Students of A level English Literature always want to know how they can write an A level quality essay rather than the GCSE level they have been used to. Of course, there is no easy answer, but these points may help you work towards improving your essays.

Before you start:

• Look at the question and consider what your genuine response is. Don’t just try and find parts of the text about the topic in question (yet); don’t assume what the teacher said about this in class is the answer to the question. Genuinely think about what you believe to be true in relation to this question.
• Once you’ve decided what your response might be, think about how you might prove it. Which parts of the text support your idea? What might the author’s intention have been in writing about those things? What aspects of context might support your ideas?
• Now you should have two or three points to make, with some quotations and contextual comments.

Now to get started:

• Start your essay with a short introduction. This will be a summary of your response to the question, with enough detail to outline the specific aspects of your argument.
• Signpost each point in your essay to orientate your reader to where they are in the essay. You can use terms like: firstly, however, therefore, secondly, finally, in contrast.
• Make sure you introduce each point with your argument and then back that up with all your evidence (quotations and references to the text; analysis of language, structure and form; literary, political, social and historical context).
• When analysing the language, structure and form, take ideas from different aspects of the text which back up your thoughts (rather than analysing just one quotation with one technique).
• Don’t forget that structure means more than punctuation and sentence structures. Think about other aspects of the text such as chapters, perspectives, unreliable narrators, dramatic irony, and stage craft (if it’s a play).
• Don’t forget that form is so important, whether it is a play, a poem or a novel. What does the form add to the meaning of the text?
• When adding context, make sure it is relevant to your point. It is only there to prove your argument – for no other reason. You can mention contextual factors briefly or in more depth, but don’t write huge amounts of detail. It is there to support your argument. Nothing more.
• Finish your essay with a conclusion. There should be no new information in your conclusion, simply a summary of what you have argued. It can be brief. Make sure it is what you wrote in your essay (not what you should have written) and that it directly answers and refers to the question.

Just one or two other points, just to make sure you do your best work.

• Write clearly and concisely. Don’t be tempted to think that sophisticated writing means long and complex sentences.
• Check your grammar, spelling and punctuation. You won’t come across as academic and sophisticated if your SPAG isn’t correct.

Finally: reread your essay.

• Does it make sense? Does each point work with each of the other points? DON’T contradict yourself within your essay! You will lose a lot of valuable marks!
• Do you agree with what you have written? (If you don’t, you won’t lose marks. But if you do, you are more likely to be able to write passionately and authentically, which will enable you to get into the higher bands.)

Remember, to make your essays A level rather than GCSE standard takes time and practice. Keep working on it! You will get there!