What is the best way to structure an essay?

A short introduction, either situating an extract, summarising the effect of a certain theme or character, or the function of a source. It can be useful to close the introduction with a short sentence stating what your individual points will discuss, as this can be useful to refer back to in order to maintain a concise and ordered essay. You should then write three separate points, dividing these into separate paragraphs to make your different observations clear. Start with a topic sentence to avoid confusion as to what you will be discussing. Then make your point, (i.e. 'the use of visual imagery in this extract serves to evoke pity from the reader'), then support this argument with evidence from the text such as a quote, and provide an insightful analysis of the evidence. You should repeat the cycle of providing evidence and analysis 3-4 times in a paragraph to fully support your point.