GCSE English Language Revision
How to write an essay on a novel
When studying novels for your English GCSE its handy to have a guide on how to write an essay. These notes will help you to get a plan together and will highlight the things you need to be noticing and writing in your essay or exam paper.
UNDERSTAND THE NARRATIVE (READ IT!)
It sounds obvious but you need to read the book. You will get to understand the overall narrative, who is the narrator, the characters, the main plot and sub-plots etc.
THE ESSAY TITLE
It’s essential that you understand the title and what it is asking you to do. You can write a great essay but if it isn’t what is being asked, you won't get the grade you deserve. Highlight the key words and then form your opinion, do you agree or disagree?
INTRODUCTION
Set out your intentions; ‘In this essay I will explore….evaluate’ etc.
PARAGRAPHS
Your argument will be split into paragraphs, each one will discuss a different point.
Add layers to your argument to build towards a conclusion.
Offer a two- sided argument giving evidence for both.
PEE – POINT, EVIDENCE, EXPLAIN.
POINT – clear, concise and related to the question- if it isn’t related to the question then don’t add it in.
EVIDENCE – paraphrase or quote to support your argument.
EXPLAIN – ow does the evidence support the point you’re making
CONCLUSION
Pull together the strings of your argument and make a convincing statement that links back to the question.
Demonstrate insight into the different elements and moods of the story.
Focus your argument on what the question demands.
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