Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
Introduction
The first sentence is the hook and is designed to grab the reader’s attention
Transition from the hook to the thesis statement
Give the full title(s) of the work(s) you are exploring as well as the complete
name(s) of the author(s)
The thesis statement is the last sentence in the introduction paragraph
The thesis statement clearly and directly responds to the writing prompt or
assignment (the words in the prompt may be used to formulate the thesis
statement)
The introduction is at least 4 – 6 sentences
Body Paragraphs
The topic sentence is the first sentence of each body paragraph
The topic sentences are an extension of the thesis statement—each topic
sentence clearly proves and supports the thesis statement and responds to
the prompt or writing assignment
Topic sentences do not summarize plot or make general comments
Body paragraphs are developed with at least two supporting
passages/quotes from the literature
Provide reader with the context for each supporting quote: speaker +
occasion
Follow each quote with at least two sentences of analysis that explain how
the quote supports and proves the topic sentence and therefore the thesis
statement
The last sentence of each body paragraph is a concluding sentence that
summarizes the paragraph and/or transitions to the next paragraph
Conclusion
Restates the thesis statement
Summarizes the main ideas without being repetitive
May possibly revisit the hook or provide an appropriate quotation
Expands on the ideas in the essay, leaving the reader thinking and pondering
The conclusion is at least 4 – 6 sentences
Never write “In conclusion…”
Other Important Aspects
Use formal writing style, tone, and language
Avoid slang, poor diction, non-specific language, and contractions
Avoid addressing the reader and the use of first-person
Avoid asking rhetorical questions
Be mindful and aware of MLA format in citing your sources in the text
Pay attention to spelling, punctuation and grammar
Always proofread and self-edit your work
Give your essay a creative, thoughtful and interesting title
Take pride in your work and give the essay 100% of your effort!
Consider the following when using supporting quotes and passages in your writing:
Lead into or set up your quote/passage with speaker (character/narrator) and
occasion (context, or what’s happening in the plot
Follow up a quote with at least two sentences of commentary and analysis
before moving on to the next supporting detail
Avoid excessive plot summary
Be sure the quote is relevant to your topic sentence and thesis—does your quote
help prove your point?
Avoid letting the quote speak for itself—avoid “dropping” the quote
Emphasizes Parallels
Elucidates Juxtaposes
Compares Implies
Suggests Alludes to
Creates Observes
Illustrates Identifies
Exemplifies Organizes
Reinforces Focuses
Defines Balances
Clarifies Relates
Contrasts Expresses
Argues Insinuates
Mirrors Demonstrates
Echoes
Develops
Connotes
Anatomy of a Paragraph & Paragraph Checklist
Topic Sentence *
Concluding Sentence
I. Decode the writing prompt: Pay close attention to the language of the prompt.
Underline or highlight words that indicate specific areas of focus. Use the
language of
the prompt while composing your thesis statement.
* Depending on the prompt or assignment you are given, you may be able
to
simply restate the prompt while including your answer to how/why
questions.
III. Identify Relationships, Distinctions, & Categories: Once you have a variety of
supporting details, determine what various aspects of the thesis statement
each
detail supports. These distinctions or categories will be used to determine
what your
topic sentences and body paragraphs will be made up of.
IV. Revise and Draft Again: Rewrite the thesis as many times as necessary to
achieve
satisfaction. Continually refer to the prompt to be sure you are directly and
specifically responding to its requirements. You may find that after you have
written
the body paragraphs, your paper has taken a different direction. In that case,
you
must revise your thesis statement to suit the rest of the essay.
Consider the following checklist when composing a thesis statement:
Do not use first-person point of view in a thesis statement, unless you are writing a
personal
autobiographical essay. Formal literary analysis requires the use of third person
point of
view.
The thesis statement should be limited to one sentence. In rare cases, two
sentences may
be necessary.
Refer to the writing prompt frequently while composing the thesis and be sure your
statement clearly responds to all aspects of the prompt
The thesis statement is located at the end of the introductory paragraph in a typical
literary analysis essay.
The thesis is a “roadmap” for the ideas presented in the essay; it informs the
reader what
will be analyzed in the essay and in what order.
The thesis statement presents ideas in logical, clear, and specific language; it
avoids vague or
abstract language, poor diction, and slang.
The thesis statement is analytical, not factual; it conveys the author’s expert
opinion, or
assertion and avoids stating the obvious. It answers how and why questions.
The thesis statement is logical, precise, and reasonable.
Margins:
In MLA format the margins are as follows:
Top: ½ inch
Left: 1 inch
Right: 1 inch
Bottom: 1 inch
Spacing:
All MLA style papers are double spaced throughout.
Titles: