How to structure an essay

When I meet a Higher new pupil, they will often know the novel or play they are studying quite well, but don't know how to put this information together in a way that gets them good marks. So, I usually help them sketch out an essay structure.

This is how every Drama or Prose question looks in my head when I'm helping someone with their essay:

1. Intro - this essay will be about Romeo
   
2. Character - Romeo, at the start of the play
3. Relationship - Romeo meets Juliet
   
4. Turning point - Romeo kills Tybalt
   
5. Climax - Romeo commits suicide
   
6. Theme - love and death
   
7. Conclusion - Romeo was stupid
   

Every story has a beginning, middle and end. When you write an English essay, focus on:

• about three important parts of the story, not the entire thing; usually the start, turning point and climax
• two or three important characters
• one theme
• three to six techniques. Techniques include characterisation, setting, symbolism, climax, conflict, turning point and so on.
  

When you have a structure in mind, you will have a rough idea what you need to put down on paper during the 45 minutes you have to write the essay. You will also be able to write strong topic sentences which help the examiner to mark your essay.