How do you write an A Level essay?

Writing an A Level essay which successfully hits the mark scheme with fluidity and a clear style can sometimes seem to be a daunting task. Where at GCSE level it is adequate to simply demonstrate subject knowledge through point, evidence and explanation, A Level markers look for a bit more in their essays.

There are a few key ways in which essays can be broken down to ensure an effective answer. Before writing an essay it is essential that a plan is made, analysing the key words in the question and what it discussion this necessitates. By deciphering the question and clearly planning or at least jotting down the points you wish to cover, the flow of the essay is ensured. This also has the added bonus of eliminating the possibility of going off on a tangent which is often correct but unrelated to the question. Another way to ensure that an essay remains clear and relevant is by using the words of the question in your answer, referring back to it frequently to maintain consistency. Precise analysis of points is also necessary throughout A Level essays, with the most successful responses including consistent analytical scrutiny of the question.