Section B - Essay Structure

Choice of 1 of 3 questions - 750 words max (recommended 600-620 words)

40 mins

5 mins prep

Intro: (~50 words)

• state your view (thesis) - one sentence.

• summarise key arguments - brief intro about what you will talk about.

• define key terms - setting a criteria to form the foundation of an argument.

Paragraph 1: (~150 words)

• point (for) - one sentence saying why you’re correct or what a critic would say, depending on your thesis

• develop (evidence if possible and crucial explanation)

• well developed point (counter to your main point) - “however…”

• link to question “but overall…/and therefore…”

• restate the question “and this is why [thesis]”

Paragraph 2 (strongest paragraph): (~200 - 230 words)

• point (for) - one sentence saying why you’re correct or what a critic would say, depending on your thesis

• develop (evidence if possible and crucial explanation)

• well developed point (counter to your main point) - “furthermore… [insert second line of reasoning]” and/or “however…”

• link to question “but overall…/and therefore…”

• restate the question “and this is why [thesis]”

Paragraph 3 (counterpoint) (~150 words)

• main counter argument (distinct to the other ones mentioned)

• develop (why it has merit/what people might say/evidence they might have for it)

• well developed point (rebuttal) - “however…” explain why the thesis remains correct

• link to question

Conclusion (~50 words)

• restate viewpoint “Overall, it is clear that…”

• summarise main points (explain the key arguments but no development)

• don’t mention any new points

• keep it brief