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Essay writing technique

In your introduction you should provide a thesis statement* which refers tothe point(s) in the question, answering the question in this opening paragraph, ifpossible. You should progress (develop) your argument by building on points fromparagraph to paragraph. Signpost new paragraphs clearly by leaving a line gap or indenting. You do

not have to do both. Also, dont be tempted to start a new line just because youare beginning a new sentence. Dont digress: each of you paragraphs should be focused on the topic of thequestion. Use actual wording from the question from time to time so that youdont go off the point. Be logical: if you are deconstructing an advert or narrative, discuss it inchronological order; focus on what happens at the beginning, then the middle, thenthe end. Use discourse markers to make your points fluently and clearly. Phrases andconnectives help you to make sense when discussing points in a text or linkingideas in and between paragraphs. These will also help the reader to navigateyour essay. For example:

At the beginning of the filmAt the start ofAt first / firstly

Later on in the textFurther onNext we seeSubsequent scenesSecondly

At the end of the advertAs the text draws to a closeIn conclusion / To concludeFinally / My final point is

Similarly / LikewiseIn addition / additionallyFurthermoreMoreoverAs well as this HoweverWhereasWhilstAlthoughEven though As a resultDue to (the fact that)Since / BecauseConsequently / As a consequence

Subsequently

Use the media terminology as a tool to help you discuss the texts. Dontfeel you must fill every sentence with the word connotation. Ideally, you should re-read what you write after each paragraph to check itmakes sense and to help focus you on what to put in the next section of yourdiscussion. In the very least, leave time to scan through the whole essay tocheck it is clear. Always write a conclusion, even if you are short of time. You must frameyour essay by ending it neatly, referring back to the main point(s) in thequestion.

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And finally, above allif you are unsure of something, or uncertain aboutwhat you want to write, dont write it. Keep your points simple in this case, anddont try to use vocabulary that you dont understand.*A thesis statement is the statement that begins a formal essay or argument, orthat describes the central argument of your discussion.