how to revise for higher english critical essays

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Useful tips for your english revision., critical essay.

As part of your exam, you’ll have to write two critical essays. Each is worth twenty-five marks, and you get one and a half hours in total, or forty-five minutes each. That’s not a long time. The secret to writing a good essay in this time is planning.

The best way to write an essay at Higher level is to approach it ‘thematically’. This means that the key themes in the text should form the basis of your paragraphs. This will help you to analyse the text, rather than just describing it. Think about it this way – if someone asked you to explain why one football team beat another, and you simply explained what happened on a minute-by-minute basis, that wouldn’t be a very good answer. Instead, if you explained key aspects in which Team A was better than Team B, you would be more concise and give a better answer. That is the thematic approach.

So, when you come to plan your essay, you should aim to write three or four body paragraphs (not including the introduction and conclusion) that are each based around relevant themes. As part of your revision, you should make a ‘spider chart’ of key themes in the text, which you can then apply to the question.There are probably five or six key themes of each text (have a look at the ‘Help with Texts’) section to help you identify the key themes.

To give you an example, in 2012, one of the questions said:

If you were answering using “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” as your text, your three key themes might be: 1) The battle between good and evil in humans; 2) Addiction and the loss of control; 3) The contrast between Science and Morality.

Each of these paragraphs will allow you to explore different themes within the text, which means you can focus on analysis of the story, rather than simply describing what’s going on.

The ‘critical’ aspect of a critical essay is the analysis. You should be able to say why the author chose a particular word, event or character. Thinking about the message behind the text is a good place to start. Also, have a look at the author’s biography. Usually their own life experiences influence their writing. For example, Arthur Miller wrote “The Crucible” as a direct allegory of his own experiences of the Communist ‘witchhunts’ of 1950s America.

When it comes to writing your essays in the exam, the best way to divide your time is as follows:

10 minutes planning,

30 minutes writing (6 minutes per paragraph),

5 minutes checking your work.

Obviously, this doesn’t give you a lot of time to actually write your paragraphs. This will force you to be straight to the point (if you are someone who waffles, then the short writing time is a blessing in disguise). Keep your sentences short when you are writing. This will help you to be direct, and to keep you focused on the question at hand. Try reading past essays out loud to yourself, and seeing where the sentences are too long.

You can keep your topic sentences in particular very short. In fact, it’s best to make them straight to the point. Using the “Jekyll and Hyde” example above, the topic sentence for the first paragraph could be: “The battle between Jekyll and Hyde is symbolic of the battle between good and evil in humans.” This is direct, and shows the reader exactly what you will talk about in the paragraph.

Make sure that you finish each paragraph with a one sentence mini-conclusion that links back to the question. Usually the question is split into two, and the finish of the sentence should refer to the second part of the question. So, using the “Jekyll and Hyde” example, the final sentence of the first paragraph could be: “Jekyll’s growing realisation that he cannot control Hyde forces him to isolate himself, and shows that Jekyll has come to regret his earlier immoral decisions.” Writing a one sentence mini-conclusion will help you when it comes to writing your final conclusions, and will also keep your work focused on the question.

In your paragraphs, the best sentence structure is the P.E.A. approach. This stands for Point, Evidence, and Analysis. Make your point, then back it up with a quotation or an example from the text, and then explain why this is important or relevant to the question. You can practice this simple approach by using the following framework in your revision:

Point – One of the key themes in the text is…

Evidence – This is shown when…

Analysis – This highlights/emphasises….

Although it is best not to use these exact phrases every time, this does give you an idea of how you should approach the content of your paragraphs.

The Introduction

The format of your introduction should be:

1) A synoptic statement about the text (i.e. explaining when it was written, who wrote it, and a one sentence summary of the plot).

2) An explanation of the relevance of the question to the text. For example, using the sample question above, you should say why Dr. Jekyll is good to talk about as to a character who has a changing view of himself.

3) Identify the key themes of the text. In reality, this is you explaining what your paragraphs are going to be. Instead of saying “In this essay I will talk about…”, say “The most important themes are…” and then mention what your paragraphs will be. Be confident in what you are writing!

4) Try and draw your themes together into one ‘mega theme’. This will be the final sentence of your introduction, and so should be short and snappy (to get the reader’s attention). There should be an underlying point that links all of your themes together. For example, using the “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” question above, the three paragraphs are all linked by the idea of man’s internal conflict, and the ongoing battle between being ethical and fulfilling desires. This would be the ‘mega theme’.

The Conclusion

Conclusions are really very simple, although a number of students don’t even write one. If you’ve planned your time properly, then you will have time to conclude your argument. Not only is this critical for getting good marks for structuring, but it will allow you to actually answer the question. The format of the conclusion should be:

1) Spend one sentence summing up each of the paragraphs you wrote. The mini-conclusions you wrote will help with this.

2) Draw these all together again using your mega theme.

3) Your final sentence of the entire essay should give a direct answer to the question. Look at how the question is worded and use that to help you phrase your answer. Think about the final sentence as a one-sentence ‘in a nutshell’ answer. An examiner should be able to read just your last sentence to get a sense of what you are arguing. For the “Jekyll and Hyde” example, the final sentence could be: “Ultimately, Jekyll’s changing relationship with Hyde is an allegory for man’s internal conflict, and Stevenson’s belief in man’s capacity for both good and evil.”

Lessons to take away

Work on a ‘spider diagram’ of the key themes in your texts.

Keep your sentences short/read practice essays out loud to yourself.

Remember P.E.A.

Practice writing 10 minute plans.

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Hillhead High School English Department

Practice critical essay questions.

Here are some critical essay questions organised by genre. Take time to plan out the structure of your essay, consider key quotations/features of your text. To challenge yourself, try a question under timed conditions (without notes!!)

• Choose a novel of short story in which setting in time and/or place is an important feature. By referring to appropriate techniques, show how the author has portrayed this setting and how this has influenced your response to the text.
• Choose a novel or a short story which presents a theme that is relevant to you. By referring to appropriate techniques, show how the author has explored this theme.
• Choose a novel or a short story where an important character clearly shows development of change . By referring to appropriate techniques, show how the author has portrayed development and how this influences your response to the text.
• Choose a novel or a short story where you can identify a key moment such as a turning point or climax. By referring to appropriate techniques, describe the key moment and then go on to discuss its importance to the text as a whole.
• Choose a novel in which a character makes a decision which you consider unexpected or unwise or unworthy. Explain the circumstances surrounding the decision and discuss its importance to your understanding of character and theme in the novel as a whole.
• Choose a novel which explores conflict . Explain the events which lead to the conflict and how the conflict is (or is not resolved).

• Choose a play in which you feel sympathy for a character.
• Choose from a play which explores an important issue/issues within society
• Choose a play in which a power struggle is central to the action.
• Choose a play in which there is an important theme such as love, hate, betrayal, friendship, loyalty etc.
• Choose a play that builds to a climax . Describe how the playwright build up to the climax and then, by referring to appropriate techniques, go on to explain why the climax is vital to the play as a whole.
• Choose a play where your attitude to the main character changes as the play progresses . By referring to appropriate techniques, show how the character’s nature is portrayed, then go on to show how our attitude changes towards him/her.
• Choose a play in which the main character experiences conflict. By referring to appropriate techniques, explain what the conflict is, then go on to show how the playwright’s portrayal of the conflict influences our response to the play.

• Choose a poem in which the poet creates a vivid sense of a particular time or a particular place . Discuss how the poet’s vivid depiction of time or place adds to your appreciation of the central concern(s) of the poem.
• Choose a poem with a moral or social or political theme . Discuss, with reference to appropriate techniques, how the poet’s presentation of the theme deepens your understanding of the poem as a whole.
• C hoose a poem in which the poet effectively creates a character or persona . Discuss, with reference to appropriate techniques, how the poet’s effective
• Choose a poem which takes as its starting point a memorable experience. Discuss how the poet’s presentation of the experience helps you to appreciate its significance
• Choose a poem which is written in a particular poetic form or which has a particularly effective structure.

• Choose a piece of writing in which the writer’s use of language engages your interest in his/her portrayal of a country or culture. Discuss how the writer uses language to successfully engage your interest in this portrayal.
• Choose a work of non-fiction in which the writer’s description of an emotional experience creates a powerful impression. Briefly explain the emotional experience and then discuss how the writer’s description of this experience creates this powerful impression.
• Choose a piece of journalism in which the writer persuades his or her reader to a point of view by effective use of language. Briefly explain the writer’s point of view, and then discuss how the writer’s use of language is effective in persuading the reader.
• Choose a non-fiction text which recreates a moment in time. Discuss how the description effectively recreates this moment and show how important this is to your appreciation of the text as a whole
• Choose a non-fiction text which is structured in a particularly effective way. Explain how the structure enhances the impact of the writer’s message.
• Choose a non-fiction text which made you consider your views about a social or political or ethical issue. Explain what the issue is and how the writer uses language effectively to engage you.
• Choose a piece of writing which engages you not only intellectually but also emotionally. Explain how the writer successfully engages both your mind and your emotions.
• Choose a work of writing in which the writer brings a key incident vividly to life. Explain how the writer brings the incident vividly to life and how they contribute to your understanding of the person involved.
• Choose a work of non-fiction in which the writer expresses outrage or shock about an issue which you feel is important. Explain how the writer conveys the emotion and discuss to what extent this emotional appeal enhances your understanding of the issue.
• Choose a piece of travel writing in which the writer’s own personality emerges as a significant feature. Explain how the style of writing conveys a sense of the writer’s personality and discuss what extent this is important to your understanding to the key idea(s) of the text.
• Choose a non-fiction text which is written in the specific form of a diary or a journal or a letter. Discuss to what extent the writer’s exploration of specific features of the chosen form is important in conveying key idea(s) of the text.
• Choose a piece of journalism which, in your opinion, deals with a fundamental truth about human nature. Explain how the writer’s presentation of key ideas enhances your understanding of this fundamental truth.
• Choose a work of non-fiction in which vivid description is an important feature. Explain in detail how the vivid impression is created and discuss how it contributes to your appreciation of the text as a whole.
• Choose a work of biography or autobiography which you feel is inspirational or moving. Explain how the writer evokes this response and discuss why you find the text inspirational or moving.
• Choose a piece of journalism which presents difficult or challenging ideas in an accessible way. Explain what is difficult or challenging about the writer’s ideas and discuss how she or he presents them in an accessible way
• Choose a piece of non-fiction writing in which the writer’s presentation of an experience triggers an emotional response from you. Give a brief description of the experience and then, in more detail, discuss how the writer’s presentation of this description evokes this strong emotional response.
• Choose a non-fiction text which explores a significant aspect of political or cultural life. Discuss how the writer’s presentation enhances your understanding of the chosen aspect of political or cultural life and how this impacts on your appreciation of the text as a whole.
• Choose an example of biography or autobiography which gives you a detailed insight into a person’s life. Explain how the writer’s presentation made you think deeply about the person and his or her life, enhancing your overall appreciation of the text.
• Choose a non-fiction text which is set in a society that is different to the one in which we live. Briefly explain what is significantly different and discuss how the writer made you aware of this.
• Choose a non-fiction text in which the writer’s ability to evoke a sense of place is very important to the success of the text. Show how the writer’s presentation of the location(s) enhanced your appreciation of the text.
• Choose a non-fiction text in which the writer presents a strong point of view on a particular subject. Briefly explain what the writer’s view is and discuss in detail how this view is presented convincingly.
• Choose a work of biography and autobiography which you feel is written with great insight and/or sensitivity. Discuss, in detail, how the writer’s presentation of this life leads you to this conclusion.
• Choose a non-fiction text in which the writer puts forward a view of a social issue. Briefly explain what the issue is and discuss how effective the writer is in influencing you to share his or her point of view.
• Choose a non-fiction text in which the style of writing is an important factor in your appreciation of the writer’s ideas. Discuss in detail how features of this style enhanced your appreciation of the text as a whole.

Traditional Subjects

Aptitude tests, higher learning, 7-steps to revising for essay-based exams.

University exams can be daunting. They are very different from school exams. There is often more material, but fewer questions. An entire semesters worth of material can sometimes be assessed on the basis of two essay questions. To do well, you need to construct a solid and convincing argument, and often need to cite specific literature, including the author and date of the research. This can seem impossible if you have never done it before!

In my first year of exams at University of Edinburgh, I barely understood the expectations of my exams let alone how to do well on them. Over the next three years I improved my approach to exam revision and by my final year, I achieved firsts on all my exams.

Here I share my exam revision method. It is important to remember that everyone is different, so it is important to find an approach that works for you. But this is what worked for me, and if you are intimidated or have found yourself struggling, it could work for you too!

Review material and make a module guide

This one is pretty simple. Go through the lectures, tutorials, your own notes, and your coursework. Make a new set of notes that outlines the whole module, including key ideas, concepts, research and readings (highlighting readings which you havent done would be helpful at this stage!).

Even if you will only need to know a couple of topics for the exam, courses are often designed so that all parts are connected in some way. Having a good understanding of the overall course will be helpful in understanding topics in greater detail. This is also a good way of spotting which aspects you are stronger or weaker on. If there is a part of the course you are struggling with, you can meet with your tutor to review these.

Use past papers

By this stage, it should be safe to look at the past papers without risk of causing a panic attack you will have just reviewed the whole module will likely have at least an understanding of what the question is asking and what you might say, if not an idea for an argument.

When looking at past papers, I like to copy and paste relevant questions into a word document (sometimes the syllabus changes and it will be clear that a question or two was not covered this year). This allows you to more easily look at the past few years all together, and cluster questions by topic. Sometimes you will see exact questions repeated over the years! This gives you a good direction for the rest of revision. You can choose topics/questions that have come up frequently and study those in more detail. If the exam involves picking two questions from a choice of six, I would recommend choosing for questions to revise.

Further reading

Once you have your topics picked out, its a great idea to go beyond the compulsory reading list to the optional or further readings section of the syllabus. Discussing further reading in an exam essay is a sure fire way to impress the marker! You can add notes from these readings to the module guide from step 1.

Another tip at this stage you will only need to know the key findings from the research. You probably will not have enough time in the exam to discuss readings in detail. So you have permission to skip the complicated methods section just know the context, key findings, authors and year!

Make condensed notes

With additional reading now included in the module guide, you can make a condensed set of notes of just the topics you have chosen to focus on. This might include definitions, and key readings with a sentence or two about the findings. I like to hand write these writing by hand has been proven to help you remember things! You can make it more fun by adding coloured pens.

Flash cards of key concepts, definitions, and papers

It is really helpful to make flashcards, particularly for the readings. Having the authors and date on one side with the key findings on the other is a great way to commit the literature to memory. I like to use online flash cards there are websites you can use to make them and that have different games you can play with them. Its a great break from all the reading and writing!

Make essay plans including thesis, key arguments, and papers that support those arguments

Choose some of the questions from the past papers and make plans for how you would respond.

I like to break the essay down into five or six parts:

• Introduction (including thesis)
• Counterargument (if available)

Each argument and the counterargument should be complemented with the readings. It is helpful to think about the readings in how they support specific arguments.

Play with the flashcards and rewrite the plans until they are committed to memory!

Additional resources:

Three Tips For Better Essay Writing

Test Anxiety: What Is It And How Can I Manage It

Top 5 Best Apps For Students

Additional Links:

Essay Writing Tutors – Study Skills Tutors – GCSE Tutors – A-Level Tutors – Undergraduate Tutors London

Essay Structure Essay Structure 2 Essay Structure Debunked

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Mrs Sutherland's English Classroom

The Great Gatsby

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