What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

A thesis statement makes a precise, contestable claim that the entire essay argues

Each body paragraph opens with a topic sentence that directly supports the thesis

Evidence (quotation or paraphrase) must be embedded and followed by analysis of language and effect

A conclusion restates the thesis in new language and synthesises the essay's key insights

Key Vocabulary

Thesis

A specific, arguable claim that governs the direction and content of an analytical essay

Topic Sentence

The opening sentence of a body paragraph that states the paragraph's main idea and links it to the thesis

Embedding

The technique of integrating a quotation smoothly into a sentence rather than dropping it in isolation

Synthesis

Drawing together the essay's main points in the conclusion to show the cumulative weight of the argument

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which of the following is the strongest thesis statement for an essay on power in Macbeth?

Macbeth is a play about power and ambition Power is discussed in many of Shakespeare's plays Shakespeare uses Macbeth to show that unchecked ambition inevitably corrupts those who pursue power Lady Macbeth is a very ambitious character

Question 2

An embedded quotation is one that:

Appears at the start of a paragraph Is placed on a separate line from the surrounding text Uses more than three lines of the original text Flows grammatically within the student's own sentence

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a body paragraph's topic sentence?

To directly link the paragraph's argument to the essay's thesis To introduce a new character or setting To provide background context for the text To begin with a quotation from the text

Writing the Year 10 Essay