Structure of non-comparative essays

The purpose of essays in English Literature is to introduce your argument or thesis; offer and analyse evidence from your text which supports your argument; and reach a conclusion that you have proved as best you can.

Therefore, almost all essays that are on just one text will follow this basic structure:

Introduction:

• Introduce the title, author, context and form very briefly.
• Clarify, briefly, any terms from the title/question which may need explanation (but don’t make it sound like a definition)
• Propose your thesis.

For more help with introductions, see separate resource.

Paragraphs: (aim for about 5)

Paragraphs in A-Level essays shouldn’t really follow an obviously scaffolded structure as you will be expected to be able to construct a fluent and original argument. However, especially when you have just started the A-Level course, having a loose framework can be useful and help you build your confidence. I use a PEARL structure for this. You don’t have to stick to this order but including all of the elements of PEARL is good practice.

• Start each paragraph with a topic sentence or POINT which directly links to the title or thesis, possibly even using words from it. (You should be able to read the topic sentences from each paragraph and have a basic answer to your question)
• Present the EVIDENCE relating to this point.
• ANALYSE each quotation, in the light of the point made in the topic sentence. Consider all relevant features in your quotation e.g. literary language/effects, lexical choice and connotations, syntactical points, punctuation, context.
• RESPOND to the evidence you have analysed; make it clear how and why it relates to your point. Consider how it relates to the rest of the text.
• Make LINKS to the context and critical ideas.
• Complete the paragraph by writing a summative sentence which refers back to your topic sentence.

You may wish to include a paragraph where you consider a counterargument here too (see separate resource)

Conclusion:

• Briefly recap your ideas
• Respond directly to the question set forth in the title or any larger issues that may be pertinent.
• Evaluate your argument and how it supports your thesis; this may include highlighting the most important aspect of your argument.
• If you can, try to say something thought-provoking or pertinent about the text or thesis to end your essay.

For more help with conclusions, see separate resource.

Ordering your main paragraphs

The order in which you choose to write the main body of your essay is up to you, but the following suggestions are the most logical:

1. Thematic approach: organise your ideas into themes so that each paragraph focuses on a different theme.
2. Character-driven approach: write one paragraph about each character (but only the ones who are relevant to your title).
3. Chronological approach: deal with your evidence in the order in which it appears in your text. You need to be careful with this one that you don’t end up retelling the story; try to avoid sentences that start with ‘time’ words e.g. first, next, after, then as these tend to lead to overly narrative essays.
4. Evaluative approach: start with the most compelling evidence. Use sentence starters like ‘the most significant/the most powerful’ to indicate this approach. A potential problem with this approach is that your essay may lose its strength as your evidence gets less convincing.

Useful tips

Signpost major switches in direction or transition in your topic sentence so that the marker doesn’t think you are contradicting yourself; you should be able to cut up the essay and reassemble it in the same order if your signposts are clear enough.

Ensure good structure and cohesion by backchannelling within each sentence to a key word used in the previous one. The topic should appear throughout your essay like the words that run through a stick of rock.

Use key words from the question to signpost the relevance of each point; repetition of key words can ensure relevance.

Words such as ‘Moreover’ and ‘Furthermore’ are useful to indicate that you have prioritised the most significant examples; they suggest you are adding extra information to strengthen your point.

Use phrases like ‘The most compelling argument to suggest…’ or ‘The most powerful evidence to…’ as they include some evaluation too.

Avoid ‘listing’ words like also, another, in addition as these don’t show that you have thought about the order