ACADEMIC ESSAY – SOME BASICS
TITLE
· May quote a strong assertion or comment on the text and ask you to respond to the strong assertion or comment.
· The title may ask you a direct question
STRUCTURE
Introduction
· Respond to the key words in the title. This will include defining words phrases
· Assert a clear simple argument.
· Use introduction to include contextual details about the text
· Summarise key language features / genres you will be discussing in detail in the main body of the essay.
Main Body
· Made up of a series of coherent, logically structured analytical paragraphs that detail an argument, present counter arguments or compare with other material.
· Each point you make in the essay must have a direct link to the key words in the title of the essay
Conclusion
· Summary of main points of the main and counter argument or comparative points made.
· Include an interesting observation or view that is related to the essay topic.
LANGUAGE
· Always use a formal academic register. Always write in complete sentences and paragraphs. Use relevant terminology. Avoid contractions, slang, informal lexis, clichés, well used expressions, metaphorical language. Avoid emotive language and rhetorical devices. Do not judge the writer’s abilities.
ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH
Basic analytical paragraph
FEATURE
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COMMENT
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1 Make a point – topic sentence
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Write one simple and straightforward point relevant to your overall topic
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2 Expand on point
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Write two or three specific sentences showing how the topic sentence, the title of the essay and the quotation are all relevantly linked together.
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3 Introduce quote
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Identify where in the text the quotation appears. Make clear the content that leads up to the quotation
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4 Evidence
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Quote no more than a word or phrase. Be very selective. Choose quotations that you can write a lot about.
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5 General point
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Show how the quotation addresses the point made at the opening of the paragraph
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6 Identify Language and Literary features
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Comment on a literary feature or features expressed through the quotation.
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7 Effects on reader
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Comment on the effect the poetic techniques used in the quotation have on you / us as readers of the poem.
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Main Additions
AS English Literature – mainly in introduction
A2 English Language and Literature – referred to occasionally in the main body of the essay
A2 English Literature - referred to occasionally in the main body of the essay
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8 Context point
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Make a statement that will link the quotation to a historical, social, or political point
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A2 English Language and Literature– referred to occasionally in the main body of the essay
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9 Attitudes and values
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Identify the underpinning attitudes and values communicated by the quotation.
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A2 English Language and Literature – embedded throughout essay
A2 English Literature – embedded throughout essay
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10 Comparative point
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Make a statement that links to another text you have studied for this part of the course. Show how the two texts are either different or similar. Quote from the comparing text to show this.
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A2 English Literature – embedded throughout essay
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11 Other voices
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Make a relevant statement showing how society or the literary establishment perceives the writer’s work. This may include a quotation.
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A2 English Literature - referred to occasionally in the main body of the essay
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12 Theoretical perspectives
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Make a statement presenting an interpretation of the quotation from a theoretical perspective such as Feminism or Marxism
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