How to write a literary essay

1. Analyse the topic
2. Check the sources
3. Break down the actual question

Introduction

• Rephrase the question
• Take a stand...do you agree or not? Pick one…
• Signpost how you will argue the question...

Paragraph 1

Point 1

Refer to text 1 - refute or accept it depending on the stance you took in the introduction.

To begin with…

Moving on to…

As well as….

Evidence

Quote from the short story - integrate your quote into your sentence.

For example…

Such as…

This can be seen when...

Explanation

Why is the example effective evidence?

As a result…

This means that…

This caused...

Link

Using logical connectors and link it to the next paragraph.

In conclusion…

This tells us...

Paragraph 2

Point 2

Refer to text 1 - refute or accept it depending on the stance you took in the introduction.

Evidence

Quote from the short story - integrate the quote into your sentence.

Explanation

Why is the example effective evidence?

Link

Using logical connectors, link it to the next paragraph.

You can have as many paragraphs as you need, but they should follow the format above.

Conclusion

Crux

• State the crux (the core, the heart) of the argument
• Begin with a logical connector

Main issues

• Briefly summarise the main issues and viewpoints which have been presented - one sentence summing up each paragraph that you have written.

Final concluding ‘wow’ sentence

• Make it decisive