How to remain nuanced when writing a high mark band essay answer

The highest marks for English Literature essays require the student to not only be confident and effective when arguing his or her answer but also integrate a nuanced response to other possible answers. This can be very challenging for students to come to grips with as it requires a very particular style. Be too affirmative and you could lose marks for not properly addressing all angles of the question but be too nuanced and you risk being marked down for not coming a clear outcome. Therefore when writing your answer the best way to maximise your marks is to tactically use the introduction and conclusion to summarise your overall argument as well as briefly cover the alternative responses to the question. In the body of the essay you can go into more depth when discussing alternative responses or views to the subject matter but once you have done so conclude immediately by saying why these responses are either less convincing to you or less satisfactory to the question for whatever reason.