The beginner’s guide to writing
BETTER literature essays.
INTRODUCTIONS
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Impress markers with assertive argument
and mature vocabulary
Set up a thesis (an argument) and establish
points to explore in direct response to ALL
aspects of the question
Display confidence with language e.g.. Use
synonyms for key words in the question
TEEPEE: As a general template EACH of
your paragraphs should include
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T
E
E
P
E
E
TOPIC SENTENCE
EXPLANATION
EXAMPLE
PURPOSE
EFFECT
EVALUATION
It is not necessary to follow each point as rigidly as suggested
above, you should instead look to develop your own style, but do
keep in the back of your head these basic requirements….after
all you may as well do what the marker is looking for.
TOPIC SENTENCES
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As you all know this first sentence is generally
the statement that you will defend in the rest of
the paragraph.
It should of course directly link to the questions
There is no such things as a one-word theme! (I
may have mentioned this before!). A more
complex statement will of course lead to a more
complex argument.
E = EXPLANATION
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Look to include supporting discussion to build
upon your argument.
E = EXAMPLES
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Really this should be a given as you absolutely
must make regular use of specific quotations
and examples in every paragraph.
Examples may also include criticisms and
opinions voiced by other writers to add weight
to your argument.
How many per paragraph? … at least one more.
P = PURPOSE
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Why does the writer write?
Or
What ideas do they want the reader to confront?
This is where you must employ those ‘show
verbs’ such as
highlights/demonstrates/reveals/forces us to
consider/ challenges /
E = EFFECT
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1. What is the effect of this part on the whole
text?
How does this compare/contrast with other
parts of the text or canon?
AND / OR
 2. What is the effect on the reader?
 What is the tone? Why don’t you like Joe at this
point?
E = EVALUATION
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How successful is the writer in conveying his or
her message?
What are the strengths or weaknesses of the
stylistic technique used by the writer? (and trust
me no-one cares that you thought it was boring!)
CONCLUSIONS
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About 4 sentences should be enough
Recap the main points you’ve made
Present your personal response/evaluation