1. Literature Response Writing:
Elements of an Essay

2. Standard Essay Typically Includes Minimum of 5 paragraphs:
1 Introductory Paragraph
2-3 Analytical Body Paragraphs (minimum)
1 Concluding Paragraph
*4-6 total paragraphs can work just as well, but more is not always necessarily better…

3. ALWAYS WRITE IN THE LITERARY PRESENT TENSE!
(When referencing FICTION. If alluding to history or non-fiction, use the past tense.)

4. Analytical Body Paragraphs:
Must include a minimum of 2 quotations as “evidence.”
Each quotation must include a minimum of 2 sentences of commentary (CM).
Just a minimum, more is better, particularly in regard to commentary…
Commentary must be OPINION on how your quotation proves the thesis/TS
It is NOT an explanation/summary of the quote.

5. Body Paragraph Elements Cont:
Must include a Topic Sentence (TS) & Concluding Sentence (CS)
TOPIC SENTENCE (TS):
Must relate/tie back to thesis BY MENTIONING THE TEXT IN SOME WAY (not the title, though…)
Cannot include a quote
Cannot be summary based: must include COMMENTARY with thematic purpose.

6. Topic Sentences, cont. Heart of the essay after the thesis BAD:
“People’s houses convey elements of their inhabitants’ personalities.”
OKAY:
“The location of Nick’s house represents his role as a righteous observer.”
BEST:
“The location of Nick’s house represents his role as a righteous observer, revealing how the American Dream encourages the needs to feel superior to others.”

7. Body Paragraph Elements Cont:
Concluding Sentence (CS)
Like the TS, it NEEDS TO MENTION THE TEXT!
Restates TS (in different words) with insight gained from quotes & CMs.
NEVER write, “In conclusion…” or ANYTHING that sounds/means the same thing
Most common missing element in Body Paragraphs: DON’T FORGET IT!!
NEVER transition in a CS. NEVER. PERIOD.

8. Quotes Minimum of 2 quotations
These quotations must relate to your thesis & Topic Sentence (TS)
ALWAYS ask yourself, “How does this quote prove my thesis/TS?”
Never “float” your quotations!
Avoid using colons (:) when introducing a quote, but okay once in a while
Always “embed/blend” quotes so the reader cannot tell (when read aloud) where your words start/stop and the quote starts/stops.
NEVER ever write, “This quote shows…” or ANYTHING like it. NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.

9. Examples of properly embedded quotes:
Even though Mrs. Farrow is a “splendidly built woman” with “fair eyes and narrow feet,” she keeps herself away from the locals due to her “morbid fear” of socializing (24, 19).
During his journey on Polyphemus’ island, the clever Odysseus decides on “how to win the game: death sat there huge” ( ).

10. Quotes Cont: Important Notes:
ALL commas go INSIDE the quote, & not every quote needs to be introduced with a comma. (see 1st quote)
All page numbers/line numbers go at the end of the SENTENCE regardless of where quote ends (see 1st example above)
Page number only in lit. response essays; no need to cite author other than in thesis/introductory paragraph. (Does not apply to research papers or essays with multiple sources.)
Never write “Page” (or any abbreviation of it) prior to a page number; just the number will do.
Period ALWAYS goes AFTER the parenthetical reference/page number, NOT BEFORE IT. The pg. # reference is part of the sentence.
HIT THAT SPACE BAR: put a space between the word before the citation!

11. Last, but not least… Watch out for those nasty R.I.P. words
Just hit control “F” or Apple “F” to find them
NEVER use clichés
Remain certain in voice:
Avoid: probably, sort of, maybe, etc.
Don’t use a word in the thesaurus unless you ALREADY knew what it meant. Bigger words are not always better.
Only use an ellipses when necessary; NEVER begin or end a quote with one
Avoid overusing transitional words, including “first, next, last, furthermore, in addition, ” etc. (They make you sound like a childish robot.)