Topic Nine (0.9): The Perfect Essay – Breaking It Down

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

In this topic, you will work through the key stages of breaking down, planning, writing and editing a high-scoring essay. This will draw together everything you have learnt in this module so far to illustrate the process in action.

This is a lot of information to take on board in one go, so read the material now, but also be sure to return to this guidance frequently as you prepare for each new assignment. The specific examples included will make more sense as you work through the set texts in more detail.

Skills Icon.png Tasks

  • The following material guides you through the key stages of writing a high-scoring essay which satisfies all of the assessment criteria. This is much easier to understand when applied to specific examples, so the advice included relates to either AS questions on unseen texts or to your set texts for both AS and AL.
  • Read very carefully through the following document and print it out so you can go over it again later on in the course:

Download PRINT OUT & READ – Writing the Perfect English Literature Essay

  • You can also read a full Example Candidate Response, with comments from an examiner, on pages 11 to 19 of the CAIE Learner Guide:

Download READ – CAIE Learner Guide

  • This essay is not on any of your set texts, but it gives an overview of the level and skills expected and what you should be aiming for. Pay attention to how the marks are awarded and the balance of assessment criteria in the answer as a whole.
  • Remember that Mastering English Literature also contains tips on essay-writing skills on pages xxix to xxxi.