How to write your essay

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

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

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

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

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 an indifference to his life and the lives of others; he believes the universe is indifferent and events do not occur for any particular reason.

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:

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).

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.

Example of Evidential Block C: M&Ms candies are America’s favorite treat. S: In a recent consumer survey showed that they remain the number one choice for candy, M&Ms were clearly preferred: E: “Ninety-two percent of those surveyed said that they preferred m&ms over Nerds, Dots and Jelly Belly jelly beans.” E: Reasons for preferring M&Ms included their portability and the fact that that they could be eaten alone or mixed with raisins and nuts. In addition, many participants noted that they can even used be used as a decoration for cakes and cookies.

Example of Evidential Block 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: “ E:

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