/lit/ - Literature

Recommend books with this feeling

first year. am an ok writer but i want to know a surefire way to write an essay thatll get good marks. in terms of how to structure it and what to emphasize the most, also general writing tips. i know every ta/prof is different but some general dos/donts would be great.

i currently plan the essay out before hand on a piece of paper, write down arguments, what each paragraph will say, thesis etc. i tend to try to make it more about the argument then trying to stuff as many quotes in as humanly possible. ussualy just plan on sticking to a simple thesis and avoid writing counter paragrphs but i wonder if i should start doing more complex thesis'. any help would be appreciated.