Writing a critical essay can feel like one of the toughest parts of the National 5 English exam — but with the right approach and a little expert guidance, it’s completely manageable. At Central Tutors, our experienced National 5 English tutors in Glasgow help students understand exactly what examiners are looking for, from analysing key quotations to building clear, confident arguments.
Whether you’re aiming for top marks or just need help improving your essay structure, our tutors provide one-to-one lessons that make writing critical essays easier and more rewarding. If you’d like personalised support for your National 5 English studies, get in touch with Central Tutors today to arrange a session with one of our friendly English specialists.
Step 1 – Understanding the Question
Before you start writing your National 5 English critical essay, the most important step is to understand exactly what the question is asking. Many students lose easy marks because they jump straight into writing without analysing the wording carefully.
Every critical essay question is designed to test your ability to think deeply about the text — whether that’s a novel, play, poem, or film you’ve studied in class. The question will usually ask you to analyse, evaluate, or discuss a specific idea or technique.
What to Look For in the Question
When you read the question, underline or highlight the key words. Ask yourself:
- What is the main focus? (theme, character, conflict, setting, language, etc.)
- What technique or aspect does the question want me to analyse?
- What do I need to prove or show in my essay?
- Are there any specific instructions, such as “By referring closely to one or more examples…”?
Example
If the question says:
“Choose a text which made you think deeply about an important theme. Explain how the writer’s techniques helped you understand this theme.”
You should focus your essay on the theme (for example, loneliness, ambition, or loss) and use quotations to show how the writer explores it — through character development, setting, or imagery.
Tips from Our Glasgow English Tutors
Our experienced National 5 English tutors in Glasgow recommend:
- Spend at least 5 minutes planning before writing.
- Write down three main points that directly answer the question.
- Check that every paragraph links back to the wording of the question.
- Re-read the question after writing each paragraph to stay focused.
Taking the time to understand the question fully ensures your essay is focused, relevant, and clearly structured — exactly what SQA examiners want to see.
If you’d like to practise this skill with expert feedback, our tutors at Central Tutors offer targeted National 5 English essay writing support to help students in Glasgow develop confidence and precision in every answer.
Step 2 – Planning Your Essay
Once you’ve understood the question, it’s time to plan your response. A clear plan is the key to writing a strong, focused critical essay — especially under exam pressure. Even spending five minutes planning can save you time later and help you stay on track.
At Central Tutors, our National 5 English tutors in Glasgow teach students how to create short, effective plans that outline what each paragraph will cover and which quotations to use.
Why Planning Matters
Without a plan, it’s easy to drift off-topic or repeat ideas. A good plan helps you:
- Stay focused on the question.
- Organise your points logically.
- Choose the best quotations and examples.
- Keep your essay balanced and structured.
Remember, the examiner isn’t just marking what you know — they’re assessing how clearly you can express and organise your ideas.
How to Plan a National 5 Critical Essay
Here’s a quick structure our tutors recommend using in your plan:
- Introduction
- Title and author of the text.
- Brief summary or context.
- Directly answer the question with your main argument (thesis).
- Main Paragraphs (usually 3–4)
- Each paragraph should focus on one clear idea that supports your main argument.
- Follow the PEE or PEEL structure:
- Point – Make your argument.
- Evidence – Add a relevant quotation.
- Explanation – Analyse how the evidence supports your point.
- Link – Connect back to the essay question.
- Conclusion
- Summarise your main ideas.
- Reaffirm your argument and link back to the question.
Example of a Quick Essay Plan
Let’s say the question is:
“Choose a character who experiences conflict. Explain how the writer uses this conflict to explore an important theme.”
Your plan might look like this:
- Intro – Introduce character + theme of internal conflict.
- Paragraph 1 – Describe first sign of conflict, analyse technique (dialogue).
- Paragraph 2 – Show how conflict develops, use imagery or setting.
- Paragraph 3 – Resolution or consequences, link to theme.
- Conclusion – Summarise key points about how the theme is developed.
Planning doesn’t have to be long — it just needs to guide you through your essay confidently.
If you find planning difficult, our Glasgow English tutors can help you practise timed essay plans and teach you how to structure your thoughts effectively for the National 5 exam.
Step 3 – Writing an Effective Introduction
Your introduction sets the tone for the entire essay. It should show the examiner that you understand the question and have a clear argument. A strong start can immediately make your essay stand out.
At Central Tutors, our National 5 English tutors in Glasgow teach students to follow a simple structure for every introduction:
Your introduction should include:
- Title and author of the text.
- A short summary or context.
- A direct response to the question (your main argument).
Example:
In Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the theme of ambition is explored through the downfall of the main character. Shakespeare shows how unchecked ambition can destroy both personal integrity and relationships, creating a tragic but powerful message.
Keep it brief — around 3–4 sentences is enough. Your goal is to introduce your argument clearly so every paragraph that follows supports it.
If you struggle with introductions, our team at Central Tutors can help you practise building confident, exam-ready openings that impress SQA markers from the very first line.
Step 4 – Building Analytical Paragraphs
Once your introduction is complete, it’s time to move into the main body of your essay — where you’ll earn most of your marks. Each paragraph should focus on one key point that helps answer the question.
At Central Tutors, our National 5 English tutors in Glasgow teach students to use the PEE structure to keep their analysis clear and focused.
The PEE Structure
Each paragraph should follow this pattern:
- P – Point: Make a clear statement that answers the question.
- E – Evidence: Back it up with a short, relevant quotation.
- E – Explanation: Analyse the quotation — what technique is being used, and how does it support your point?
You can also extend this to PEEL, adding a Link sentence at the end to connect back to the essay question. There are other writing techniques such as:
P.E.A. – Point, Evidence, Analysis
P.E.A.C.H. – Point, Evidence, Analysis, Contrast, Historical Context
P.Q.D. – Point, Quote, Discuss
You can read more about this on the BBC Bitesize website, Five-point-plan for structuring extended responses.
Example Paragraph
Shakespeare presents Macbeth’s ambition as destructive and uncontrollable.
“I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition.”
Here, Shakespeare uses metaphor to suggest that ambition drives Macbeth forward recklessly, without moral restraint. This shows how ambition becomes the force behind his downfall, supporting the theme of how power can corrupt.
Tips from Our Tutors
- Keep each paragraph focused on one main idea.
- Avoid retelling the plot — focus on how and why the writer uses techniques.
- Use connective phrases like “Similarly,” “In contrast,” or “This further emphasises…” to create flow.
- Always link back to the essay question at the end of your paragraph.
If you’re unsure how to write strong analytical paragraphs, our Glasgow English tutors can help you master essay structure, develop deeper analysis, and use the right literary techniques to secure higher marks in your National 5 English exam.
Step 5 – Writing a Strong Conclusion
Your conclusion is your final chance to show the examiner that you’ve answered the question clearly. Keep it short and focused — summarise your main points and link back to the essay question.
Avoid repeating phrases or introducing new ideas. Instead, restate your main argument in a confident way.
Example:
In conclusion, Shakespeare uses Macbeth’s downfall to explore the destructive nature of ambition. Through powerful imagery and character development, he shows how the desire for power leads to moral corruption and tragedy.
A clear, concise conclusion leaves a strong final impression. For personalised feedback on your essay writing, contact Central Tutors — our National 5 English tutors in Glasgow can help you refine your structure and boost your exam confidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when writing National 5 English Critical Essay
Even confident students can lose marks in their National 5 English critical essay by making small but common mistakes. Knowing what to look out for can help you write more focused, polished essays that stand out to examiners.
At Central Tutors, our National 5 English tutors in Glasgow see the same issues appear time and again — but the good news is, they’re easy to fix with a bit of practice.
1. Retelling the Story Instead of Analysing It
Many students spend too much time describing what happens in the text instead of analysing how the writer creates meaning.
Do this: Focus on techniques, language, and structure.
Avoid: Long plot summaries or “and then” storytelling.
2. Forgetting to Link Back to the Question
It’s easy to drift off-topic when writing quickly in an exam. Every paragraph should connect back to what the question is asking.
End each paragraph with a link sentence showing how your point answers the question.
Don’t leave your analysis hanging — always tie it back to the main theme or idea.
3. Using Quotations Without Explaining Them
Simply dropping in a quote isn’t enough. You need to explain what it shows and how it supports your argument.
Choose short, powerful quotations and break them down word by word if needed.
Avoid very long quotes or listing them without explanation.
4. Writing Without a Clear Plan
A rushed essay often lacks flow and structure.
Spend 5–10 minutes planning your points before you start.
Don’t start writing straight away — your ideas will be clearer and better organised if you plan first.
5. Overcomplicating Your Language
Trying to sound “academic” can actually make your essay harder to read.
Write clearly and confidently, using your own voice.
Avoid overly complex words or long sentences that confuse your meaning.
6. Not Checking Your Work
Even a great essay can lose marks for small spelling or punctuation errors.
Leave a few minutes at the end to re-read your essay and correct mistakes.
Don’t rush to finish — accuracy matters just as much as analysis.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll write essays that are clear, confident, and full of insight — exactly what SQA examiners want to see.
If you’d like help improving your writing technique, our Glasgow English tutors at Central Tutors can guide you through practice essays, provide detailed feedback, and help you build strong exam skills for your National 5 English success.
Conclusion – National 5 English Crital Essay
Writing a National 5 English critical essay doesn’t have to be stressful — it’s a skill that improves quickly with the right guidance and practice. By planning carefully, analysing instead of summarising, and linking every point back to the question, you can turn your ideas into a confident, well-structured essay.
At Central Tutors, our National 5 English tutors in Glasgow specialise in helping students master essay writing, build stronger analysis, and gain the confidence to succeed in their SQA exams.
If you’re ready to improve your English grades, get in touch with Central Tutors today to arrange a personalised lesson and start preparing for exam success.
