A-level Literature essay structures

I take AQA English Literature A. According to my teachers, my essays are too opinionated, lack structure and aren’t critical enough. I am currently hitting a low C and need a B at least for uni but would like an A for my firm choice. Does anyone have a structure they use to get these grades that you can share with me?

Reply 1

ovidianoctober

Introduction

•

very briefly summarise theme and give 3-4 points in favour/against (a mix) the title

Main body

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3-4 well developed points: about 3 pieces of evidence (quotes ideally) with language and context analysis per paragraph.

Conclusion

•

briefly summarise your points and show awareness of other viewpoints that counter your own argument before coming back to your main line of argument

It's good to BE opinionated -- ideally, your texts should make you feel something so you can engage with them! Just make sure you allow for a debate in the essay itself (use discourse markers like although/while/on one hand.../it could be argued vs however/nonetheless/in spite of this... etc.), and back up your opinions with evidence in well-analysed quotes and context. Maybe read a few critical essays to see other ways of thinking.

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A-level Literature essay structures

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