A Few Methods for An Essay Question

Am I beginning to sound like a TV miniseries?

At any rate, here are some pointers, again based on past experience. And, again, not a complete list...

1. Answer the question, not the question you've imagined based on the keywords that you’ve picked out of a question that you haven't read thoroughly.
2. Unless prompted to do so avoid first-person assertions. The question is not about your opinions, beliefs, or feelings. The question is about what is evident in or readable from the work.
3. If you make an assertion, back it up with specific evidence from a work of art.
4. Rhetorical questions are useless. Actual answers are useful.
5. Description is never a substitute for interpretation. A pathway to interpretation, yes, but not a substitute. The “how” and “what” of an object’s making are important, but must be paired with the “why” and “with what effect, to what end, or with what influence.”
6. Talk about the work, not around it.
7. Don’t be clever. Be correct. Be complete.