How do I structure a good essay?

The best way to structure an essay is to start with a strong introduction which directly answers the essay question, therefore establishing your opinion at the start. This is important because it allows you to have a strong argument throughout, which means it is easier to follow and also shows your ability to sustain it. The next step is to have at least three body paragraphs which follow the PEEL format - point, evidence, explanation and link. This is a useful acronym to remember because it incorporates skills that examiners are looking for: the ability to come up with ideas (point), back your ideas up with quotes from the text (evidence), explain your ideas clearly and effectively (explain) and show how your ideas connect in order to make a cohesive answer (link).Finally, round off your essay with a clear and concise conclusion. The role of a conclusion is to summarise your essay, so it is important to not introduce any new ideas that you have not already discussed.