1. Break down the question
English teachers partly mark an essay by considering: how effectively and consistently does this student's response answer the question?
Simply put, you cannot 'get marks' in English if what you write does not answer what you have been asked. To ensure your essay answers the question it is important to break the question down into three key parts:
- Verb: what does the question want me to do?
- Key concept: what does the question want me to talk about?
- Proposition: what is the scope of the question?
Let's use the below question as an example:
Verb: 'Evaluate'
- An evaluation is a judgement.
- This question is asking you to take a position: does The Book Thief encourage you to see bravery differently? Yes or no?
In English you can make any judgement you like but it should be reasonable and supportable with evidence from your text. Generally, it is best to agree with the essay prompt, but this does not mean you always have to.
Concept: 'Bravery'
Define: bravery is a willingness to face fear or adversity, usually in the pursuit of good.
Consider: where do I see bravery represented in The Book Thief?
(Note: this is where you start thinking about evidence you can use in the essay.)
Proposition: 'Texts encourage us to see the world differently'
- The question has narrowed the scope for the concept of 'bravery' and your argument.
- You are not just being asked about how bravery is represented. You are also being asked about how you are encouraged to see the concept differently.
- This means your argument must make clear reference to how an audience member might think or feel differently about the concept.
2. Develop a thesis
A 'thesis' is a fancy term used to describe a statement that defines your argument. It is a clear, concise, and formal way to inform a reader about your position on a topic. It also gives your reader an understanding about what you are writing.
A good thesis should be:
- Supportable: it needs to be logical and reasoned.
- Contestable: it should encourage or have room for disagreement.
- Specific: if your thesis is vague and people are inclined to agree with it, it is not specific enough.
In English, your thesis statement appears in your introduction. It defines what you are going to be arguing and provides direction for your essay. A good thesis helps order your argument and can be useful to redirect your writing if you get lost in an exam situation.
The Rubix 'Thesis Builder'
The Rubix 'Thesis Builder' is a great tool to help you get started. Let's use the essay question from step 1.
| Step | Example |
|---|---|
| Concept: what is the topic? | bravery |
| Position: what do I think about the topic? | bravery is an essential human quality |
| Argument: what can I argue about the position? | bravery is an essential human quality during times of adversity. |
| Condition: place the argument against a specific condition. | When people are scared to go against the majority, bravery is an essential human quality to protect the common good. |
| Tailor: how do I relate this to the question? | Texts encourage us to see the world differently by representing how bravery is essential to protect the common good when people are scared to go against the majority. |
3. Write an introduction
The purpose of an introduction is to:
- Define your argument (thesis)
- Introduce the studied text (author, publication date, and form)
- Establish the progression of your argument in relation to the question (what you are going to talk about)
A good introduction needs to be clear and leave the reader feeling confident that they understand your position and can follow the progression of your thoughts. It is not a 'tick a box' element of structure: it is often the defining paragraph of your whole essay.
Let's build an introduction to the following question as an example:
Thesis statement
- Supportable
- Contestable
- Specific
Texts encourage us to see the world differently by representing how bravery is essential to protect the common good when people are scared to go against the majority.
Introduce the text (always underline it)
- Form
- Author
- Publication date
- Context
- Key messages
Set in World War II Nazi Germany, Markus Zusak's non-linear novel The Book Thief (2005) represents courage through everyday acts of rebellion, positioning readers to think about how bravery is not always overt but equally important when people are under siege.
Line up the argument
- Briefly outline what key concepts you are going to explore
- Do not recount
Zusak invites reconsideration of bravery as essential to humanity in our world through the compassionate acts of Liesel Meminger, the novel's protagonist, her adopted father, Hans, and close friend Rudy who all bravely dissent from Nazi ideology.
Explain how your argument relates to the question
By representing bravery as the underlying motivation of ordinary human interaction, The Book Thief encourages readers to reflect on how our humanity is protected by everyday acts of kindness that are not always overtly heroic.
4. Write body paragraphs
Body paragraphs are used in essay writing to explore specific ideas which support the overall thesis. In each body paragraph there is a specific sub-argument which is supported by analysis of the text and continually responds to the question.
Your analysis of the text should:
- Include specific and accurate references from the text
- Identify and explain the use of language features in those specific references
- Explain how language features are used to shape meaning in relation to the question
Your body paragraphs should be logically ordered which means that the argument becomes increasingly more complex and holistic as the essay progresses.
Let's build a body paragraph using the following structure:
State the topic of the paragraph (1 sentence)
- Clear and single idea
- May be universal or text specific
Treating others with kindness and respect can be a courageous human action, especially when legislation and social attitudes oppose it.
Explain how the topic relates to your text and the question (1–2 sentences)
- Connect the topic to a specific aspect of the text
- Outline how this aspect of the text supports the topic
Zusak's characterisation of Liesel as a compassionate person, evident through the kindness she displays the Jewish fugitive Max, encourages the audience to see the potential for positive relationships to flourish in the world when people are brave enough to challenge the norm.
Provide an example from the text (3 per paragraph)
- Identify a technique
- Provide the reference that contains the technique
- Explain the purpose
For example, the motif of human touch used to describe Liesel and Max sleeping next to each other, '…the hidden Jew and the girl slept, hand to shoulder', highlights their close connection, despite Max's outlawed status in Nazi Germany and the consequences Liesel would face for her affection towards him.
Link the example to the question (3 per paragraph)
Zusak's intimate representation of Liesel's kindness and acceptance encourages the reader to reflect on their understanding of human connection as a form of bravery in the world, especially when prejudiced ideologies attempt to break foundational elements of our humanity.
Concluding sentence
- Reinforce the topic and its relevance to the question
Therefore, the representation of human connection as a form of bravery in The Book Thief encourages the reader to reconsider their understanding of how courage can manifest in a world where core elements of human relationships are corrupted by despotic worldviews.
5. Write a conclusion
A conclusion is the formal ending of an academic piece of writing that reiterates the main features of your argument. The purpose is to draw clear connections between your thesis (introduction), the sub-arguments (body paragraphs), and the requirements of the question.
A good conclusion will leave your reader feeling clear and assured of your argument. The reader should be able to draw logical conclusions between what the question has asked of you and what you have said. A good conclusion will make a judgement on the importance of your argument and may generate questions for the reader to consider.
In your conclusion you should avoid:
- Introducing new ideas
- Recounting the text
- Providing further evidence
Let's build a conclusion using the following structure:
Restate the key elements of the thesis
Through textual representations of bravery, responders are invited to see the construct of courage as inherently different from overt heroism, valuing the significance that ordinary actions have on people and places.
Outline the key points of argument and their relevance to the question
Zusak's The Book Thief explores the profound bravery shown by ordinary people whose lives are governed by prejudiced Nazi rule. The writer explores how acts of prejudice can ultimately evoke expressions of human compassion, considering how different types of bravery emerge during times of hardship in our world.
Reinforce your position in relation to the question
Thus, The Book Thief sensitively portrays acts of rebellion, motivated by the courage to be kind, inviting readers to see how bravery emerges through the risks we take when challenging collective attitudes in our everyday lives.