Some common errors and how to fix them The great Gatsby Essay Some common errors and how to fix them

Introductions

Please note: Do not begin with the sentence, “In The Great Gatsby . . . “ Do introduce your thesis logically; some people had too much plot summary (this is not a book report), while others had not enough. Do punctuate The Great Gatsby correctly!

The body of your essay 1. Your assertions must match your thesis. 2. You must use transitions in your assertions. 3. Make sure you connect your analysis to your assertion 4. Lit features . . . You must use them! Some people used none! You must use them to further your argument You must also identify them correctly

Remember You job is to prove your thesis by using evidence AND literary analysis. Some of you selected evidence with no lit features!

Plot errors Unacceptable!!!! As you transition to IB next year, mistakes of this nature will lower your score considerably. It is assumed that you carefully read and understood the work about which you wrote.

Grammar First and second person! Random capitalization of words?? No apostrophes? Wrong there/their? Errors of this type lowered your grade

Look at your essay Read the comments Reread the excellent samples on Weebly Look at the rubric! A “C” is adequate– If you have questions, you may NOT ask today. Instead, go home and make a list of questions that you would like to discuss with me. Do not rush up to my desk! This tells me that you have not carefully considered what you do not understand