Ms. Jennings & Mrs. Thomas English 10 & 11 Elsinore High School Prove Your Point: Steps to Writing an Effective Literary Analysis Essay

Basic Parts Introduction Body Paragraphs Conclusion

Introduction (5-6 sentences) Hooks reader with creative opening Provides important background about the book that your reader needs to make sense of your argument. Includes Author, title, genre. Brief summary of plot Definition of key terms. Closes with your thesis—the argument you are going to prove.

Thesis The thesis directly states what you are proving or claiming in your essay. It includes what is being proved and how. In a three part thesis, you will state the three main elements of your argument, which correspond with the three body paragraphs.

Thesis Example Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus proves to be an ineffective leader because he is selfish, overly prideful, and excessively angry. BP1 will focus on his selfishness BP2 will focus on his pride BP3 will focus on his excessive anger

Body Paragraph (BP) Supports and proves your thesis through supporting examples from the story (textual evidence) and analysis of those examples.

Building a Basic Body Paragraph Topic Sentence Transition, Lead-in, “Textual Evidence” (citation). Analysis of textual evidence–3 sentences min. Concluding Sentence

Topic Sentence First sentence of a body paragraph Identifies aspect of the thesis being proven in that paragraph and states a main reason why it’s true.

Transition Words or phrases that connect one idea to the next, both between & within paragraphs. Examples: Another example… Finally, in climax… Later in the story… Furthermore… Not only…but also…

Lead In Phrase or sentence that prepares the reader for your textual evidence by introducing the speaker, setting, and/or situation. Example: For example, after Odysseus blinds Bugs Bunny, he ignores his men’s warnings to flee quickly. Instead, he says to Bugs, “

Textual Evidence A specific passage from the book that provides evidence for your topic sentence and thesis. Must be followed by citation. Usually use directly quoted material (with citation), but can also include some paraphrased material (with citation). But, do not rely on it.

analysis Your explanation and interpretation of the textual evidence above. Connects the evidence to what you are proving (thesis). DOES NOT summarize the textual evidence.

Concluding Sentence Last sentence of the body paragraph. Concludes paragraph by tying textual evidence and analysis back to thesis. Example: Thus, if Odysseus can keep his ego under control, he will be able to achieve his leadership goals.

Conclusion (5-7 sentences) Last paragraph of essay. Begin by echoing your major thesis without repeating exact words. Summarize main points of argument. Then, should expand from thesis to answer the “So What?” your reader may have.

MLA Formatting (basic) Type on white 8.5” x 11” paper Set to double space for entire document Set 1-inch margins on all sides Use 12 pt. Times font (or similar font) In header, type last name and page number in upper right corner

MLA Formatting (basic) MLA heading in top left corner Center essay title (be careful not to center body of essay) Leave only one space after punctuation Indent the first line of paragraphs 1 inch Header with page numbers in the upper right corner Use italics for book titles DO NOT bold, underline, or use ALL CAPS

The Hero Who Cannot Lead Lutz 1 Megan Lutz Thomas English 10-6 2 March 2016 The Hero Who Cannot Lead Although the world has changed dramatically during the past 2,500 years, the qualities of a good leader have not. Homer’s ancient epic poem The Odyssey follows legendary hero and leader Odysseus as he attempts to get himself and his crew of men safely home to Ithaca after fighting in the Trojan War and facing years of obstacles and diversions. Odysseus proves he is a ______ leader through his _________________ and ______________.