Poetry Essay Structure Made Simple

When you're faced with a poetry analysis question, you've got three main sections to tackle - and each one has a specific job to do. Think of it like building a house: you need solid foundations before you can add the walls and roof.

Your commonality section is where you set the scene. Start with a brief summary of what's happening in the given extract, then clearly state how the theme or character mentioned in the question appears here. This shows the examiner you understand the bigger picture right from the start.

Next, create three bullet points that show how this character or theme pops up throughout the rest of the poems you've studied. These examples will become the backbone of your essay, so choose moments that really demonstrate different aspects of your theme.

The extract analysis is your chance to dive deep into the text you're given. Pick a quote that perfectly illustrates the aspect you're discussing, then use the QTA format to break it down properly.

Top Tip: Always link your analysis back to the original question - this shows you're staying focused and helps you avoid going off on tangents that won't earn marks.

Your other poems section is where you prove you know the wider collection. Choose a moment from another poem that connects clearly to your question, analyse it using QTA, and explain how it links to your main argument.