How do I structure an English literature essay at A-Level?

Structuring an English literature essay at A-Level can be broken down into the following steps:

1. Understand the question and develop a thesis statement: Begin by reading the question carefully and identifying what it is asking you to do. Develop a thesis statement that clearly answers the question and sets out the main argument you will be making in your essay.
2. Plan your essay: Create an outline for your essay that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Decide on the main points you want to make in each paragraph and the evidence you will use to support them.
3. Write the introduction: Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs the reader’s attention and introduces the topic. Provide background information and context for the text you will be analyzing, and end with your thesis statement.
4. Write the body paragraphs: Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that relates to your thesis statement and introduces the main point you will be making. Use evidence from the text to support your argument, and explain how the evidence supports your point. Make sure to analyze the evidence and explain how it relates to your argument rather than just summarizing it.
5. Write the conclusion: Summarize the main points you made in your essay and restate your thesis statement. End with a final thought that ties your argument together and leaves the reader with something to think about.
6. Edit and proofread: Read through your essay carefully and make sure that it flows well, that your arguments are clear and supported by evidence, and that there are no grammatical or spelling errors.

Remember to also use relevant literary terms and techniques to support your analysis, and to provide quotations from the text to back up your arguments.