OTHELLO
Emergency Essay Pack
⭐ SECTION A: HOW TO APPROACH ANY
OTHELLO ESSAY
Step 1: Spend 5 Minutes Unpacking the Topic
On the question paper, annotate:
• definitions
• emboldened words
• references to themes, characters, imagery
• theoretical prompts (e.g., xenophobia, heroism, misogyny, binary thought, identity)
identify KEY WORDS
link each keyword to a part of the play
brainstorm short examples + short quotations
Step 2: Write the Introduction (±5 minutes)
The introduction must
• engage all parts of the topic
• show knowledge of the play
• take a stance
• end with a thesis statement
INTRO TEMPLATE (to memorise):
Shakespeare’s Othello explores [insert main theme], revealed through the complex relationship
between Othello, a heroic but vulnerable outsider, and Iago, the manipulative villain whose motives
shift constantly. The topic highlights issues of [repeat key terms], which shape the tragedy. While
[acknowledge nuance], ultimately I argue that… [insert clear stance].
Students who use this method automatically demonstrate:
✔ engagement
✔ balance
✔ stance
✔ thesis
, Step 3: Plan Three Body Paragraphs (±20 minutes)
• Paragraph 1: first major component of the topic
• Paragraph 2: second major component
• Paragraph 3: third component (or opposing idea)
EVERY paragraph follows PEEQ:
Point → Explanation → Evidence (quotation) → Quick link back to topic
The key thing:
Students MUST NOT retell plot.
Markers want analysis, not narration.
Step 4: Write Your Body Paragraphs (±15 minutes)
Each paragraph needs:
• A topic sentence linked to the question
• A focused point
• One or two high-impact quotations
• Clear analysis of language
• A link back to the stance
Use transitional words: however / similarly / on the other hand / ultimately
Step 5: The Conclusion (±5 minutes)
NO NEW IDEAS.
CONCLUSION TEMPLATE:
In conclusion, Shakespeare demonstrates that [repeat stance], shown through the complex
interplay of [key character A] and [key character B]. By the end of the tragedy, the audience
sees clearly that [final insight that resolves the essay].
Emergency Essay Pack
⭐ SECTION A: HOW TO APPROACH ANY
OTHELLO ESSAY
Step 1: Spend 5 Minutes Unpacking the Topic
On the question paper, annotate:
• definitions
• emboldened words
• references to themes, characters, imagery
• theoretical prompts (e.g., xenophobia, heroism, misogyny, binary thought, identity)
identify KEY WORDS
link each keyword to a part of the play
brainstorm short examples + short quotations
Step 2: Write the Introduction (±5 minutes)
The introduction must
• engage all parts of the topic
• show knowledge of the play
• take a stance
• end with a thesis statement
INTRO TEMPLATE (to memorise):
Shakespeare’s Othello explores [insert main theme], revealed through the complex relationship
between Othello, a heroic but vulnerable outsider, and Iago, the manipulative villain whose motives
shift constantly. The topic highlights issues of [repeat key terms], which shape the tragedy. While
[acknowledge nuance], ultimately I argue that… [insert clear stance].
Students who use this method automatically demonstrate:
✔ engagement
✔ balance
✔ stance
✔ thesis
, Step 3: Plan Three Body Paragraphs (±20 minutes)
• Paragraph 1: first major component of the topic
• Paragraph 2: second major component
• Paragraph 3: third component (or opposing idea)
EVERY paragraph follows PEEQ:
Point → Explanation → Evidence (quotation) → Quick link back to topic
The key thing:
Students MUST NOT retell plot.
Markers want analysis, not narration.
Step 4: Write Your Body Paragraphs (±15 minutes)
Each paragraph needs:
• A topic sentence linked to the question
• A focused point
• One or two high-impact quotations
• Clear analysis of language
• A link back to the stance
Use transitional words: however / similarly / on the other hand / ultimately
Step 5: The Conclusion (±5 minutes)
NO NEW IDEAS.
CONCLUSION TEMPLATE:
In conclusion, Shakespeare demonstrates that [repeat stance], shown through the complex
interplay of [key character A] and [key character B]. By the end of the tragedy, the audience
sees clearly that [final insight that resolves the essay].
