Chloe Zhu : 0451 433 266

ESSAY WRITING GUIDE : 8 STEP FRAMEWORK

** This essay writing guide applies to EVERY essay of the HSC. There are slight nuances in
the way you structure your paragraphs & introductions based on each module (e.g. 4
paragraphs is preferred for Mod A whereas 3 paragraphs is usually preferred for Common
Mod), but this is the general structure that all top level essays follow J Hope it helps!

1. Identify the KEY words of the question. Circle / Underline them in the exam.

2. REPEAT & DECONSTRUCT these key words and elaborate on them in your opening
thesis (the first 1-2 sentences of your introduction).

o Use the EXACT key words of the question in your opening thesis
o However, DO NOT merely repeat the question or the key word, they must also be
deconstructed.
o e.g) If the question asks about ‘values’ - deconstruct what values are displayed in
your text. Are they social, cultural personal or generational values? What do they
comprise? How are these values represented in your text?

3. PLAN your paragraphs and introduction in accordance with the question.

o If the question can be obviously split into two different ideas, you may want to
consider writing a four paragraph essay with a two sentence thesis to begin your
essay.
o e.g) If it is a ‘Compare’ question (similarities and differences are expected), or if they
ask for you to explore ‘How (idea 1) and (idea 2) are explored in your essay’.
o However, if the question is a broad / general question where it cannot be easily split
into two different ideas, you may want to only write a ONE sentence thesis statement
and split your essay into three paragraphs.
o Whether you write 1 or 2 thesis statements will also depend on the type of question
being asked – whether it is a “how”, “to what extent”, or “discuss the validity of the
statement” question etc.

4. Structure your INTRO accordingly:

o Only needs to be 4-5 sentences. Do not spend excessive time rambling on about
additional information. Your essay needs to be tight and succinct.
o First 1-2 lines are your opening thesis’. You deconstruct and repeat key words as
mentioned above here.
o Then introduce your body paragraphs and their CORE conceptual concepts in order
hat they occur. Your essay should progress in a logical manner where you build on
your argument towards the question.
o Your final sentence should be a strong, evocative concluding sentence which brings
us back to the
purpose of the module - why are we studying texts and human experiences or textual
conversations?
 Chloe Zhu : 0451 433 266

5. Writing SUB-THESIS statements (the first sentence of every new paragraph): Your sub-
thesis statements must elaborate on your introduction in relation to your body paragraph idea.
o In each sub-thesis, you MUST use the exact same key words of the question.
o You can start using synonyms in your analysis, but for each thesis and sub-thesis, the
same key words of the question must appear.

6. BODY PARAGRAPHS :

Make sure EVERY sentence following your thesis is following this sentence structure, with a
T (technique), Q (quote) and P (point) all in one sentence:

Technique in “quote” conveys _point_.

OR
Point as conveyed by technique in “quote”.

Following the guideline from the article:

• In a 3 para essay: 4-5 MINIMUM complete points of analysis in every paragraph (i.e. 4-5
TQP’s/ PTQ’s)

• In a 4 para essay: 3-4 MINIMUM complete points of analysis in every paragraph (i.e. 3-4
TQP’s/PTQ’s)

7. Tie-Back: Summarise conclusions made for the paragraph and again reflect on how your text
answers the question. The same key words of the question should appear here again.

o Make sure you don’t waste too much of your word count here, as this tie back
sentence is mostly a reiteration of your prior points and doesn’t actually contribute
marks itself.
o DO NOT introduce new concepts which haven’t been covered in your body
paragraph here in the tie back sentence! I see students introducing new themes or
ideas which they haven’t covered in the paragraph and this is very illogical.

8. CONCLUSION :

o Only needs to be 2-3 sentences! DO NOT waste excessive words here as your
conclusion is only worth ONE mark, and you want to keep it short and sweet. You do
not need to list out every theme that you’ve examined, and doing so is a sign of a bad
conclusion that doesn’t add to your essay.
o Rather than merely repeat all your body paragraph ideas, reflect on WHY the
question is worth asking; Reinforce the PURPOSE of studying this module.
o Make sure you include that evaluative language talked about in the article here, as
this is your last chance to show the marker you’re engaging with the question.

Hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me through the number at the top of the page for all
tutoring enquiries and stay updated on my blog for further English tips and free resources in the future
J Best of luck for the rest of the year – you guys will kill it!

- Chloe Z