I struggle writing essays for english

Hi, my mocks are coming soon, and my first exam is english literature (inspector calls) and I have memorised some quotes but I just don't know how to really apply them to my essay or even to structure one properly. I've been struggling with english for a while, my predicted grades being a 5-6. English isn't my first language nor is it the strongest so, I need some tips on how to improve or structure a english lit essay. I'am hoping to at least get a 7..

Reply 1

ssafiyah

Hey!! For inspector calls I think the biggest thing you need is to know Priestley's core values and points he tried to make in the play - make sure you study socialism and capitlaism, and the nature of the time period and try and relate your quotes back to this. You should learn about when the play is written and when it is set, and try and discuss the implications of this. Eg the changing opinions after WW2. You also need to know about the impacts of class and gender at that time. When structuring you essay, try to work chronologically so make sure you have quotes and points for each act of the play. Begin each main paragraph stating your point clearly which should directly relate to the question and then follow with quotations and analysis to back it up. Then you should comment on the wider pictures and Pristleys intentions. If you need help with quote analysis, I suggext using the notes from Physics and Maths Tutor - they are so good! This should hit all aspects of the marks cheme - AO1, AO2 AND AO3. There are 2 options given - character or themes so try and learn at least 3 quotes for each theme and each quote - remember the quotes dont have to be long as long as you can analyse them e.g you could just use the quote "cheap labour" but talk about the youger generations perception on humanity and how they view social issues as well as socialism and empathy. Hope this helps - I know ive worded it a bit badly! Good luck - Im also doing my yr11 mocks soon so i know how stressful it can be! LMK if you have any questions and if it would help to send you one of my marked essays x

Reply 2

mintchalk

Thank you so much for real, I have a solid idea in my head now on how to revise for english lit before november, and yeah if you don't mind could you send one of your marked essays? thanks sm also good luck on your mocks

Reply 3

Yipiyap_Brooke

Hi!
A lot of students struggle with starting their essay, and so following a structure means that you won't get in there and panic!
This is the one I used, so you look at the extract you get and insert the relevant evidence and scene number into this:
'In Act , Scene , of An Inspector Calls, Priestley does _ to highlight/demonstrate _ and _.'
Here's it in action:
'In Act 4, Scene 1 of An Inspector Calls, Priestely uses the character of Shelia as a mouthpiece for Socialism, using her naivety and curiosity to question the Capitalist society. For example, when Shelia says, 'But they aren't cheap labour, they're people!' she brings attention to Eva Smith's death being caused by societal structures that didn't value her life.'

I hope that helps! :smile:

Reply 4

mintchalk

Original post by Yipiyap_Brooke

thanks I appreciate your help

Reply 5

jasonsmalls

It seems like you've got a good start by memorizing some quotes. To use them effectively in your essay, try connecting each quote to the main themes of "An Inspector Calls" or how they show character development. For structuring your essay, think about having a clear intro where you state your main points, then dedicate a paragraph for each point, using your quotes to back them up. Finally, wrap it up with a conclusion that ties all your points together. Don't forget, practicing with an essay online writer can also help you get the hang of structuring and developing your arguments. You're aiming for a 7, which is totally doable with some practice and persistence!