Essay revision

Essay writing notes

Step 1: Read the question. Don’t start writing.
Step 2: Highlight and underline key points in the question
Step 3: Reword the question in a way you can understand it (e.g.; this question is asking me to ___)
Step 4: Brainstorming/mind mapping/listing ideas

Step 5: Think of your thesis statement (your argument that links all your paragraphs together – opening statement that sets up your argument)
Step 6: Work out what your topic sentences will be for each of your main paragraphs (make sure they connect to your thesis statement)

Step 7: Work out what evidence you want to use for each of your main body paragraphs
Step 8: Figure out how each of your quotations relate to your points and link back to your thesis statement – is it clear? Is it addressing the essay question? (synthesising your quotations)
Step 9: Think about the positioning techniques Shakespeare is using and how they fit into your body paragraphs (See list in previous post for suggestions)
Step 10: Plan your closing sentences for each of your paragraphs

Step 11: Once you get into the test, take the time to reflect on what you have already planned and write yourself an outline to refer to during the task.

Essay structure

Introduction:

·         Thesis statement (must answer the essay question)

·         Introduce your main points (look at the criteria sheet to see what its actually asking you to do. Don’t go into detail about the main points, this is what your body paragraphs do)

·         Do not introduce quotations in your introduction – they are not useful

Body paragraphs

·         Topic sentence (make sure it links back to the thesis and introduce what your main body paragraph is going to be about – avoid waffling)

·         Expand on what you’ve stated in your topic sentence. Go into more detail about what this paragraph will address. Provide evidence to support your claims. Evaluate (explain/synethsise) the relevance of your evidence. Why is your evidence useful to your argument? This will help you discuss the positioning techniques (e.g. the audience is able to understand this point through Shakespeare's use of foreshadowing throughout the novel). The more depth/detail you have in your discussion the better. You are not re-telling the story, you are engaging with the text and analysing it.

·         Closing statement/linking statement that will close off the main point of that particular paragraph and has a deliberate lead into the next paragraph. Having a linking statement is optional; however a closing statement is necessary.

Conclusion

·         Requires you to re-visit your thesis statement (try and find another way to rephrase but if you can’t re-state it)

·         Re-address your key points – find a way to bring closure to them and links them all together. Draw on the parallels between your three/four main points.

·         Write a final statement that draws a final conclusion about what you’ve been discussing

·         Leaves your reader thinking about what they’ve just read

·         Try not to end with a question

Rules

·         Do not introduce a new point in a conclusion/ideas/evidence

·         Do not speak in first or second person (I, we, us, you etc.)

·         Write in present tense for an analytical essay as you are engaging directly with the text at that point in time. You are writing it as if you are there. (e.g. when Othello attacks ___)

·         Make sure reference when you use a direct quotation “___” (Act 3, Sc. 2, 11-13)

·         Try not to use long quotations – paraphrase if necessary

·         Integrate your evidence

·         Don’t re-word what the quote is stating – analyse it and explain why it is useful to your argument

·         Avoid sweeping statements – be careful how you word your argument

·         Avoid value judgment e.g. Iago is a horrible person for what he did to Othello. You are allowed to say the audience is positioned to see Iago in a negative light.  

·         An analytical essay is formal and not personal

·         Use formal phrasing such as, “Shakespeare positions…” “The audience is positioned to…”

·         Proof-read and edit at the end – leave enough time for this

·         10-15 minutes to plan, 1 hour to write it, 15 minutes to proof read