1. Seamus Heaney Essay Writing

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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.