1. Writing Essays for English Class
Based in part on a pamphlet:
Writing Tutorial Services, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Plagiarism: What It is and How to Recognize and Avoid It
School Website and Ms. Conway

2. Essay Purpose
An essay is a form of writing in which you seek to support a point (thesis)
You must always state reasons for your ideas, and give evidence to back up them up
You must cite the sources of your evidence!

3. Essay Language Use third person, unless told otherwise
(he, she, it, they, those, them )
Do not use first or second person:
(you, your – 2nd person) or (I, me, we, us, myself – 1st person)
Me me me

4. Essay Language Continued…
Avoid the following phrases:
This essay will discuss . . .
This quotation proves or shows that . . .
My second argument is
In my opinion . . .
Also avoid the use of contractions (don’t, can’t, didn’t…)
Get to the point in a sophisticated voice.

5. More Essay Language…
An essay must always be written in the present tense – as if the plot is taking place as you write.
The only time you do not change the tense is if you are directly citing from a text.

6. How Do I Set Up My Essay?
Essay Organization

7. Organization

8. Thesis
A well written statement detailing the position you are covering in your paper. It is usually found at the end of the introduction. Example: In order for Westley to be considered the true hero of the novel he must prove himself worthy by successfully completing each quest and rescuing his true love.

9. Sample Introduction
It is impossible to foresee what will happen in the future. While many people believe in an almighty God who controls their destiny, others ponder whether or not they command their own fortune. This discussion of fate and destiny is central to William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. In this play, the title characters end a passionate romance with an early death. The central question is “could the characters have prevented this tragic end with better decisions? Or was the outcome of their courtship and love predetermined?” In fact, the tragic end of Romeo and Juliet could have been avoided entirely if the characters had stopped to think. Under pressure, Romeo and Juliet make impulsive decisions based on emotion which leads to the unfortunate death of the two young lovers.

10. Topic Sentences
A well written sentence detailing what you will be discussing in the paragraph. Each body paragraph MUST start with a topic sentence.

11. Specific Support Sentences
You must support your topic sentence. It is important to use material that will support your argument and thesis as well as insightfully analyze the topic. This is where you will use quotes, ideas, etc. to support your topic sentence. Format: Point Proof x Analysis

12. Concluding Sentence & Transitions
At the end of your body paragraph you must use a concluding sentence to draw closure to this idea. It is always a good idea to use a transitional word / phrase here to guide your reader into the next body paragraph. Some transitional words are: furthermore, in addition to, consequently…

13. Sample Body Paragraph
Although it is easy to blame fate, Romeo’s impulsive behaviour contributes to their deaths. Although Romeo vows that their families’ conflicts will not interfere in their love, Romeo himself who ignites more fury and hatred when he murders his wife’s cousin Tybalt QUOTE Additionally, when RomeoDespite the lovers’ attempts to rise above the rivalry of their families, it is this hatred – a circumstance beyond their control – that destines them be apart.

14. Sample Concluding Paragraph
In Romeo and Juliet, the two lovers are torn apart by the impulsive decisions they and other characters make. Romeo and Juliet are not star-crossed lovers, pawns of fate, but reckless teenagers who do not consider the consequences of their actions. Even their adult counterparts make hasty judgments and decisions, to disastrous ends. While many people believe that impersonal Fate or a higher, omniscient God controls their destiny, they can still direct their own futures by the decisions they make. Although unexpected circumstances or events, perhaps controlled by Fate or God, may occur in life, the way one responds to those events ultimately determines the direction one’s life will take – such is the case for Romeo and Juliet.

15. What Is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is taking someone else’s work and passing it off as your own. You must Always give credit where credit is due:
When you use someone’s words or ideas.

16. Example of Direct Quote: Short Quotation (Shakespeare)
Quotations of 1-3 lines are short quotations. Identify the start of a new line with a (/).
Example: Macbeth is very relucant; it is only his “vaulting ambition” (1.7.27) which causes him to go ahead with the deed.

17. Example of Direct Quote: Long Quotation
For quotations longer than three lines copy exactly as in test.
Note that there are no quotations marks

18. Specific Title of Essay Goes Here
Page Set UP
Your Last Name and Page Number
Your Name
Teacher’s Name
Course Code
Smith 1TrTre
Joe Smith
Mrs. Cole
ENG2D1-01
4th September 2012
Specific Title of Essay Goes Here
Begin typing your essay. Make sure to indent the first line of all
new paragraphs. Your entire essay should be double spaced, using
size 12 font in Times Roman or Constantia only.
Due Date

19. Author
Title
Works Cited
City of Publication
Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. London: Durband, 1985.
Publisher
Copy right year

20. Final Thoughts
See the Campion Assignment Guide, which is on the library web page, for an overview MLA.
Use your student agenda to check for MLA formatting.
Use MLA for every English paper
Always follow your teacher’s instructions.