What is the best way to structure an essay in the exam?

Overall Structure

The best way to structure your essay would be:

1. Introduction - include contextual background and state your Line of Argument (what you are going to argue through the essay, but do not be explicit with this)

2. 2/3 X PEEL Paragraphs -  main body of essay (detailed below)

3. Conclusion - make final statements based on critical writing you have read and what you have argued in the main body of your essay. Do not bring in any new arguments at this point, but you can bring in a final piece of information that supports an argument already made. You should reach a definitive answer in relation to the question at this point to ensure you have actually answered the question presented to you.

Main Body of Essay

A PEEL paragraph is structured through ensuring it covers all of the assessment objectives outlined in the markscheme:

POINT: make a clear point outling your argument (AO1)

EVIDENCE: quote from the novel/play/poetry and ANALYSE closely (AO2)

EVALUATE: either support or contrast the evidence you provided using CONTEXTUAL knowledge around the era of the text (AO3) or critcial comments from other authors, as well personal views that offer an alternative viewpoint (AO5) 

LINK: firstly, try to link to your wider reading than your set texts, so other novels you have read that relate to the point you are making. This could be contextually or linguistically. Then, link all of your comments back to the initial point (AND THE QUESTION) you were making in a mini sort of conclusion, this only has to be one or two sentences long.

Repeat this process 2 or 3 times depending on timing.