1) What factors are most important to you in producing a successful essay?
Spending an appropriate amount of time on the essay (4hrs for a piece of coursework).
Reading models of successful essays.
Reading the text in increasing detail before writing.
Finding a question that encourages focus and understanding.
Discussing themes and ideas that interest you.
Using the essay to explore your view of life and texts.
Ensuring that all of the AOs are covered in your response.
Trying to cover evidence and material from the whole text.
Being very selective and focusing on 3-4 shorter extracts from beginning, middle and end.
Working out your conclusion before you start.
Organising the focus of each paragraph before you start.