Map of an Essay

The Map of an Essay
An Introduction
• This is essentially your essay plan in sentence form.
• Begin with a clear, direct line of response to the question.
• Then briefly state the main points that will become your paragraphs.
• Your introduction should be short and should get straight to the point.
• Unless the question asks for it, do not waste time outlining the plot of the text, explaining the relationship between characters, or providing pointless details about the author’s biography – it wastes time and that’s what Wikipedia is for!

A Body of Logical Paragraphs
• In every paragraph, begin with a statement that identifies the point of the paragraph
• Then provide evidence (quotes) or examples to support your statement
• Then explain (comment) how your evidence supports your statement, and analyse the language and details of your example by focusing on:
• specific words, images, techniques, etc.
• what effects they have
• how they support your point
Optional Extra you can also follow this with a related subpoint (which might be another example, a closely related argument or a counter-argument) or simply move onto your next paragraph. (you will not lose marks if you don’t do this!)

A Conclusion
• Briefly re-state how your main points support your overall line of response to the question.
• Do not introduce any new points.