A Learning Object designed to assist students in their understanding of essay questions and how to construct a response.

1. Responding to
Essay Questions
English Standard
Michelle Merritt

2. The following slides have a
list of terms commonly used
in BOS questions and some
examples for your own
study.

3. Analyse
Compare
Contrast
Describe
Discuss
Evaluate
Explain
Identify
TERMS

4. •Identify components and the
relationship between them; draw
out and relate implications
Analyse
Analyse how a poet uses language
techniques to convey a concept/topic

5. •Show how things are
similar or differentCompare
Compare the way in which two writers
communicate a concept to the reader.

6. •Show how things are
different or oppositeContrast
Contrast the way in which two texts
convey a concept, message or theme.

7. •Provide characteristics
and featuresDescribe
Describe how a concept, message or
theme is represented in a particular text.

8. •Identify issues and
provide points for
and/or against
Discuss
Discuss how language features are used
in a particular text to convey a concept,
message or theme.

9. •Make a judgment based
on criteria; determine
the value of
Evaluate
Evaluate the ways in which a particular text
uses language forms, features and
structures to communicate a concept,
message or theme.

10. •Relate cause and effect; make
the relationships between things
evident; provide why and/or how
Explain
Explain how the composer of a text
uses language features to represent a
concept, message or theme.

11. •Recognise and
name
Identify
Identify how structural features/layout
are used to communicate a concept,
message or theme.

12. Essay Writing
Basics
Writing structure and what to include
in your essay.

13. Introduction Main Body Conclusion
Basic Essay Structure

14. Introduction
•Essays usually begin with one
introductory paragraph. The first
section of this paragraph "eases the
reader in". Use your introduction to
let readers know what you are
writing about, and get them
interested.

15. Introduction: The Hook
• Find a quotation that reflects your ideas, or sums up
what you want to say in an interesting way.Use a Quote
• Start with the general and move to the specific--but
not too general. Avoid the "society today" and "most
people" kind of generalization.
General
Statement
• What does the reader need to know about your topic,
not only to get interested, but as a basis for what you
intend to say?
Give Some
Background
• Why is your topic important? What is at stake?
Explain an
Issue

16. Introduction: The Hook
• Integrate your definition You could use a dictionary
source or come up with your own.
Offer a
Definition
• This gets readers involved, inviting them to answer your
question mentally. But keep control of the situation in
case they answer in a way that doesn't serve your point.
Ask a Question
• Can you make a comparison or use a metaphor that
could grab the attention of your reader and begin your
argument?
Make a
Comparison
• Tell a little story or anecdote related to your topic r essay
question.
Use an
Anecdote

17. Introduction: Thesis Statement
•A thesis statement is the key to
writing a good essay. It is usually one
sentence and is placed at the very end
of your introduction. It is the main
thing you are trying to say or argue in
your essay, and all of your body
paragraphs will go to prove, support
and elaborate on it.

18. Introduction: Thesis Statement
• When writing your thesis statement make
sure your thesis makes a claim. Don’t just
say "there are many similarities and
differences" or "this essay will address the
characteristics of...", or “the composer uses
a range of literary techniques to …” be
more specific. What similarities and
differences? What characteristics? What
literary techniques and for what purpose?

19. Introduction: Thesis Statement
•The thesis is like a preview of your
essay. When will write your main
body and develop your argument
in the order that you mention the
points in your Introduction and
thesis statement.

20. Main Body: Topic Sentence
•Every body paragraph must have a
topic sentence which is like a mini-
thesis, that is usually placed at or
near the beginning of the paragraph
(indicating what you are going to
prove). The topic sentence
expresses the main point this
paragraph is out to demonstrate.

21. Main Body: Paragraphs
•Include evidence from the text (such
as quotes) along with logical
argument and explanation of your
interpretation.
•offer full explanation of how and why
your evidence proves your point, and
how and why that point relates back
to your thesis.

22. Conclusion
• The conclusion of an essay wraps things
up. It reiterates the main idea/argument
you are trying to make in different
words, and looks back over how the
thesis was proven.
• This is not just repetition: it gives you an
opportunity to show how you have
developed your argument.