Building a Grade 8/9 thesis (line of argument)

Key steps (method)

• Turn the question into a judgement (not a description). Use: Ultimately… / Priestley/Shakespeare presents… to…
• Add tension/complexity: show an argument that can handle counterpoints ("however", "although").
• Build a paragraph spine: claim → evidence → method → effect → meaning → writer’s purpose → link back to judgement.
• Use alternative interpretations where natural (same quote, different readings).
• End with a conclusion that strengthens the judgement (don’t just repeat).

Common mistakes

• Writing a vague thesis (“Shakespeare shows Macbeth is ambitious”) with no judgement or purpose.
• Forcing multiple interpretations that aren’t supported by the language.
• Making AO3 the main point (it should support AO1/AO2, not replace them).
• Sounding ‘fancy’ but not actually answering the question.

Support videos

• Mr Salles Grade 9 English search: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mr+salles+grade+9+gcse+english

Notes