Writing about Literature How to Write a Strong Essay Guidelines, forms, and hints

Georgia Performance Standards ELACC0-10w1  Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.  Introduce precise claim and create an organization that establishes clear relationships among claim(s, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.  Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion and clarify the relationships between claims and reasons.  Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline.  Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

Page Set Up  Double Spaced (no extra spaces between paragraphs)  12 count Times New Roman font  One-inch margins all sides

Heading  First Name  Ms. Baxter  Honors World Literature  26 August 2013

Organization: Introduction  When writing about literature, you start by introducing your topic, generally starting by introducing your literary text and author.  Your introduction should start broadly and focus your topic more and more narrowly until you state your specific thesis statement—what you plan to prove within your essay.  If you follow this pattern, your thesis would be easily recognizable. Your reader should not have to guess what your thesis is.  You Must take a stand!

For Example  Introduction of topic and thesis— example: A common theme in Jane Austen’s novels is evident in one particular novel.  Start broadly discussing Jane Austen novels. Then narrow to identify a common theme in her novels. Then narrow even more to identify this theme in one particular novel. (This is your thesis statement.)  Introduction triangle Introduction triangle

Most Important Element of a Successful Essay  A clear, strong thesis statement gives your essay a focus. It’s your promise to your reader—what you’re going to prove to them.  A thesis statement cannot be vague or indecisive.  A thesis cannot be a question.

Second Most Important Element of a successful essay is paragraph topic sentences which are the points of your thesis.  In your introduction, you state your thesis. Then each body paragraph must state a point that proves that thesis (topic sentence).  Paragraph topic sentences should contain some of the same language of the thesis.

Format of Body Paragraphs  Paragraph topic sentence explaining the point of the thesis to be discussed in the paragraph.  Quotation(s) from your text properly introduced and cited which prove the point you make in your paragraph topic sentence.  Your voice—you analyze/explain how this quotation proves the point you are making. Here is where you show your brilliance! Here is where you “develop” your ideas/paragraph.  NO PLOT SUMMARY  Never end a paragraph with a quotation. (Points will be taken off.)  Body paragraphs link Body paragraphs link

Conclusion  Restate your argument in a creative way. Don’t just duplicate the language already used.  Don’t just “stop” writing as if you got to the end of the required number of pages, but “conclude” the discussion.  Summarize your thoughts on the topic and “drive home” the point of your essay.  Perhaps close with a lesson learned, or if persuading your audience to do something, end with a call to action.

And in Between... Concerns:  Writing errors—comma splices, run-on sentences, fragments.  Check your work—minus 5 points for each sentence construction error.

Integrating Quotations  Three parts when using quotations in writing— 1. introductory language, 2. quotation enclosed with quotation marks, 3. parenthetical citation giving page number of source.  *** Essays written about literature are written in literary present tense!  Quotation Integration Quotation Integration

Miscellaneous Concerns  When writing about literature, use present tense.  Avoid 1 st Person: no “I think.” You are a third person expert as it is your essay/your ideas.  Avoid “broad pronoun references.” Name what “it” is.  No slang—don’t say words like “crap” in academic writing.  Use characters’ names in each new paragraph. Don’t say “he” or “her.”  Work to eliminate contractions.  Avoid “reason is because” construction.

Misc. Continued:  Point of View: Do not change point of view and speak to the reader using “you.” Use 3 rd person in formal writing and 1 st person ONLY in some narrative and reflective essays. Always ask your teacher.  Verb tense: maintain the same verb tense throughout your essay.

Expectations  Students should further develop writing skills with each writing project assigned.  At this point, students should be well beyond simplistic writings and instead should be using complex sentence structure and insightful ideas.

Anthem Citation Rand, Ayn. Anthem. New York: Signet, Internal Documentation: (Rand 34). “Quote from book” (Rand 34).

Video Citation Couch, Jim, and Becky Marshall, prod. The Cherokee Nation: The Story of New Echota. Screenplay by Craig Crissman. Dep't of Natural Resources, Film. Internal Documentation (Couch and Marshall)

Summary Question: Based on what you have learned from the PowerPoint presentation, explain the role of a clear, strong thesis and relevant paragraph topic sentences in the successful writing of an essay.