Ever wondered how to write the perfect essay? Here are all the answers from your questions in the Q&A for our 2025 Feb Half-Term Seminar: How to Wire the Perfect Essay!

Click on the links here to access the slides and the recording.

How should I go about revising quotes, especially Shakespeare?

When memorising quotes, it’s important to be picky. Always focus more on quotes that can be used in multiple ways or for multiple themes. For example; “I would, while it was smiling in my face/Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums/And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done to this” could be analysed for themes of motherhood, femininity, violence, power, the presentation of children within the play or the Macbeth’s relationship (to name a few). So be selective with your quotes. Memorise a good variety for each text you’re revising so that you’re prepared to answer any question. There’s no limit to the amount to memorize, but you may find it overwhelming if you try to memorise too much. You will always end up memorising more quotes than you actually use so remember: it’s about quality not quantity!

In terms of tips for actually memorising the quotes, it always helps to understand how you best learn. So if you’re a visual learner, I’d suggest mind-maps (the more elaborate the better) and flashcards. If you’re an auditory learner, I’d suggest recording yourself saying the quotes and listening back to them. If you learn by doing things, throw a ball back and forth while saying the quotes, and for Shakespeare especially do this to the iambic pentameter rhythm where appropriate. You can also re-write the quotes with analysis underneath, so that you can remember the literary devices used. Try to figure out what best works for you and play to your strengths.

What are the best techniques to analyse?

You should show a range of analysis and understanding. Sometimes when you’re in an exam you might lean more towards analysis that focuses on word choice, or imagery; however, always remember you can analyse the structure too, whether that is the effect of punctuation, rhythm, syntax or rhyme. I’d always suggest if you are given a passage to analyse or refer to, underline or circle anything that stands out to you during your first read so that you can have physical markers of what you might want to analyse in relation to your argument. Search within the text for literary devices and examples that will allow you to really sink your teeth into the analysis.

How do I improve my vocabulary?

Simple answer: reading! Any time you read something, there will probably be new words for you to discover. If you don’t understand a word, or it’s your first time seeing it, look up the definition later and then try to use it in your own way. As well as this, reading your classmates' essays can also help improve your vocabulary as they might write in a different style to you. Podcasts can also be a great place to learn new vocabulary: there’s a podcast about everything under the sun nowadays (potentially even texts or authors you might be studying) so listening to other people having discussions is a great way to learn! Being alert, paying attention to the world around you and being receptive to how the people around you talk will help you improve your vocabulary without even realising it.

When I read the question and I don't understand what I'm supposed to write about, what should I do?

Everyone has been in this position. Read as many questions as possible to see if there is one you think you can answer more than others. If you are really struggling to understand what is being asked of you, deconstruct the question word for word and find the keywords. Does the question tell you to look at the text as a whole, an extract or both? Does it have a theme it wants you to analyse? Is there a specific character you’re being directed towards? Exam questions aren’t meant to trip you up; they are challenging because you’re being asked to think critically, but there will always be a way to answer the question. During your revision, I’d recommend getting used to the layout, wording and structure of past-papers. By reading past-paper questions, you’ll get used to how the questions are presented, what kind of questions pop up and ultimately you’ll become more familiar with the format of your exam. Getting used to this will make the exam much less daunting, as well as giving you practice at answering and understanding a variety of questions.

How should I use past-papers as a revision tool?

When revising at home, I would suggest starting by getting used to making quick plans that follow this structure: Introduction + Line of Argument, Para 1 (quotes ABC), Para 2 (quote DEF), Conclusion. By doing this, you’ll be able to write concise but clear essay plans for any topic in no time. Push yourself to do plans for a question you wouldn’t necessarily pick too so that you are prepared for all eventualities. At most schools, you'll practice past-papers within class time and your teachers will mark these, so use them as a chance to try your best and take on the feedback your teacher gives you. You can always ask your teacher if they have time to mark any papers you attempt at home as well: if you do this, just make sure that you replicate exam conditions by switching off your phone, timing yourself and having no revision materials nearby.

What is the TSST method?

TSST is a structure you can use when writing your essay introduction. Ut stands for: Topic, Scope, Structure and Thesis. Topic refers to your topic sentence(s) where you outline your essay’s main elements or significance. Scope is a sentence or two which signals what focused element of the larger topic the essay will examine, and highlights any major debates. Structure is a reference to the themes or texts you will discuss and normally indicates what your paragraphs will be about. Finally, Thesis refers to your Thesis Statement or Line of Argument, and is where you outline what you will be arguing throughout the essay. Always begin the final sentence of your introduction with “in this essay, I will argue that…” as it clearly shows your marker the stance you are taking. Follow this method for a concise, clear and convincing introduction which will set you up well for the rest of your essay!

How should I write main paragraphs? Is there a structure that works for poetry as well as drama or novels?

The following structure can be used for any essay from any exam board, whether it focuses on a selection of poetry, a novel or a play. Using this structure will allow for well structured and easily understandable main paragraphs.

Topic Sentence: set out what you will talk about e.g a specific theme, character, event or literary device
- “One way in which Dickens presents the suffering of the poor is through the allegory of the children Ignorance and Want.”
Elaboration: normally a linking sentence where you elaborate on your topic sentence by linking your statement to the text and introducing the context for your chosen quote,
- “Through this allegory, Dickens confronts his reader with the realities of poverty within his society and how it affects those suffering. He depicts the children as animals…”
Evidence: the quote you have decided to analyse
- “...stating that they are ‘wolfish’.”
Analysis: your critical analysis of any literary devices used and what the effect of this is
- “Just as a wolf is a wild and primal animal, so too are the impoverished children. This highlights how those affected by poverty are stripped of their humanity.”
Link: a sentence demonstrating why this analysis supports the argument you are making.
- “This demonstrates the impact that poverty may have on individuals, robbing them of sensibilities associated with the moral purity so valued by Victorian society, thereby effectively evoking sympathy from the reader.”

What is an allegory?

An allegory is a form of symbolism where a story, poem, or picture, when analysed, can reveal a hidden meaning. This device is commonly used when authors wish to comment on political, moral or social issues. For example, Animal Farm by George Orwell is an allegory for Communism and totalitarian systems of government, potentially that of 1940’s Soviet Russia. A character can also be used as an allegory: for example, in J.B Priestley's play An Inspector Calls, it is arguable that Mr Birling is an allegory to symbolise capitalism, greed and their effects on the exploited working class.

As part of the exam, we often have to analyse and talk about an extract we’re given. How do I make strong inferences from this extract?

When analysing a potentially unseen extract, always underline anything that pops out to you on a first reading. On second reading, identify the literary devices being used within those segments and work out what your analysis is. If you are struggling to understand what is happening within the extract, try to pick out any indicators which might help you. The question will always have a quick summary of the extract’s content, so make sure to read that as well. If you can pick out a literary device but are struggling to analyse it, stick to a different quote that you can analyse fully as your argument will be stronger in both your mind and that of the marker.

How much context do I need to include per idea/point/paragraph compared to analysis and writer's intentions?

As part of your marking criteria, examiners are looking to see that you are aware of the socio-historical context of your chosen text and that you can relate the two to each other. Analysis will always take precedent within the essay, but I would suggest including one sentence that links to context per paragraph. It shows an awareness of how the quotes you’ve been analysing relate to the wider significance of the text or your argument.

How can I score highly in poetry questions?

The mark scheme for English Literature is the same across both papers, so there’s nothing you need to do differently in terms of analysis, structuring your essays or going about answering the questions. I’d suggest a similar process of underlining or circling any sections of the poetry extract that pop out to you when first reading through.

In a poetry essay, you can analyse a multitude of techniques: word choice, structure, rhyme scheme, punctuation, imagery, direct address etc. Poems have so much going on within them that you’ll never be stuck on what to analyse. Just make sure that, as always, the quotes you pick support your argument through your analysis.

Any tips on writing comparative essays?

I’d always start by asking yourself how different authors present the same themes or ideas: for example, what techniques does Charlotte Brontë use to talk about femininity versus Jane Austen? What are the effects of these different techniques? Is one stronger than the other? You’re not necessarily being asked to find a winner or say which author did it better. The key with comparative essays is to come to a conclusion about what each author brings to your understanding of the same theme or issues, and what you learn from both.

Does the length of your paragraph help to get high marks?

Fundamentally the length of your paragraph does not affect your marks. You could have a paragraph of six or seven sentences which achieves the same as a paragraph with 20. It's all about presenting your argument, using the text to support your argument and drawing conclusions based on your analysis. A paragraph may be longer simply because you are using more than one quote to support your argument in relation to one theme. This is something examiners are actively looking for, as it shows your understanding not simply of how one quote supports your argument but how you can link multiple textual examples together to demonstrate validity of your thesis.

Any advice for Romeo and Juliet revision?

There is so much you could be asked to dissect in Romeo and Juliet so I would recommend making extensive quote banks (even if this is just so you can have a visual guide for who says what and how to analyse quotes in multiple contexts) and making sure you understand the play’s timeline as A LOT happens. The character dynamics are also complex so maybe making some sort of diagram which shows everyone’s relation to each other in the play. If you are struggling to understand the language, there are so many filmed adaptations to watch and sometimes hearing people speak the words makes them more accessible. SnapRevise offers a Text Guide on Romeo and Juliet specifically, as well as one on How to Analyse Shakespeare, which are full of helpful tricks, analysis and advice!

Sarah is our resident essay expert, literature afficionado, and all-round Englishgenius! She achieved phenomenal results in her GCSEs and A-Levels, earning her a place studying a Master of Arts (Honours) in English Literature and Theatre Studies as well as a Masters of Acting. Her triple-threat talents as anactor, musician, and poet make her the perfect presenter and wordsmith, so don’t miss your chance to hear Sarah’s secrets to crafting exceptional essays!

How to Write the Perfect Essay - Your Questions Answered