How do you structure an essay?

Although essay structure is different for every subject or question, the basic structure for an English Literature essay at A-Level is to compose an argument as follows.
After an introduction which establishes the main argument you are going to be exploring, you can either write several paragraphs on one argument, followed by several on another, or you can do it alternating the points from one argument to the next so it goes 'for' 'against' 'for' 'against.' Remember to compare and contrast the texts you are discussing and include secondary material where possible. Your conclusion should make a judgement about what side you find most convincing.