How do I structure an effective essay?

A well structured essay opens with the author's intention; in the first paragraph, you outline what the following essay is about. For example, when comparing two poems, the opening paragraph will mention both titles and poets and will discuss the overall messages that will be compared. The main bulk of the essay will be different for whatever type of text is being discussed. For example, when discussing a novel, you will take 4 - 5 key sections from it and discuss any features which answer the question. These sections must provide an overall narrative, i.e, they must discuss the beginning, middle and end of the text. Your paragraphs will be 'PEE' paragraphs; you state your Point, give Evidence, then Explain your point in relation to the question. In your conclusion, you will briefly summarise your overall point and continuously refer back to your question.