1. The Introduction & Conclusion Aloha and Adios

2. The Purpose ZTo grab the reader's attention, raise his level of interest  This is often called "the hook ” ZTo introduce the reader to the topic and prepare him for what follows in the body of the paper.

3. Easy Checklist ZMention the title and author of the piece of literature ZEx: In James Hurst's short story, The Scarlet Ibis".. ZProvide necessary or helpful background information ZIntroduce your topic explicitly with a thesis statement ZSubject + Opinion ZFor this class, this will always be the last sentence of the Introduction

4. The Hook ZUse a shocking statement or use a series of shocking statistics that are relevant to your topic. Z"Four of ten people you pass in the hall each day will be killed in a car accident before they are thirty. ZUse a short appropriate quote from any published source (identify source) Z"Ernest Hemingway writes that his father's love is like an erupting volcano."

5. The Conclusion: Purpose ZLeave the reader with a sense of completion ZIt is OK to assert broad claims in your conclusion, similar to those in your introduction. Z(However, it your job to be as specific as possible in your body paragraphs)

6. The Steps ZUse all commentary... do not mention new concrete details from the story ZDo not repeat key words from anywhere in the essay, especially from your thesis ZLeave the reader with a profound thought to remember. You may use methods similar to the "hooks" used in the introduction.

7. Huh? Profound What? ZA.End with a humorous, sad, or startling closing line ZB. Use a quotation from a published source that summarizes your feelings on the topic ZC. End with a powerful phrase or question that invites the reader to think beyond your specific topic