Different Between an F and an A on YOUR Essay (…and how to write an A++ essay)

This Thing Below is Important

Using Accurate Information Research thoroughly You are accountable for what you put into your paper Ensure sources that information is taken from are reliable DON’T USE WIKIPEDIA

Issue Analysis Unless otherwise stated, your essay should consist of more than a summary of events Your thoughts, opinions, analysis, critical questions, hypotheses, and views make the paper more interested for a reader 1/3 of your essay should be summary 2/3 should be analysis

Introduction and Conclusion If your reader is dazed and confused after reading your introduction, that’s problematic This is not what you want Mr. Hume to look like after reading your introduction!!!!

Body of Your Essay Where you prove your thesis/argument EVERYTHING in the body MUST relate to the thesis and/or serve to booster your main argument. There should be a logical reason for the order of information This logical reason should be clear to your reader

Thesis What is a thesis? An argument you are trying to prove Usually summarized in 1 sentence which is known as your Thesis Statement

Example of a Good Thesis Statement Although Pope Julius II had many faults, he did a lot of good for the Church by embracing the art and culture of the Renaissance, rebuilding St. Peter’s Basilica, and by safe-guarding the main teachings of the Church from critical attacks. Pope Julius II (Before becoming Pope) featured in the television series, The Borgias.

Let’s look at some not-so-good thesis statements… King Louis XIV of France is one of the worst kings ever. King Louis XIV was born in 1638. King Louis XIV is a good king for some reasons, such as being a good administrator, but is also a bad king because he was corrupt.

Effective Use of Language Spelling mistakes…don’t make them Grammar mistakes can be confusing for a reader depending on the particular error. Grade 12 level sentences and vocabulary. HAVE SOMEONE PROOF READ YOUR WORK That someone SHOULD NOT be grade 9 or below. Except maybe this guy, he looks pretty smart.

Finally, Don’t Plagiarize Source where you got all information unless it is considered general information If copying word for word from another source, must use quotation marks and cite the source All ideas that you did not come up with must be referenced Once your name is on the assignment and you submit it, the assumption is that all ideas and content are yours unless specifically indicated.

If Caught Plagiarizing You Will receive a grade of zero on that particular assignment Parents or guardians will be notified (if student is under 18) Administration will be notified Plagiarism is outlined in the agenda and in the syllabus. Plagiarism is outlined thoroughly on the University of Toronto’s website http://homes.chass.utoronto.ca/~nscharer/plagmain.htm Students are responsible to know what constitutes plagiarism

Finally…. Have fun, researching and writing an essay gives YOU the chance to become the expert and learn about a topic in extensive detail, and then to formulate and share your ideas and opinions.