104 / PART TWO: ENGLISH IN ACTION Figure 1 is a suggested plan for the Lady Macbeth essay: ‘Lady Macbeth was a complex character who dominated her husband. With detailed reference to the text, show how she achieved her aims.’ Having done your plan, you are now ready to start writing. Make sure you keep to the point by referring frequently to the title. Always keep it in front of you as you write. Make sure that your essay flows naturally from one paragraph to the next. Your opening sentence is very important because it will either stimulate the reader to read on or put him off. It should be concise so the reader can understand what you are saying. You should aim to interest your reader from the beginning. Sometimes it is a good idea to start with a ques- tion – perhaps a controversial one. Look at the following two examples: Was Lady Macbeth a complex woman who dominated her husband? Did Lady Macbeth murder Duncan? The first example leads the reader towards the discussion of the title. The second one would be more appropriate for a more philosophical discussion of the actual murder. Lady Macbeth did not actually stab Duncan but she definitely incited her husband to do so. WRITING THE ESSAY The introduction