Table 3 Eight-legged essay structure

1

破题 (poti)

Break open the topic

To interpret the assigned topic

2 sentences

2

承题 (chengti)

Carry forward the topic

To further elaborate the topic

3 to 4 sentences

3

起讲 (qijiang)

Kick-start the discussion

To shape the topic using specific ‘sacred words’ from the classics to reflect the words of the sages

10 sentences

4

入题 (ruti)

Lead the topic

To introduce the main idea of the essay

2 to 4 sentences

5

起股 (qigu)

Initial leg

To show the general stance and the main purpose of writing (use of antithetical parallelism — AP)

4 to 9 sentences

6

中股 (zhonggu)

Middle leg

To fully develop the argument: this is the heart of the essay (AP)

4–10+ sentences

7

后股 (hougu)

Later leg

To review and conclude the discussion (AP)

10–20+ sentences

8

束股 (shugu)

Concluding leg

To summarise the argument and reiterate the main topic (AP). Author’s own opinion allowed here

2–4 sentences