Responding to the question

Question 1

what should I include in an introduction (section a)?

Answer 1

• put forward the initial argument using ‘certainly’ and then saying why you think this
• say how it is achieved, stating 2 points to give the main paragraphs of the essay
• then put forward a counter argument, saying ‘however, it can be argued…’ and explain a counter argument to the one set up in the question

Question 2

what should I include in an introduction (section b)?

Answer 2

• begin saying ‘in gothic texts’ then a feature of the gothic that is discussed in the question
• go on to explain how it is relevant, or isn’t relevant in the three texts

Question 3

what should I include in my conclusion (section a)?

Answer 3

• ‘in conclusion, the play or novel is undoubtedly…’ explain main reason why to sum up argument
• ‘however’ giving evaluative approach ‘this is achieved most effectively through…’
• OR although on the face of the play/ novel … arguably
• use the very final sentence to address the points in the question and make final statement
• use phrases like although there is some room to suggest/ it is still open to debate that…

Question 4

what should I include in my conclusion (section b)?

Answer 4

• ‘overall, while all three texts highlight…(point in the question), it is…’
  end with note on gothic literature ‘gothic literature tends to demonstrate…’

Question 5

what is the overall essay structure? (for both)

Answer 5

• introduction = set up debate, stance of argument
• paragraph 1 (agree/ disagree) =
  point/ evidence
  analysis (language, structure and form)
  alternative interpretation
  evaluation (using context/ critics)
  » always have a linking point back to the question at the end of paragraph
• paragraph 2 = same
• paragraph 3 = same
• conclusion = sum up debate being evaluative, link strongly back to the question