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The key to a successful essay is to focus on the question.

Example questions

Example question one

This extract is from a key moment in a novel. How is the theme of conflict presented here? Support your views with detailed reference to the text.

This sort of question asks you to focus on different examples of a theme throughout a text. In this case you would ideally find four or five examples of conflict to write about in your essay. As well as picking obvious examples of arguments between characters, you would also seek out moments of internal conflict, conflict in setting and conflict between appearance and reality.

For each example, choose a few words or lines from the text that demonstrate the theme. Explore how language, literary devices and structure work together to create effects. Think about how important the theme is to the overall message of the text.

Example question two

A student, having read this extract said: “The writer creates a sense of quiet tension here. I feel like the scene is calm, but there’s also something unsettling.” Do you agree?

This question is asking for a more personal response. Your main task is to explain the extent to which you agree with the student and to explain how the extract makes you feel. However, you still need to use evidence for each point you make. Look closely at the word choices the author makes and explore how these affect the reader. Remember to use appropriate literary terminology and to look for layers of meaning.

Example question three

How does the writer create tension and suspense in this extract?

When you’re looking at tension and suspense in an extract remember to examine the particular words and phrases used. What patterns of words do you notice – for example are there lots of words connected with darkness, time, fear?

Look at sentence structures and notice how the writer is using these to create tension. Are there lots of short sentences to build pace? Do longer sentences keep us hanging on?

How do the characters behave and respond to their situation? Notice dialogue as well as descriptions.

Pick out four or five examples from the extract that support your answer to the question. Then, if possible, link to one or two other examples of tension and suspense in other parts of the text. As well as action, think about how characters contribute to tension, how setting is important and how ideas are presented by the writer.

Example question four

In the last twenty lines of this passage, the writer makes the reader feel sympathy for the main character. To what extent do you agree with this view?

If you’re asked to focus on a particular section of an extract, then of course, this is where you should begin! Decide how far you agree with the statement and find evidence to support your argument.

Remember to look at the rest of the extract as well. Do you feel sympathy for the character in the other sections as well? Compare the two parts of the extract and use quotations to support your answer.