How to write
top grade
GCSE essays

1) Analyse the question
•Identify the keywords –
they are your co-ordinates
•If you do not clearly
understand the
question, and use it to
guide your planning, you
will quickly go astray

2) Research your topic
•Use the terms of the
question as a prism
through which you can
analyse the text
•Use the text as your
primary source and if
appropriate you can also
use the internet, study
guides and other writings

3) Plan your essay
•If you plan it right, you will
write it right!
•Your task is to construct a
well-formed argument, in
the same way that a lawyer
must build a case to defend
a client

What is an argument?
•It is a proposition (idea) that is open to debate
•Often an essay question is designed in such a
way that it directs you to the argument you
should build:
To what extent could it be argued that...
Do you agree or disagree that...

What is NOT an argument?
•A list of unconnected points
•A simple retelling of the plot
•Talking about whether you like or dislike a text
(which has its place but should not dominate an
analytical essay)

The 3C Formula
Coherence
Well
formed
argument
Complexity
Connectivity

Coherence
•Your argument should not be contradicted by
the evidence.
•If it IS you could abandon the argument, ignore
the contradiction or find a way to interpret the
evidence in a different way
•Being aware of counter arguments and
commenting on them in your essay can be an
effective strategy

•Counter arguments can be
raised and challenged on your
terms in order to strengthen
your case – this is a form of
inoculation
•Showing your awareness of
other possible arguments can
give your essay depth

Connectivity
•You should look for several ways
in which the text supports your
argument
•If you were a lawyer, you would
look for several reasons which
combine to prove your client is
innocent
•Each point will support the others
so that your argument becomes
more and more convincing

Form &
Setting Themes
Structure
Text
Context Imagery
Narrative Characters &
Language
voice relationships

Complexity
•To secure the higher grades, you
must do some thinking of your
own rather than regurgitate a
carbon copy of your teacher’s
ideas and class notes
•You should aim to produce a
sophisticated but clearly
expressed thesis (argument)

Presenting an argument- PEE
•At the heart of your essay will be a series of
ideas (Points)
•They will be supported by details taken
directly from the text (Evidence)
•You will explain how this evidence proves
your point and, in turn, strengthens your
developing argument (Explanation)

PEE Paragraph burgers

Remember – you must BUILD
An argument

4) Write your essay
•If you have taken the time
to create a well structured
and supported plan, writing
the essay itself is easy!
•Over time your expression
will become more mature
and focused which will also
strengthen your essay work

•You can tick off the
paragraphs in your plan as
you complete them.
•This way, if you take a
break, it’s easy to pick the
essay back up again without
losing focus

5) Edit your essay
•It is really important to
realise that your last full
stop should NOT mark the
end of the process
•You must carefully proof
read your work for
sense, clarity and technical
accuracy and make any
changes as necessary

The Question
What do we learn of the characters of
Holmes and Watson in the case of ‘The
Man with the Twisted Lip’?

The Question
What do we learn of the characters of
Holmes and Watson in the case of ‘The
Man with the Twisted Lip’?

•What they say
•What they do
•What others say about them
•The relationship between them
•Why has Doyle done this?

The Argument

The relationship between Holmes and
Watson (and their contrasting
personalities and approaches to the
case) is essential to the success of the
Sherlock Holmes short stories.

The Research

Annotation of the text (notes & quotations)
Mind map points of interest
Organise them into an order that lends itself
to the question focus

The Plan

•Watson as narrator
(poetic, descriptive detail & withholding of information)
•Domestic scene disturbed
•Holmes as master of disguise
•Holmes extraordinary hearing
•Holmes dominant status in the relationship
•Holmes as predator
•Watson as an observer and commentator
•Contrast in language for purpose (precision vs. poetry)
•Holmes’ excitability, Watson’s calm measured approach
•Watson sleeps and Holmes smokes – the deductive
method
•Holmes as victorious but not self congratulatory
•Holmes as judge and jury
•The harmonious partnership

Writing

Editing

Have I answered the question set?
Have I supported my ideas with close textual
references?
Does my response follow my plan?
Is my answer technically competent (SPG)?
Has it been proof read by someone else?

Your Turn

Your Questions
Account for the ongoing popularity of
the Sherlock Holmes stories with
reference to a range of stories to
illustrate your ideas.
Examine the ways in which Conan
Doyle establishes and builds tension in
the Sherlock Holmes short stories. You
should refer to a range of stories in
your response.