How to answer an essay question Or… how to write an analytical essay

Now… for the essay question… In the sonnet Futility, how does Wilfred Owen represent his perspective about the “end of the world”? In your answer, you must name, analyse and explain the effect of poetic forms and features which are used in the poem.

STEP 1 – UNPACK THE QUESTION Write the “simple” meanings – and synonyms – for ALL the main words in the question HOW = what language forms and features REPRESENT = show / illustrate / PERSPECTIVE = viewpoint / view / evaluation / opinion / side (CONCEPTS => DIFFERENT IDEAS = opinions / points of views / perception / thoughts) “END OF THE WORLD” => WWI = trench war / battlefields in France / 4 years long (winters and summers) / harsh conditions / people believed that it was a man’s duty to fight for his country… that it was an act of honour, glory and bravery / soldiers went to war for the sole purpose of destroying the enemy.

STEP 2 – REWRITE THE QUESTION IN THE FULL… PLAIN-ENGLISH… VERSION: In the sonnet Futility, what language forms and features does Wilfred Owen use to show his thoughts about the trench war / harsh conditions of the battlefields in France / 4 years long (winters and summers) / fact that people believed that it was a man’s duty to fight for his country / soldiers went to war for the sole purpose of destroying the enemy / during WWI?

STEP 3– WRITE THE THESIS STATEMENT

The thesis statement rule… The thesis statement uses the same words as the words in the essay question…