How do I write about context effectively?

Context, as an essential part of the A-level marking criteria, is an often overlooked element. It is not only important to remember that each piece of literature was created within and influenced by its own culture, but also that the links between the text and its historical surroundings are as tenuous as they can be strong. It's really difficult to discuss context in a broad sense and be convincing at the same time - it must form part of your analysis, but how?
You want contextual information to enforce the specific thing you are arguing, not to use it as a general back-up to fall upon once you have made a point. An inside-out approach has always worked for best for me, by doing specific analysis and then finding a link between it and a relatively specific piece of context you support the point you have made, as well as bringing the focus of your argument out to the bigger picture. Showing that a specific point you have constructed is possible within the wider context of the author writing will always help enforce your argument, as well as ticking the box for the marking criteria.