What is the best way to write an essay paragraph?

The most effective method for writing essay paragraphs is to follow a '6 point paragraph' structure. This type of paragraph will allow you to hit all of hte assessment objectives that the examiners are looking for. For example, we would start with a strong topic sentence that outlines the point you are going to make, then we would provide evidence in the form of a quote, next you would analyse the quote (e.g. the language, syntax or structure). After this, you would give some contextual information (this could be historical or in the form of a critical quote), next you need to interpret this (e.g. take a critical viewpoint or explain your own interpretation of the point you are tyring to make) and finally conclude the paragraph with a sentence that links your argument to the authorial purpose (e.g. why has the author included this element in their work and what does it achieve?)

FS
Answered by Frances S. English Literature tutor

4832 Views

See similar English Literature A Level tutors

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

Discuss the Presentation of Ophelia and Gertrude as Women in Hamlet


How do you create your own questions to practice for exams?


“The Fool knows that the only true madness is to recognise this world as rational.” How far is this an adequate explanation of King Lear?


How do the methods employed by Sylvia Plath in her poems enable her to explore their extreme subject matter?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning