How Do I Write My Exam Essays?

The key to writing exam responses is knowing how to structure your introduction, paragraphs and conclusion in a way that meets your ‘AO’ targets. The best way to achieve this is to use the ‘PEAL’ structure and clearly signpost what you are trying to say. Point.At the start of your paragraph, clearly state your response to the question. For example, ‘Margaret Atwood shows a patriarchal control over religious literature in The Handmaid’s Tale’.     EvidenceThen, use a quote to display your point. ‘Only the Commander can read to us from the Bible’.        AnalysisThis is where your paragraph will allow you to showcase your writing and signal to examiners that you know how to write a good essay. Explore how your evidence illuminates your point. ‘The Bible is restricted to the male commander and the women of Gilead - indicated by the plural pronoun, ‘us’- are denied the ability to interpret the source.Here, you can start to bring in other critics or theories to further your point. ‘As Sophie Rosen observes, this male control defines the Gileadean society’. However, don’t just let other people do the talking – this is your chance to show off and respond to the good ideas that critics have made! ‘It is a male control, I argue, that is reliant on interpretation. As the only half of society able to interpret the Bible, the patriarchy is able to confer religious authority on their laws and decrees'. LinkAs you move onto a new paragraph if there is a connection between the two make sure to highlight it in your second point. Your ideas will flow more smoothly and appear more cohesive. ‘Authority, in effect, is granted through the male control of words. Not only does Gilead prevent access to the bible, it also prevents the production of female writing’.