Writing a high-scoring QCE English essay isn’t about filling pages with empty words and hoping for the best. It’s about thoughtful planning, clear structure, and presenting an argument that stands out. Let’s break down how to craft an essay that impresses your examiners.

1. Carefully Unpack the Question

Before you even start writing, take time to fully understand the question. Every word in the prompt is there for a reason. Identify directive terms such as analyse, evaluate, discuss, compare, or explore. These tell you exactly what the examiners expect.

Tip: Highlight the key words in the question and rephrase it in your own words to check your understanding.

Example:
Question – “Analyse how Shakespeare explores power in Macbeth.”
Rephrased – “How does Shakespeare use language, characterisation, and other literary techniques to examine the theme of power in Macbeth?”

Bonus Tip: Ask yourself, What is the big idea behind this question? That will guide your selection of relevant themes, characters, and techniques.

2. Write a Clear and Focused Thesis Statement

Your thesis is the backbone of your essay. It’s your argument in a single, concise sentence. Everything in your essay should connect back to this.

A strong thesis:

• Directly answers the question

• Expresses a clear viewpoint

• Signals the structure of your essay

Example Thesis:
In Macbeth, Shakespeare presents power as a corrupting force through the protagonist’s moral decay, triggered by ambition and external influences.

Avoid vague claims like “Shakespeare talks about power a lot.” Instead, aim for a statement that is debatable and analytical.

3. Plan Your Essay Before Writing

Planning isn’t a waste of time—it’s what separates strong essays from average ones. A clear plan keeps you focused and prevents repetition or rambling.

How to Plan:

• Start with your thesis

• List 3–4 key points to support it

• Add examples, quotes, and techniques for each

• Think about transitions between paragraphs

Example Plan:

Thesis: Power corrupts in Macbeth

• Body 1: The witches spark Macbeth’s ambition

  • Quote: “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee…”

  • Technique: Prophetic language, dramatic irony

• Body 2: Lady Macbeth influences Macbeth’s descent

  • Quote: “When you durst do it…”

  • Technique: Manipulation, gender roles

• Body 3: Macbeth’s deteriorating mental state

  • Quote: “O, full of scorpions is my mind.”

  • Technique: Dark imagery, metaphor

• Body 4 (optional): Loss of order and consequences

  • Quote: Macbeth’s downfall

  • Technique: Symbolism, narrative structure

4. Craft Strong Topic Sentences

Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that:

• Refers to the key theme

• Links to your thesis

• Previews the paragraph’s content

Example:
Shakespeare illustrates the corrupting influence of power through Macbeth’s ambition, sparked by the witches’ supernatural intervention.

Think of topic sentences as mini-thesis statements for each paragraph.

5. Focus on Analysis, Not Summary

Avoid retelling the story. Your goal is to analyse how and why the text communicates meaning.

Instead of:
Macbeth kills King Duncan so he can become king.

Try:
Shakespeare uses hallucination and symbolism in the image of the ‘dagger of the mind’ to convey Macbeth’s fractured psyche and inner conflict.

Focus on literary techniques such as:

• Imagery

• Symbolism

• Juxtaposition

• Irony

• Dialogue

• Structure

Ask:

• Why did the author use this technique?

• What effect does it have?

• How does it connect to the theme or character?

6. Use Well-Chosen Evidence

Your argument is only as strong as the quotes and examples you choose. Select evidence that is rich in meaning and allows for deeper analysis.

Bonus Tip: Embed quotes smoothly into your sentences.

Example:
Instead of “Macbeth says, ‘Is this a dagger…’,” write:
Macbeth’s vision of the dagger reflects his psychological descent and foreshadows his violent actions.

7. Write a Strong Conclusion

A great conclusion:

• Restates your thesis (in new words)

• Summarises your key points

• Leaves the reader with a final insight or implication

Example:
Through Macbeth, Shakespeare warns of the dangerous allure of power and the chaos that ensues when ambition overrides morality. The play’s dark descent serves as a timeless reminder of the human cost of corrupted leadership.

Extra Resources

• QCE English Essay Structure Diagram – SlideShare: A detailed slide deck on essay structure and planning.
• Literary Techniques Explained – LitCharts: Visual explanations of literary techniques perfect for analysis sections.
• Essay Planning Templates – StudyClix: Ready-to-use planning templates tailored for QCE essays.
• Sample Thesis Statements – Matrix Education: Examples of strong thesis statements for various text types.
• QCE English Resources – QCAA: Official resources, including essay examples, rubrics, and structures.

Final Thought

Great essays are not just well-written; they are structured, analytical, and engaging. As Shakespeare himself wrote, “All the world’s a stage” – and in your essay, you’re the director. Plan carefully, argue persuasively, and let your insights take centre stage. Master these techniques, and you’ll be well on your way to top marks!

Need extra guidance? If you found these tips helpful, I’d personally love to support you as your tutor this year. You can view my profile on Learnmate and contact me to discuss tutoring options. Alternatively, you can explore the profiles of other QCE English tutors on Learnmate here.