How to plan your response (fast + effective)

AQA English · Skills

Key steps (method)

Re-read the question and underline the focus (theme/character/relationship/idea).
Write a one-sentence thesis answering the question (your overall argument).
Choose 3 points (often 3 paragraphs) that each support the thesis.
For each point: pick one strong quote + 2 mini-zoom notes (word choice / method / effect).
Add 1 AO3/context note only if it directly supports the point.
Decide your paragraph order: usually strongest point first, or a logical journey.

Planning lots of ideas but not a clear argument (becomes a list).
Picking quotes you can’t analyse (too general, no methods to zoom in on).
Bolting context on at the end of a paragraph rather than linking it to meaning/purpose.
Making the plan so long you run out of writing time.