1. What does X mean? (define it, tell what it is not, trace its history, make your own definition, describe experiences, tell its function)

2.What are the parts of X?

How is X made or done?

How should X be made or done?

What are the causes of X?

What are the consequences of X?

3.What are the types of X?

How does X compare to Y?

What is the present status of X?

I have not yet read Camus so I can’t give you anything from the subject matter – but what you have to do is :- 1. The introduction to the author is mandatory specially in these kinds of essays – and perhaps you can give the name of another book by Camus as well to highlight the authors preeminence in his times. “The Plague” would be one you could mention. 2. Then at least a paragraph about the subject dealt with by the author and the basic thread running through the essay. 3. A summary of the body of the book with a running analysis of what issues it related to at the time it was written and extrapolated to the present times and the present status of the issues which are still continuing till date – they may be material or emotional – this is where you show your real ability to comprehend the message being given by the author. The body of the essay may be of many paragraphs. If there is a word limit on the essay – precis the matter to fit – but do not lose the thread. 4. Conclusion will consist of the final message which comes to us and how we can apply it to our daily life. This has to be very carefully thought of and should not be repititive. It should be startlingly attractive and should grip the attention of the reader or the teacher. It also is the stage where the teacher decides your marks and decides if you actually understood the book and were not merely pasting the melodramatic parts of the book without knowing their significance. 5. Do NOT make ANY spelling or grammatical mistakes and remain focussed on the topic without unnecessary digressions!! Spend some time with the book first and give it a quick overlook before starting the essay – penning down the points you will highlight in your essay as bullet points on a sheet of paper .. START NOW AND GET THAT FIRST PRIZE FOR THE ESSAY IN YOUR SCHOOL. I got it once when I wrote an essay about the author “Raphael Sabatini” who wrote the Sea Hawk and Captain Blood when I was in school a long time ago. Thanks for the question – refreshed my mind. Deepak From India