Essay Writing Technique - English Language and also English Literature

Point = make a clear statement on what the paragraph will be about

Evidence = insert a quote as evidence to back up your point

Explanation = explain your point further

Link = end your paragraph by linking back to the question and the Point of your paragraph

This is a basic method of structuring a good paragraph

To acheive a high A/A*, you should aim to include the following features too:

Context = referring to important events during the writing/setting of the book/poem/play

Alternative Interpretations = a different way of interpreting the quote chosen

Alternative readers feelings = a different feeling (usually opposite to the first one you have chosen) that readers may feel

Alternative writers intention/purpose = a different reason why the writer may have written this book/poem/play

Explosion of quotes = analysing each word of the quote used to later express its meaning as a whole

To find an example of how to apply these different features, look at the powerpoint in my resources titled Essay Writing Techniques - English. You will find towards the end A* paragraphs colour coded for guidance.

My tips are:

• learn the features WELL so you can quickly write them on a piece of paper at the beginning of the exam
• keep a tally of the features you use to make sure you include them all in every paragraph
• research information about the context before the exam to give you extra marks
• practise using these features in other paragrahs so you find the best technique for YOU
• look at the examples in the "Writing Essay Techniques - English" powerpoint in IPB's resources for guidance