Things to Remember… When Writing Essays

Basic Elements of your Essay Make your three-part thesis clear and place it at the end of your introduction. Make sure your topic sentences refer directly to your thesis. Always end your body paragraphs with a transition (never a quote). Your introduction should include some background information on the story, but avoid too much plot summary. Your conclusion should start by reminding your readers of your thesis. Then remind them of the 3 main points of the paper, and finally end your conclusion with a good, generalized big idea or send-off (“unhook”).

Support your assertions with evidence Always explain what you hope your quote is saying: Evidence = quote + explanation Integrate or set-up your quote. Never insert a quote by itself. Never put two quotes back to back. Be sure to include parenthetical citations when you use quotations. MLA does not require the letter “p” with the page # in parentheses. Format correctly. For example, Santiago became frustrated, saying “go ahead and cramp, hand” (29). He did not let that stop him, however. He “pushed through the pain and threw the harpoon” (31).

Proof-reading reminders Write about literature in the present tense. Avoid contractions. Avoid personal pronouns. Check your spelling. Always italicize or underline the book title.

Formatting and Final Reminders Follow formatting guidelines on the rubric. Make sure you have a title (not “TKAM Literary Analysis”) Always include a separate Works Cited page. Include your rubric and “Things to Remember” with the final, printed paper.