Do not just start writing and see what develops. Instead, first make notes on what you have learned about the book that relates to your question or title. Organize your thoughts into six main sections, which will represent the six main points you will make in your essay.
Explain each point in about two paragraphs each. It is also important to ensure that each paragraph flows from one to the next.
While it is vital to read a whole book before writing an essay, you do not have to incorporate the entire book into the essay. Pick out the most relevant sections of the book that help you best address the essay question or title.
Refer back to the title or question after each paragraph to ensure you are continuing to address the title. Rewrite as necessary.
Just as it is important to stick the point you are making in essays, so is keeping your writing concise. Don't write a long-winded, chatty paragraph; condense, making clear and direct points. Active sentences will also earn you more points; thus, do not write "Mary was adored by Tom." Write "Tom adored Mary."
Sometimes you will incorporate opinions, studies and quotes from experts in the field to help make your case. While this is, of course, perfectly fine, it is important not to use these opinions in place of your own evaluation. Instead, you will merely use the views of experts to bolster your own findings.
Explaining your opinion of the literary work is only part of the equation. You must also back up your points. Besides citing experts, you should also cite specific parts of the text and use quotes.
Proofread the essay when you have finished. Handing it in rife with errors renders your hard work a waste of time.