Essay Essentials:

Part 1: Terminology and Organization of a Formal, Persuasive Essay

Part 2: General Rules

Part 3: Quotes

Part I: Organization and Specific Essay Terms

-The entire essay is focused on the answer to one strong answer to a question, this is called a thesis

-The essay is organized into 5 paragraphs

The first paragraph is called the introduction

The second to the fourth paragraphs are called body paragraphs

The fifth is called the conclusion

Introduction Paragraph: Paragraph #1

The introduction starts with a hook sentence

One sentence designed to interest the reader

The narrowing sentence is the second sentence

It includes the author name and The Title of the work/s you are studying.

Third, provide your thesis

Thesis is the answer to the question and the singular focus for the entire essay

Fourth, write an organization sentence that lists or otherwise makes clear the 3 chunks of the thesis. This sentence (or sentences are called the organization principle or the directional sentence.

Body Paragraphs: Paragraphs #2, #3, #4

The topic sentence is a mini-thesis.

It is always the first sentence of each body paragraph and it relates back to the organization principle in your introduction.

Next, will come the point or the argument you are making

There will be three of these points per body paragraph

After that, you will provide have a quote

A quote just means any words or evidence taken from the novel to prove your point.

There will be three of these per body paragraph

Last, there is a sentence to connect or explain how your evidence proves your point. In other words, how the quote proves the thesis.

Again, there will be three of these in one body paragraph

REPEAT: point, quote, explain, point, quote, explain

At the end of your paragraph, provide a conclusion sentence

It summarizes what you proved

Very similar to Topic sentence

Excellent essays will transition your mind to the next body paragraph

Typical Body Paragraph sentences:

Topic sentence

Point

Proof / evidence/ quote

Explain

Point

Proof/ evidence/ quote

Explain

Point

Proof/ evidence/ quote

Explain

Conclusion Sentence

Conclusion Paragraph: Paragraphs #5

-Restate organization principle in new words

-Restate the thesis in new words

-Leave the audience contemplating your essay – called footnotes.

Part II: General Rules

No first person

No: I, you, me, myself, we, thou, us

Change quotes if necessary using square brackets [ ])

No contractions

No: can’t, won’t, shouldn’t

Provide quotes for evidence

Cite every quote using MLA format:

“quote” (Atwood 1). or “quote” (Shakespeare I, i, 1).

All evidence exists to prove your thesis

Provide a creative title that relates to your thesis

Write in present tense

change the tense of quotes if using square brackets

“he jumped down” = “he jump[s] down” (Atwood 2).

Underline or italicize titles, choose one method and stay consistent

Romeo and Juliet

Use MLA formatting on your Works Cited page

Alphabetical, no numbering entries

see easybib.com for more help

Works Cited pages are MANDETORY whenever you have quoted anything

Use the formal five body paragraph structure outlined above.

Revise, revise, and revise!!

And provide all evidence of revisions, brainstorms, outlines

Type using size12 font. It should be 3-4 pages long.

Quotes:

-A quote can be any words taken from the novel, movie, song, poem etc.***It does not have to be from dialogue. ***

-Short quotes are superior (3-6 words)

As, this makes you select only what proves your thesis

-Provide one quote for every point (min 3 per body paragraph)

-ALWAYS Provide a citation for each quote: (Atwood 3)

-Best quotes flow with your writing.

Example: The Montague antagonize the Capulets by “biting [their] thumbs at [the Montagues] (I, i. 34).

NB, the tense and pronouns have been changed using square brackets [ ].

-Explain what your quote proves.

Example: This instance proves that the Montagues are to blame for initializing the fight.