1. How to write your essay

2. Introduction Presents the subject of the essay Responds to the prompt
Proceeds from general to specific
3-6 sentences
Ends in thesis statement

3. Thesis Statement Central focus for essay Argumentative
Contains your unique perspective and interpretation
Addresses the prompt

4. Body Paragraphs Logical steps in a complete argument
Solid topic sentence
Smooth transitions, when necessary
Concrete details (quotation/evidence) set up correctly

5. C-SEE or Evidential Block
C = Claim
S = Set-Up
E = Evidence
E = Explanation

6. C = Claim Topic sentence for the paragraph NOT summary or quotation
Proves / supports your Thesis Statement
Can be more than one sentence
Ex.: In The Stranger, Meursault demonstrates a disinterest in his own life and the lives of others; he believes the universe is indifferent and events do not occur for any particular reason.

7. S = Set-up Gives the context for your quotation / evidence
Can be more than one sentence
Must be punctuated properly
“,” after set-up
“:” after independent clause set-up
Ex. Even as he awaits execution for committing murder, Meursault remains detached:

8. E = Evidence Do NOT merely summarize what you have read
MUST relate to your thesis statement and/or claim
MUST have page or line reference
Ex.: “I had lived my life one way and I could just as well have lived it another” (121).

9. E = Explanation
Explain how the quotation from the essay/article/novel/poem PROVES your claim
Make five observations and comments per quotation
Ex.: Meursault’s comment demonstrates that he sees life as void of particular significance. It is as if his life is virtually interchangeable with anyone else’s. He sees all events in life as random and uncontrollable. He has no remorse for murdering a man because he only lives on a literal, sensory level. The novel ends as Meursault finds peace in the fact that just like him, the universe is indifferent.

10. Example of CSEE paragraph
C: M&Ms candies should be named America’s favorite treat.
S: James Sweet states that in a recent consumer survey,
E: “Ninety-two percent of those surveyed said that they preferred M&Ms over Nerds, Dots and Jelly Belly jelly beans.”
E: Their popularity probably has to do with their portability and the fact that that they can be eaten alone or mixed with raisins and nuts. In addition, they are a popular decoration for cakes and cookies. Seasonal M&Ms and even custom made M&Ms add to consumer preference for this amazing candy.

11. Example
C: In The Taming of the Shrew, Petruchio’s strategy to tame Katherine is revealed in his speech that compares her to a falcon.
S: In his soliloquy, he reveals his plan to starve Katherine and deprive of her of sleep until she is too weak to fight:
E: “My Falcon now is sharp and passing empty,
and till she stoop she must not be full-gorged,
For then she never looks upon her lure” ( ).
E: Petruchio is desperate to find a way to control Katherine. He fails to dominate her in their first meeting, because she can keep up with his insults and verbal sparring. Once back at his house, he quickly takes charge and keeps Katherine from eating and sleeping; he is the falconer and she is the desperately hungry bird who must learn to obey. However, it soon becomes questionable whether or not her subservience is sincere.

12. Conclusion 3-6 sentences, reversing the funnel of the introduction.
Specific to general
Unique and important insights
Rephrase the thesis