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GCSE English literature

What is a structure for any essay that has worked for you? ( I can’t get into the last band for English literature and I know it’s because of my clarity maybe a set structure would help this)

Reply 1

Introduction/thesis statement
paragraphs: point, moment, quotation, language analysis, link to reader, link to theme, link to reader, link to context, link to reader, link to structure, link to reader, bring it back to your point
Conclusion

Reply 2

Original post
by Wayllbnn
What is a structure for any essay that has worked for you? ( I can’t get into the last band for English literature and I know it’s because of my clarity maybe a set structure would help this)

ok so im doing ccea, so this may be different but i get full marks on all my essays so idk... but yeah
intro- keep it relatively short but make sure to summarise the question and term and maybe mention some of the point you plan on covering?
eg. In Priestleys 'An inspector calls,', I believe that Sheila is presented as changing through the play, in comparison to her family . Sheila is a vessel for the younger generations, and is shown to change and develop in her character and morals, as seen in her introduction, interrogation, continued mirroring of the inspector, and her actions after the inspectors polemic.

i normally write around 4/5 lines, but it really depends on the exam board requirements.

Now, for the body of the essay you want to tackle each point. i do around 2-3 quotes per point, with around 4 points plus a counterargument. This may be different, but one thing to carry across from CCEA is GO BACK TO THE QUESTION TERMS.
i mentioned the wuestion temrs or a similiar worded phrase throught each paragraph 2-3 times- at the start, end , and in the middle for longer points. You want to styart each point with a summary sentence, and spend the rest of the paragraph proving this point you are bringing forward. At the end of each quote analysis, tie it back and attempt to explain how this is relevant to ur point.

Now, do this for all paragraphs, but also remember to integrate your quotes eg. During erics confession, Mr birling reacts 'angrily' at the fact that eric stole money from him. This stage direction suggests that Mr Birling cares more about his finances than he does about Erics actions in terms of rape. He exploited Eva smith, which evokes no reaction from Birling, but when money comes into the matter Birling becomes furious, representing his greed. In this way, Mr birling is depicted as selfish, as he only cares about himself and how Erics actions affect him, and not others less fortunate than himself.

this is a shorter analysis, but im tired lol and i hope u get the gist!!

conclusion- i typically do around 2 sentences, stating my viewpoint on how far i agree, and then stating why ( ur strongest point- dont bring up a new idea at this point, just summarise).

eg.
In conclusion, I believe that Priestley presents the women in 'An inspector calls' as being subjected to misogyny, as they are constantly shunned by their significant others, whether in exchange for work or another woman.

ALSO, TRY TO USE THE AUTHORS NAME, IT GIVES YOU A MORE ELEVATED FEEL, MY TEACHER TOLD ME THIS AND I DO IT RELIGIOUSLY NOW!!
sorry this is so long, if i miss anything ill check up in the morning xx

Reply 3

Original post
by Thdjsoekekfd
ok so im doing ccea, so this may be different but i get full marks on all my essays so idk... but yeah
intro- keep it relatively short but make sure to summarise the question and term and maybe mention some of the point you plan on covering?
eg. In Priestleys 'An inspector calls,', I believe that Sheila is presented as changing through the play, in comparison to her family . Sheila is a vessel for the younger generations, and is shown to change and develop in her character and morals, as seen in her introduction, interrogation, continued mirroring of the inspector, and her actions after the inspectors polemic.
i normally write around 4/5 lines, but it really depends on the exam board requirements.
Now, for the body of the essay you want to tackle each point. i do around 2-3 quotes per point, with around 4 points plus a counterargument. This may be different, but one thing to carry across from CCEA is GO BACK TO THE QUESTION TERMS.
i mentioned the wuestion temrs or a similiar worded phrase throught each paragraph 2-3 times- at the start, end , and in the middle for longer points. You want to styart each point with a summary sentence, and spend the rest of the paragraph proving this point you are bringing forward. At the end of each quote analysis, tie it back and attempt to explain how this is relevant to ur point.
Now, do this for all paragraphs, but also remember to integrate your quotes eg. During erics confession, Mr birling reacts 'angrily' at the fact that eric stole money from him. This stage direction suggests that Mr Birling cares more about his finances than he does about Erics actions in terms of rape. He exploited Eva smith, which evokes no reaction from Birling, but when money comes into the matter Birling becomes furious, representing his greed. In this way, Mr birling is depicted as selfish, as he only cares about himself and how Erics actions affect him, and not others less fortunate than himself.
this is a shorter analysis, but im tired lol and i hope u get the gist!!
conclusion- i typically do around 2 sentences, stating my viewpoint on how far i agree, and then stating why ( ur strongest point- dont bring up a new idea at this point, just summarise).
eg.
In conclusion, I believe that Priestley presents the women in 'An inspector calls' as being subjected to misogyny, as they are constantly shunned by their significant others, whether in exchange for work or another woman.
ALSO, TRY TO USE THE AUTHORS NAME, IT GIVES YOU A MORE ELEVATED FEEL, MY TEACHER TOLD ME THIS AND I DO IT RELIGIOUSLY NOW!!
sorry this is so long, if i miss anything ill check up in the morning xx


Thank you so much I’ll try this technique tomorrow and I’ll get it marked I struggle with clarity so this really helped.

Reply 4

Original post
by Wayllbnn
What is a structure for any essay that has worked for you? ( I can’t get into the last band for English literature and I know it’s because of my clarity maybe a set structure would help this)

point, evidence, technique ( subject terminology ), support, authorial intention: PETASA

Reply 5

Original post
by Thdjsoekekfd
ok so im doing ccea, so this may be different but i get full marks on all my essays so idk... but yeah
intro- keep it relatively short but make sure to summarise the question and term and maybe mention some of the point you plan on covering?
eg. In Priestleys 'An inspector calls,', I believe that Sheila is presented as changing through the play, in comparison to her family . Sheila is a vessel for the younger generations, and is shown to change and develop in her character and morals, as seen in her introduction, interrogation, continued mirroring of the inspector, and her actions after the inspectors polemic.
i normally write around 4/5 lines, but it really depends on the exam board requirements.
Now, for the body of the essay you want to tackle each point. i do around 2-3 quotes per point, with around 4 points plus a counterargument. This may be different, but one thing to carry across from CCEA is GO BACK TO THE QUESTION TERMS.
i mentioned the wuestion temrs or a similiar worded phrase throught each paragraph 2-3 times- at the start, end , and in the middle for longer points. You want to styart each point with a summary sentence, and spend the rest of the paragraph proving this point you are bringing forward. At the end of each quote analysis, tie it back and attempt to explain how this is relevant to ur point.
Now, do this for all paragraphs, but also remember to integrate your quotes eg. During erics confession, Mr birling reacts 'angrily' at the fact that eric stole money from him. This stage direction suggests that Mr Birling cares more about his finances than he does about Erics actions in terms of rape. He exploited Eva smith, which evokes no reaction from Birling, but when money comes into the matter Birling becomes furious, representing his greed. In this way, Mr birling is depicted as selfish, as he only cares about himself and how Erics actions affect him, and not others less fortunate than himself.
this is a shorter analysis, but im tired lol and i hope u get the gist!!
conclusion- i typically do around 2 sentences, stating my viewpoint on how far i agree, and then stating why ( ur strongest point- dont bring up a new idea at this point, just summarise).
eg.
In conclusion, I believe that Priestley presents the women in 'An inspector calls' as being subjected to misogyny, as they are constantly shunned by their significant others, whether in exchange for work or another woman.
ALSO, TRY TO USE THE AUTHORS NAME, IT GIVES YOU A MORE ELEVATED FEEL, MY TEACHER TOLD ME THIS AND I DO IT RELIGIOUSLY NOW!!
sorry this is so long, if i miss anything ill check up in the morning xx

also add authorial intention + fronted adverbials

Eg: Witnessing the labour landslide election in 1945, Priestley uses the ("Character Name") as a dramatic vehicle or conduit to powerfully reveal how etc;
(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 6

Original post
by Wayllbnn
What is a structure for any essay that has worked for you? ( I can’t get into the last band for English literature and I know it’s because of my clarity maybe a set structure would help this)

Hey! For overall structure I would do an intro, 3 paragraphs in chronological order, and a conclusion.

Ordering paragraphs chronologically helped me to not overthink the structure, and it helps add analysis of the structure of the text as you are analysing how characters/themes progress through the text I didn't always do chronological though as sometimes it just didn't make sense for the question

As for structuring paragraphs, I didn't really like to follow a specific structure but I always made sure to start each paragraph with a good topic sentence that includes either the author's name or the name of the text +summarises the point of your essay. I'd also use multiple quotations throughout each paragraph, and make sure to include context within the paragraph rather then at the end.

Hope this helps a bit

Reply 7

Original post
by Wayllbnn
Thank you so much I’ll try this technique tomorrow and I’ll get it marked I struggle with clarity so this really helped.

ofcc!! this hasnt failed me yet (full on every essay since y10 ) but im handing in another one tmrw so we shall see if my formula stays strong!! good luck xx

Reply 8

Original post
by myusername445
also add authorial intention + fronted adverbials
Eg: Witnessing the labour landslide election in 1945, Priestley uses the ("Character Name") as a dramatic vehicle or conduit to powerfully reveal how etc;

yess i forgot to mention this lowk but its really helpful especially in an inspector calls!! what novel/play are u doing? cause relevant context can be really helpful!!

Reply 9

Original post
by Thdjsoekekfd
yess i forgot to mention this lowk but its really helpful especially in an inspector calls!! what novel/play are u doing? cause relevant context can be really helpful!!

well i am doing AIC, And there is alot of context that i have been taught

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