Literature Essay Responses

Tips and Tricks

● Make sure you understand what
the question is asking.

● PLAN!

● Underline the title of the

novel/play/film.

● Write in present tense – literature

lives!

● Write in formal register (no contractions).

● You may use ‘I’, but be careful to not lapse into a conversational tone.

● Answer the question in your introduction.

● Make sure there is a clear link between your introduction and conclusion.

● Mention events in order to substantiate your points but DO NOT lapse into plot.

● Your paragraphs must flow naturally to build your argument.

● If you are going to quote make sure you

o remember the quote verbatim (learn short quotes).
o integrate the quote into your sentence.

● Think beyond the text. What is the significance of the events/characters to you
as a reader?

● Bring in your own understanding and interpretation (as long as it is supported by

textual evidence).

● Leave the reader with a strong answer to the topic in your conclusion.