Most essays focus on a studied text, so when it's time to write, you should know it thoroughly. This means you MUST READ IT. Skimming and relying on the internet for insights won't help you understand the material. Teachers can easily recognise this.

1. Know Your Text.

To write an effective essay, read the text, highlight key passages, discuss it with others, and reflect on it considering course concepts. Ask in-depth questions about the author's intentions, the context of the time, the intended audience, and your personal reactions to the ideas explored. Understanding these areas is integral for a successful essay.

2. Choose your question carefully.

This crucial step is often rushed but essential for a strong essay. Students usually select from 2 to 6 questions, so use this choice wisely. Instead of just looking for familiar keywords, analyse the questions thoroughly. Shortlist them, focus on key words, use synonyms to clarify their meaning and then break them down to understand exactly what is being asked of you.

For instance, if a question is: "Discuss the use of generic conventions in constructing your understanding of attitudes and values prevalent in the text," it may seem familiar, but requires specific analysis. I would break it down into key components:

•  Discuss
•  how generic conventions
•  constructed MY understanding
•  attitudes AND values within the text

This analysis clarifies: 

•  Engage in discussion (requiring arguments for and against) 
•  how generic conventions (conventions of certain   genres  such  as dystopian or bildungsroman) 
•  shaped MY understanding (indicating personal   pronouns  are  anticipated) 
•  a spectrum of attitudes AND values (must cover both   and  tackle  plural attitudes AND values). 
  

NOTE: You must consistently dissect your questions to ensure you comprehend both the requirements of the question and the relevant textual examples before choosing your question.

Take your time with this process; dedicating at least five minutes to consider your options before moving forward will be highly beneficial. People think essays are about the text when in fact it's all in service of the question. NEVER lose sight of the question.

3. Chart Your Course!

Many individuals dive into writing an essay without a clear plan, which is baffling! I call it 'a treasure hunt without a map,' as you begin sentences with no clear direction or purpose. This is clear to markers and teachers. You may not need to outline your introduction extensively on the day as you likely have planned the first two parts (global statement and plot summary) in the lead up. However, your thesis will require careful crafting, and you must organise your main points. Identify essential key components of the question to address and ensure you have enough evidence and quotes. Create a concise bullet-point plan outlining these topics with the supporting evidence. This plan doesn’t need to be polished but does need to exist. It will help order your thoughts and will give you the confidence to write a compelling essay. It also helps you identify possible gaps early on, preventing issues later. Spend up to 15 minutes on this planning, as it will make writing your essay much more clear and efficient.

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