Top 10 Tips for How to Write A*/8 & 9 English Literature Essay 2018 // GCSE & A level English Lit

Summary

In this video, the speaker provides detailed tips on how to write a good essay, particularly for English literature. They emphasize the importance of staying relevant to the question, planning effectively, and using strong vocabulary. The speaker also advises embedding quotes seamlessly and analyzing them deeply. They discuss the significance of structure, alternative interpretations, and the value of practicing sophisticated writing techniques. Throughout, the speaker shares personal insights on improving essay quality and handling exam pressure. Overall, the video is aimed at helping students improve their essay-writing skills and perform well in exams.

Takeaways

• 📝 Be familiar with the marking scheme to know what examiners expect in your essay, especially regarding context and typicality.
• ⏳ Planning is essential even in timed exams; spend 5-10 minutes making a rough plan before writing your essay.
• 📋 Stay relevant to the question at all times. Continuously rephrase the question to ensure you're directly answering it.
• 🔑 Use the author's name frequently in your essay to acknowledge the work is constructed by the writer and not real-life events.
• 💬 Expand your vocabulary with synonyms for common words like 'suggest' to make your writing varied and sophisticated.
• ⚙️ Keep your introduction short and relevant; just a few sentences to introduce context and the main focus without limiting your argument.
• 🔍 Analyze quotes in detail. Use both broad (macro) and specific (micro) analysis, zooming in on individual words and their wider implications.
• 💡 Use comparative points effectively in comparison essays by alternating between texts while keeping a balanced structure.
• 📐 Focus on structure; discuss literary devices like meter, iambic pentameter, and prose, which will strengthen your analysis.
• 🎯 Incorporate alternative interpretations to show a well-rounded argument, but avoid first-person language for a more professional tone.

Q & A

What is the first tip mentioned in the video for writing a good essay?

The first tip is to ensure you are familiar with the assessment objectives (AO) or the marking scheme for your essay, whether for GCSE or A-level exams.

Why is planning and timing important in an exam setting?

Planning and timing are crucial because you only have about five to ten minutes to create a quick plan. Proper planning helps organize thoughts and ensures relevance to the question.

What is the key to writing a good essay in English literature according to the speaker?

The key to writing a good essay in English literature is relevance. You need to stay focused on answering the specific question and avoid getting carried away with unrelated points.

How does the speaker recommend staying relevant in your essay?

The speaker recommends rewording the question into your answer several times throughout the essay, especially at the start and end of each paragraph, to ensure that you stay on topic.

What is the importance of mentioning the author's name in an essay?

Mentioning the author's name (e.g., Shakespeare) demonstrates an understanding that the text is a constructed work and emphasizes the role of the author in shaping the themes and characters.

What advice does the speaker give for improving vocabulary in essays?

The speaker advises having a list of synonyms ready to avoid overusing common words like 'suggest.' Using varied vocabulary (e.g., 'invokes,' 'highlights,' 'demonstrates') enhances the sophistication of the writing.

What is the speaker's opinion on the PE (Point, Evidence, Explanation) structure?

The speaker finds the PE structure limiting, especially for higher-level essays. While it works for many, the speaker prefers a more advanced approach that embeds quotes into sentences and allows for deeper analysis.

What should you focus on when analyzing a quote in-depth?

You should focus on both micro and macro analysis. Micro analysis zooms in on individual words, sound devices, and language, while macro analysis relates the quote to the overall context, themes, and typicality of the text.

How should you structure a comparative essay according to the speaker?

In a comparative essay, start and end each paragraph with a comparative point. Structure your argument like a 'diamond,' comparing both texts at the start, analyzing one in detail, then bringing them back together before moving to the next comparison.

Why is writing sophistication important, and how can it be improved?

Sophistication in writing is important because well-written points can score higher. It can be improved through practice, focusing on vocabulary, and writing essays outside timed conditions to refine the style.