- CRITICAL ESSAY STRUCTURE -
INTRODUCTION:
Use the technique TARTS + BO
T – Title
A – Author
R – Relate to Question
T – Techniques used e.g. Characterisation, setting, theme, plot
+
BO – Brief outline of story
EXAMPLE:
Choose a novel in which there is a complex character for whom the reader has some
sympathy.
With reference to appropriate techniques, explain the nature of the complexity and discuss
how your response to this character adds to your appreciation of the text as a whole.
“The Great Gatsby” is a novel set in the Jazz age, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald through the use
of first person narrative, the theme of desire, symbolism and key incidents, Fitzgerald is able to
provoke sympathy for Jay Gatsby from the reader throughout the novel. Sympathy is one of the
main elements of the novel because despite Gatsby’s drive and perseverance to win Daisy’s love,
he is in the end murdered for his unwavering devotion to her.
INTRODUCTION:
Use the technique TARTS + BO
T – Title
A – Author
R – Relate to Question
T – Techniques used e.g. Characterisation, setting, theme, plot
+
BO – Brief outline of story
EXAMPLE:
Choose a novel in which there is a complex character for whom the reader has some
sympathy.
With reference to appropriate techniques, explain the nature of the complexity and discuss
how your response to this character adds to your appreciation of the text as a whole.
“The Great Gatsby” is a novel set in the Jazz age, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald through the use
of first person narrative, the theme of desire, symbolism and key incidents, Fitzgerald is able to
provoke sympathy for Jay Gatsby from the reader throughout the novel. Sympathy is one of the
main elements of the novel because despite Gatsby’s drive and perseverance to win Daisy’s love,
he is in the end murdered for his unwavering devotion to her.
