(How to answer an Essay Question) e.g: "Read this extract [Wuthering Heights, Ch17], and then answer the question that follows it: How does Bronte’s writing communicate the extraordinary bond between Catherine and Heathcliff at this point in the novel?

With any question, the first thing that you want to do is put a note to yourself at the top of the question paper which asks "Am I REALLY answering the question?" so that when you are starting to plan your essay you are reminded to stay focused and avoid wandering off topic. Every time you make a point, look back at this question and decide if "yes, I am" or "no, I am not". You can also insure that you are keeping your answer focused, which is the most important thing to remember, by giving a brief outline of what you are about to argue in your introduction and to re-read this introduction as you write the body of the essay.
The next thing to do is establish what the question is asking of you. In this example, the question is asking you to focus on an extract of Wuthering Heights. This means that you are needing to discuss the significance of the extract in relation to the rest of the novel, as well as how the characters or plot may be developing at this moment in time. Here, you need to look at the bond between Catherine and Heathcliff. Questions you should be your asking yourself may be "What can be said about the dialogue between Catherine and Heathcliff? Are they showing emotions such as passion, anger, or love? What do these emotions say about their bond? What can be said about their actions and reactions? Is it different to how they have behaved towards one another in the past? Is there any notable symbolism at this point in the novel relating to Catherine and Heathcliff?" Once you feel you have dissected the extract sufficiently and written it into a plan, you can start piecing together the order you'd like to write the essay in a way that flows easily. With every point you make, ask yourself: "Have I given evidence to support this point? Have I explained what I mean by making this point? Have I linked it to the question?" Once you have done this you should have a clearly structured Introduction, Body and Conclusion.