Essay writing

1
Essay writing

• Everything you need to know to write excellence
  essays.

2
Introductions

• Impress markers with an assertive argument and
  mature vocabulary.
• Set up your thesis (argument) and establish
  points to explore in direct response to ALL
  aspects of the question.
• Display confidence with language eg using
  synonyms for keywords in the question.
• Display confidence with context, genre etc to
  make wider generalisations about the text.

3
Paragraph Structure

• Build a TEEPEE for each paragraph.

4
Paragraph Structure

• T topic
• E example/quote
• E explanation
• P purpose (author/directors purpose)
• E effect (also consider on whole text and
  reader)
• E evaluation (make connections, comments
  outside the text)

5
Paragraphs

• Open each with a topic sentence which shows a
  clear point of view and which relates directly to
  the question.
• Support each statement with several examples
  which are thoroughly explained. Use quotes and
  specific details from the text.(quotations should
  be embedded)
• Consider the writer/directors purpose.
• Focus on techniques -aspects of writers craft.
  Use correct terminology
• Incorporate relevant biographical, historical, or
  contextual information that relates to your topic
  and shows an appreciation of the purpose of the
  text, author etc.

6
Paragraphs continued

• Relate the text and its ideas/characters to
  contemporary society - why is it worth studying?
  What does it have to teach us today?
• Consider the effect on you/us -what do we as
  readers get out of the text?
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the text and your
  examples in achieving the authors purpose and/or
  in relation to the question.
• Incorporate awareness of literary criticism and
  elements of genre.
• Mature vocabulary and varied sentence structure
  adds elements of interest and life to an essay.

7
Conclusions

• Should be about four sentences.
• Recap the main points of your argument.
• Present your personal response/evaluation to the
  question of character, setting, theme
• Level Three questions will often ask to what
  extent. You must answer this part of the
  question and it is fine to state your personal
  opinion and to use personal pronouns to do that.

8
Examination technique and planning

• Firstly you need to consider the questions
  carefully in order to choose the best one for
  your text. Read ALL parts of the questions
  carefully, including the instructions written
  below each question.
• Once you have chosen a question you need to work
  out what it is that you are being asked to do
  underline key words are there words that
  indicate an opinion is required eg to what
  extent, agree or disagree.
• Decide on the line of argument that you will
  take. Almost all level 3 questions require you to
  choose a clear position and maintain it
  throughout the essay. Summarise your position in
  one sentence.
• Your planning needs to be systematic and
  organised. A brainstorm/mind-map will not
  suffice. Follow a linear approach - you should
  organise your notes into paragraph groups.

9
Essay Planning Grid
Key words (from question) Topic Topic sentences Examples and explanations Quotes/ detail Purpose and effect Authors purpose, techniques, craft Evaluation Beyond the text/ literary criticism element
Point 1
Point 2
Point 3
Point (4)
10
Linking sentences and paragraphs

• Build a bank of connective and introductory
  phrases for each stage of TEEPEE
• The author is fascinated by.,
• The film comments on,
• This develops a (sinister) mood by.,
• The author/directors use of ..is particularly
  effective.
• The writing style is striking