Seamus Heaney Essay Writing

Question Choice It is important that you choose a question in your exam which allows you to write the best answer. If you are writing about Heaney’s poetry, you should be looking for a question about language or techniques. Usually these kinds of questions ask how these are used to develop theme, mood, tone etc.

Our Essay Question Analyse how the language used intensified the message of the written text(s). Highlight or underline the key words. Let’s discuss what the question is asking us to do.

Decoding Analyse How= this asks you to discuss in depth, using evidence and explaining. Language= TECHNIQUES Intensified= made stronger, or clearer. Message= theme/purpose

Structuring the Essay 1 Introduction Paragraph 1- Technique used in poem 1 Paragraph 2- Similar technique used in poem 2 Paragraph 3- Another technique used in poem 1 Paragraph 4 Another similar technique used in poem 2 Conclusion

Structuring the Essay 2 Intro Paragraph – Technique used in section 1 poem 1 Paragraph 2- Technique used in section 1 poem 2 Paragraph 3- Technique used in section 2 poem 1 Paragraph 4- Technique used in section 2 poem 2 Conclusion

Structuring the Essay 3 Intro Paragraph 1- Technique one Paragraph 2- Technique two Paragraph 3- Technique three Conclusion Discuss both poems in each paragraph

Planning Your Essay Select two of Heaney’s poems to discuss in your essay. Select a structure which you feel works best for you and the poems you have chosen. Make a specific plan for your essay, including; The message Techniques you are going to discuss in each paragraph The examples you will use in each paragraph.