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The Things They Carried: How to Plan an Essay Answer

Topic: Discuss the extent to which you agree with your chosen statement. Respond
critically to the statement by making a close analysis of the text(s).
Step 1:
Clarify what the key words in the question mean. You will need to define
these in your introduction.

Step 2:
Choose points (as well as techniques) for your argument which you have
plenty to write about. Remember to refer to the impact on the reader within
your points.
Step 3: Brief, preferably diagrammatic, notes. NB Most students write too much in
their plans.
Planning:
Points &
techniques

Example/s

how it contributes to the text as a whole/


how it relates to writers purpose/ how it
impacts on the reader

Introduction to this essay:


Sentence

S
I
P
T

My introduction

ONE: A general statement which


connects to the question
TWO THREE: Introduce the
text, linking back to the question.
Include genre, authors purpose
and message.
FOUR: One sentence which sums
up the premise of the text. (learn
off by heart and used in every
essay you write)
FIVE SIX: Thesis statement,
using the keywords from the
question, which introduces your
argument and your main points.

First point in your argument:


T:

E:

X
:

A
:

S:

Topic sentence using keywords (a


statement which introduces your
argument/ thesis & answers the Q). e.g.
The writer/ director/ playwright intends
to
Explanation and elaboration explain
your topic sentence by showing insight
into how your argument will address all
aspects of the question and position you
as the reader/ viewer/ audience. e.g. This
means the writer wants the reader/
viewer/ audience to think /feel/
understand
eXample(s) and evidence - Provides
proof for the idea you have outlined;
supports the point you are making.
Integrates quotes and references from the
text. e.g. We see this in the
novel/film/play/ text when [action] which
is shown by [techniques]
Analysis - Breaks down the evidence into
parts and explains its relevance to the
topic. Convincingly discuss the effects of
the techniques used. e.g. What are the
consequences? What is the main idea
this makes you think about? What
idea or issue does this raise? How
does this link to audience and
purpose? e.g. Through this use of. the
writer/ director/ playwright shows/
demonstrates/ illustrates/ emphasises/
reinforces/ helps us understand/
So what? Summary and linking
sentence Give your personal judgement
and evaluation of the text and reflect on
its connection to the human condition.

This connects your point to the question


and may link to the next point you are
going to make in your argument. e.g. This
is effective because it makes us From
this the reader can understand
that..because..

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