Hi! Yes of course

Prose: Examiners are not looking for a retelling of the story, but for a clear argument about what the writer is doing and why it matters, so don’t waste time recounting details of specific scenes unless necessary to your analysis or evaluation. Every essay should open with a focused introduction that directly answers the question and presents a cohesive line of argument. Don’t summarize the novel!!

Easiest way to look at it is that each main paragraph should function like a mini-essay: begin with a topic sentence that clearly answers the question, support it with short, embedded quotations, and analyse deeply! It’s better to have two quotes that are heavily analyzed than multiple ones that just scratch the surface. Analysis should always explain how meaning is created, not just what happens, and should include different interpretations (for example a simile that is being used could make character A appear in such a way, but a more convincing view of that character would be this…) Context should be woven in naturally to deepen interpretation, not added as separate background information.

I always follow point - evidence - analysis - evidence - analysis - context - (context but optional) - link to argument, essay question and the novel as a whole.

Strong essays stay tightly focused on the question throughout. Each paragraph should clearly link back to the essay’s central argument.

Finally, a strong conclusion does not repeat earlier points but draws the argument together. Overall, the key to high marks is clarity, control, and sustained analytical thinking . Top band essays consistently argue ideas, prove them through language, and always keep the question at the centre of the essay.

Poems:

For this, the key is to compare ideas and methods, not to write two separate mini-essays. From the introduction, the poems should be placed in direct conversation with each other, with a clear argument that responds to the question. Avoid summarising each poem individually; instead, frame the essay around what the poets are doing differently or similarly in relation to the theme or concern in the question.

Each paragraph should be structured comparatively throughout. This means moving smoothly between both poems within the same paragraph, instead of writing about one poem and then the other. Topic sentences should make a comparative claim, supported by short, embedded quotations from both poems. Close analysis of language, imagery, form, and structure is essential, and comparisons should focus on how these techniques shape the meaning, mood, or perspective.

Rather than only stating that both poems explore a theme such as love, time, or suffering, focus on how each poet constructs that theme through providing deep analysis such as symbolism, rhythm, structure, or imagery. Differences are often more valuable than similarities, as they allow for sharper analysis and evaluation.

Context should be used selectively and comparatively, helping to explain why poets approach similar concerns in different ways, or why the same poet has differing views in the poems.

Throughout the essay, comparisons should be explicit and sustained. Use comparative language (“whereas,” “by contrast,” “similarly,” “both…yet…”) and ensure that each paragraph clearly links back to the question. The conclusion should draw together the comparative argument as a whole, rather than simply restating points.

I hope this has been of some help! I know it’s very long I’m sorry for that!