Critical essay writing

Question 1

What 4 things should be in the introduction?

Answer 1

Title,
author,
brief plot summary,
topic of essay

Question 2

What 4 things should be in a main paragraph?

Answer 2

P - Point
C - Context
Q - Quotation
E - Explanation

Question 3

Explain what P/Point means

Answer 3

A topic sentence. You should mention the topic of the paragraph and the topic of the essay.

Question 4

Explain what C/Context means

Answer 4

A relevant, specific key event from the book.

Question 5

Explain what Q/Quotation means

Answer 5

Relevant words from the book, quoted exactly as in the book, with quotation marks, introduced.

Question 6

Explain what E/Explanation means

Answer 6

Explaining how the evidence (context and quotation) prove the point. Aim for about 3 sentences, make sure you relate it back to the question. If possible discuss any relevant effects of any techniques used in the quotation.

Question 7

Which 4 things should be in the conclusion?

Answer 7

In conclusion, 
title, 
author, 
topic of essay, 
personal reaction about the topic.

Question 8

What are some analysis words to show you are explaining?

Answer 8

This suggests, this implies, this conveys, because, this shows…

Question 9

How many main paragraphs do you need?

Answer 9

4 minimum. If possible aim for 5 or try to make some paragraphs doubles.

Question 10

Do spelling and sentencing count?

Answer 10

YES. Don’t let sentences get too long.

Question 11

How many marks is it worth?

Answer 11

20. This is 20% of your N5/H grade overall.