Higher essay writing

What the marker is looking for? Your answer should be relevant to the task- all points, quotes and analysis should be an answer to the second part of the essay question. Analysis of quotations and what it helps the reader/audience understand- you must discuss techniques: word choice, character, setting, camera angle, costume etc. A logical structure- introduction, 4 or 5 PEEL paragraphs, conclusion. You should write in chronological order of the text.

Essay Titles Highlight key words Bullet point 5 main ideas to answer the question Identify any quotations that could be used to answer this question

Introduction Name of text and writer/director Give a brief summary of what the story is about. Use key words from the essay question you have chosen.

Example Introduction A novel which features a relationship between two characters which is confrontational is ‘Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury. ‘Fahrenheit 451’ is a dystopian novel set in a future world dominated by technology. Guy Montag is a fireman who burns books and promotes ignorance until he starts to fight against this society and his employer, Beatty. In order to analyse how Bradbury creates a confrontational relationship the relationship of Beatty and Montag and the techniques of word choice and imagery will be examined.

Main body paragraphs Point - a sentence or two which answer the essay question in some way. This part will also explain what you are about to talk about in the paragraph. Evidence - an example of what you’ve talked about in the point. This could be a quote or reference to a particular aspect of the scene. Explanation - Mention which techniques have been used (characterisation, costume, lighting, camera shots/angles) and the effect they have on the audience. Link to question - link your explanation back to what the essay question is asking

Example Paragraph One way that Bradbury creates a confrontational relationship between Montag and Beatty is when Beatty threaten Montag after he steals a book. This is shown through: "If he hasn't burned it by then, we simply come and burn it for him.” Through this quotation Bradbury highlights that Beatty is aware of Montag’s crime and is trying to intimidate him to return to his status of ignorance. Through the repetition of “burn” there is a suggestion of violence and destruction. This links to both Beatty view that Montag’s actions are destructive, but also the threat that he will destroy Montag rather than allow his revolutionary thoughts to flourish. Additionally the use of “If” at the start of the sentence provides the fake sense that Montag has a choice in this action and that if he chooses incorrectly he will be setting himself up against the whole society. Therefore through Beatty’s threats there is a clear focus on confrontation as he threatens and intimidates Montag through this promise of a violent punishment.

Example Paragraph One way that Bradbury …………………………………………………………………………….. is when …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. This is shown through: “…………………………………………………………………………...” Through this quotation Bradbury highlights …………………………………………….. The use of…………….. “…………………………………………………..” suggests………… ……………………………………………………………………………………….. This is effective because……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………….. Additionally the technique of ………………… shown by “………….” suggests …………………………………………………………………… ………………... which is effective because …………………………………………………. Therefore this illustrates …………………………………………………………... as …. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Conclusion Name the title and writer/director of the text. Summarise the main points you have made about what the essay question asked. End the paragraph with one final sentence which links to the essay question in some way and gives your opinion on the text.

Example Conclusion In conclusion in “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury it is clear that a confrontational relationship is created between Beatty and Montag as Beatty intimidates Montag, highlights the contrast between their beliefs and finally Montag kills Beatty. Bradbury’s use of word choice and imagery effectively creates this relationship as he builds up the tension and sets these characters out as very different from the moment Montag’s beliefs being to change.

Example Conclusion In conclusion in “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury it is clear that ………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………….. Bradbury’s use of ……………………… and ……………………… effectively creates …………………………. as ………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………….