How should I structure an essay?

The most effective way to structure an essay is to use PEEL. Point, Evidence, Explain and Link. Firstly, you want to consider the main point of your argument. Consider what the question is asking you, break the question up and highlight what it is that you are going to comment on. Next, you want to provide evidence that supports your point. This could be a quote from a text that relates to the question. Please ensure that your evidence is relevant to what you're arguing, if it is not, you will not gain marks for remembering a quote. After providing your evidence, you need to explain. You will need to explain what the quote/evidence means by pulling apart the quote to show that you've fully understood it. Also, you will need the explain how the evidence supports your argument. Finally, you will want to link your argument back to the question and to your next paragraph which helps ensure that you've got a well-rounded and easy to follow essay.