Writing Tips Ms. Hamden

Where to start? Choose a topic for your paper Decide which characters or events you want to use Flip through the novel to find examples of characters or events—mark the page numbers with post-it or write it down Start to create a thesis statement, which will be the central argument of your paper –Specifically list the characters or events you plan to discuss in your thesis

I’m stuck on my introduction… Include the title and author! Italicize the title! Start out broad! –Discuss the topic in general. –Perhaps give some background information on Ancient Greece. Narrow down to specific events or characters End your introduction with the most specific sentence, your thesis! –In The Odyssey, Odysseus and his men endure tests challenging their loyalty to each other, but ultimately their dedication prevails.

Body Paragraphs Begin each supporting paragraph with a strong statement— ask yourself, “What point do I want to make in this paragraph?” –What examples of loyalty/perseverance are there in the text? –How should I organize this? Support your statement with information from the story –Don’t summarize! Use QUOTES! –Follow the story in chronological order –Use quotes from the beginning, middle, and end of the novel/ play—3-4 quotes per character (approx 10-12)! –Always introduce the quote with a lead-in, don’t just leave a quote “floating” in the middle of your argument –Include page numbers: just the number, followed by the period. –Example Sentence Odysseus, fearing the wrath of Poseidon, prays to Athena “Please help me find my way home” (378).

Make sure you ALWAYS cite correctly! Next, logically discuss how this quote supports your statement. –Always return to your thesis. Transition into your next supporting quote. –Lead-in to your quote and tie it back to your argument. –Never begin or end a paragraph with a quote. –Don’t make the quotes too long—no more then 2-3 lines. You should only include the most important part of the quote! Move on to your next point in a new paragraph. –Begin the process again.

Conclusion Restate your thesis—your main argument Broaden out your topic, perhaps stating your points of argument again Add additional insights—what did the reader take away from the story? Don’t repeat everything again, make it interesting! Extend yourself!

Remember… Your thesis statement is the last sentence of your introduction paragraph. Do not use “I” in your paper! (Usually!) Italicize titles– The Odyssey Always lead-in to your quote, never “float” them. Never begin or end a paragraph with a quote. Arrange quotes chronologically—beginning to end of novel. Cite them correctly: Odysseus claims “My name is Nohman” (388). Always proofread; major points for this! Submit to Print and staple your copy to hand in BEFORE class. Do not even attempt to use shmoop, sparknotes, Cliff’s notes or another website for ANY QUOTES! That is considered cheating and you will fail and have to re-do the paper!