Writing an English Literary Essay

The 5 paragraph essay Introduction Body Paragraph 1 Body Paragraph 2 Conclusion

Introduction Must start with a “hook” statement that catches the reader’s attention. A general statement. Intro’s start very broad and gradually get more specific throughout the paragraph. Intro structure can be conceptualized as an inverted triangle. Hook statement Thesis statement

Introduction The purpose of the introduction is to present your topic to your readers and then come to the point (your thesis). An introduction begins with a general statement concerning your topic and, with each succeeding sentence, focuses in on the thesis.

The Thesis Statement Importance: The thesis statement is the strongest, clearest statement in the essay. Location in the essay: It should come at the beginning, usually at the end of the introductory paragraph.

Function and Length Function: The thesis statement clearly and concisely indicates the subject (main idea) of your paper, the main points you will cover in your argument, and the order in which you will discuss them. Length: The thesis statement is normally 1-2 sentences.

Formula for a Thesis Statement GENERAL TOPIC NARROW & NARROWED POINT(S) SPECIFIC FURTHER your opinion your feeling (some aspect of or features of the topic) the topic TEENAGERS teenagers in teenagers in need intervention, Secondary secondary counseling, School school peer mediation who take drugs Thesis: Teenage students in secondary school who take drugs need intervention, counseling and peer mediation in order to break their habit.  

Example Consider the following opening sentence: Throughout the history of mankind, individuals have been subjected to inequity and discrimination. This is a very broad statement. It relates a large and diverse social problem to history - discrimination. Adding one or two more general statements will help narrow down your topic. Through the ages, this problem has been decreasing but has always been evident.

Example The next sentence will be decisive as it ties the topic to the literature being studied: Throughout the history of mankind, individuals have been subjected to inequity and discrimination. Through the ages, this problem has been decreasing but has always been evident. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the battle for equality is portrayed through the characters in the small southern town of Maycomb. 

Example The focus has been narrowed down to a lack of equality and the novel, so it is now time to make the argument; the thesis statement that will define the rest of your paper.

Example Throughout the history of mankind, individuals have been subjected to inequity and discrimination. Through the ages, this problem has been decreasing but has always been evident. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the battle for equality is portrayed through the characters in the small southern town of Maycomb. By focusing on the lives of Tom Robinson, Mayella Ewell, and Dolphus Raymond, Harper Lee illustrates the ugly nature of discrimination.

Formula for a Thesis Statement A specific subject (narrow topic) + the features you want to discuss = an effective thesis statement

Important Facts A thesis statement is an arguable idea, an opinion, not a fact. A thesis statement is specific and narrowed and is not a broad generalization. A thesis statement covers only one topic. The thesis must not be expressed as a question.