeare, dramatic features also count as evidence. You also want to broaden your evidence by looking at the structure of the text, its forms and features (see STEP 7 below for more information). Make sure that your evidence for each paragraph appears in chronological order.
STEP 6: Note down the effect for each of the examples. Your planning at this stage only needs to be 1-2 sentences in length. TOP TIP: to ensure that your argument flows, make sure that these sentences link to the question, your thesis and the specific theme covered in the particular paragraph.
STEP 7: There is an opportunity to extend the complexity of your argument – consider the form and structure of the text you are studying. For example, is the narrative in a cyclical structure, does the
text engage a bildungsroman form or perhaps the scene structure of Shakespeare’s play has contributed to its effect on audiences? We highly recommend focusing on at least 1 structural element as this heightens the standard of your writing and shows the marker that you are able to appreciate the text holistically rather than pick apart certain quotes.
STEP 8: You now have your thesis, argument, evidence and effect all planned out so you are ready to write!
Introduction – Essay Structure Tips
- Begin with your thesis statement
- Explain sentence- demonstrate how your thesis relates/connects to your texts
- Introduce your first idea – make sure to link to the question and thesis statement
- Introduce your second idea – make sure to link to the question and thesis statement
- Introduce your third idea – make sure to link to the question and thesis statement
- Link sentence – sum up the argument and state your position in relation to the question
TOP TIP– your introduction is the first piece of writing that the markers read so make sure that it is strong so that you leave a good impression on them. Ensure that your argument is established, and the markers know what they are to expect from your essay.
Body 1
-Follow the SEETEL or SEETEETEL structure
Body 2
-Follow the SEETEL or SEETEETEL structure
Body 3
-Follow the SEETEL or SEETEETEL structure
Conclusion
- Restate your thesis statement – you might want to re-word if you think it is necessary
- Review the three themes and what was covered in each paragraph (this might take 1-3 sentences)
- Finish with a clear link otherwise you will leave the essay incomplete.
TOP TIP: An essay without a conclusion is an incomplete essay and it will be difficult to achieve a band 6 mark. Therefore, we recommend that if you are part way through body paragraph 3, stop where you are and write a conclusion – even if it is 1 sentence long. Then if you have time quickly finish body paragraph.
Wanting to know more about the SEETEL and SEETEETEL structure and when best to use each? Sign up to our newsletter and we will provide it to you as our welcome gift!
If you have any questions about the above chat to us any time and we can provide the extra support.