How should I structure my points in my essay?

Its important when writing an essay to always make sure your points are fully explained and evidenced. The best way to remember to do this is to use the PEEL system. PEEL stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation & Link. To use PEEL you first state your point, e.g. 'In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen uses the character of Mr Collins to satirise obsession with manners and class.'On its own this sentence isn't enough, so next you need to add evidence. You can do this with close reference to the text or a quotation e.g. 'Mr Collins is obsessed with pleasing his wealthy aristocratic patroness, Lady Catherine Du Bourgh - when he proposes to Elizabeth he tells her that he is asking her to marry him because Lady DB suggested it, and when his proposal is rejected by Elizabeth he tells her that he would be a good husband because of his 'connections to the family of Du Bourgh'.'This strengthens your point but you need to add explanation or analysis of how your evidence relates to your point and to the question. eg. 'This shows how even when he proposes - and should be talking about how much he loves Elizabeth - Mr Collins is more preoccupied with his own reputation and that of Lady Du Bourgh. This is contrasted with Elizabeth, who cares more about marrying someone she actually likes than marrying for reputation or social climbing.'Finally you add a link to smoothly transition to your next point. e.g. 'However, Austen also uses other characters to portray the obsession with class, such as Caroline Bingley.'