ENGLISH
HOME LANGUAGE
GRADE 12
PAPER 2: LITERARY ESSAY
LEARNER WORKSHOP
NALEDI LEO
AUGUST 2023
SES: C. VAN STADEN
Topics to Be Covered
• Definition
• Structure of the essay
• Do’s and don’ts in the writing of a literature essay
• Glossary of terms used in essay questions
• Planning the essay
• Using the PEEL method
• Checklist for the literary essay
Definition
• The literary essay is a formal piece of writing in
which the learner critically examines a
theoretical statement about a novel of drama
by coming up with a thesis statement. Within the
literary essay, the learner uses several pieces of
evidence from the text to support the thesis
statement.
• It is an argumentative essay.
Structure of the essay
•
The literary essay is not a creative writing essay although the format / structure is the same.
The literary essay is not a review, summary or merely retelling of the novel / short story / film / poem.
The literary essay has to be brainstormed and thoroughly planned.
•
The literary essay consists of the following:
Introduction
– The purpose of the introduction is to give a gentle lead into the essay.
– It should clarify the essay title and the approach that the learner proposes to take.
– Six or seven lines of normal handwriting are usually enough.
Body
– Each paragraph of the essay must be well planned.
– Paragraphs must carry the argument forward and must not simply be a series of unconnected,
unexplained statements.
– Therefore paragraphs consisting only of one sentence are usually a sign of poor style. Usually the first
sentence lays down the topic, the following sentences develop this and the final sentence draws the
topic to a relevant conclusion.
Conclusion
– A conclusion is simply a very brief summary of the main conclusions raised in each paragraph followed
by a bold, concluding statement.
Do’s and don’ts in the writing of a literature essay
DO
DON’T
Essay must be rooted in the text.
Don’t use colloquialisms / slang.
Underline titles or write it between inverted commas.
Don’t use contractions such as can’t.
Spell the characters’ names correctly.
Don’t air your opinions /views without substantiation
from the text.
Don’t preach on moral issues.
Use formal language.
Re-read the essay frequently to ensure that you are
keeping to the topic.
Edit / proofread your work.
Substantiate with examples from the text.
Don’t use prepared essays that have to be moulded
to the topic.
Don’t focus on strengthening the essay only by
quotations swotted off. Remember that incidents and
events can be reported.
Don’t write in the first person.
Write in the third person.
Don’t use sub-headings especially for a question on
short stories.
The tone of the essay must be serious and impersonal. Don’t use inflated language and verbosity.
Be concise.
Don’t waffle on one idea.
Use inverted commas when quoting.
Avoid repetition.
Your essay must be a coherent essay.
Avoid a loosely written essay where ideas and
paragraphs are not linked.
Write in the present tense.
Glossary of terms used in essay questions
TERM
Account for
Analyse
Assess en evaluate
Compare and
contrast
Describe
Discuss
Elaborate
Examine
Explain
Justify
Outline
EXPLANATION
Give the reasons behind
Write about the various aspects of
Weigh up the strength of value
Write about the similarities and differences about two things
you are directed to
Recreate the picture for the reader’s imagination
Write about the various ideas and opinions that have been
expressed on the subject.
Write more about this, add more information and details
Look at the various areas and issues involved
Make known in more detail. Include specific details and
information.
Support with all the evidence you can
Write about the important aspects of
Example question
• Pi’s transformation, both positive and negative, is
the main focus point of the novel.
Critically discuss this statement.
Your response should take the form of a wellconstructed essay of 400-450 words (2-2½
pages).
Planning the essay
Using the PEEL method
Checklist for the literary essay
• C:\Users\New Acc\Desktop\Literary essay.docx
• Refer to the handout given
Thank you