1. Ms. Jennings & Mrs. Thomas English 10 & 11 Elsinore High School
Prove Your Point: Steps to Writing an Effective Literary Analysis Essay

2. Basic Parts
Introduction
Body Paragraphs
Conclusion

3. Introduction (5-6 sentences)
Hooks reader with creative opening
Provides important background about the book that your reader needs to make sense of your argument. Includes
Author, title, genre.
Brief summary of plot
Definition of key terms.
Closes with your thesis—the argument you are going to prove.

4. Thesis
The thesis directly states what you are proving or claiming in your essay.
It includes what is being proved and how. In a three part thesis, you will state the three main elements of your argument, which correspond with the three body paragraphs.

5. Thesis Example
Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus proves to be an ineffective leader because he is selfish, overly prideful, and excessively angry. BP1 will focus on his selfishness BP2 will focus on his pride BP3 will focus on his excessive anger

6. Body Paragraph (BP)
Supports and proves your thesis through supporting examples from the story (textual evidence) and analysis of those examples.

7. Building a Basic Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
Transition, Lead-in,
“Textual Evidence” (citation).
Analysis of textual evidence–3 sentences min.
Concluding Sentence

8. Topic Sentence First sentence of a body paragraph
Identifies aspect of the thesis being proven in that paragraph and states a main reason why it’s true.

9. Transition
Words or phrases that connect one idea to the next, both between & within paragraphs.
Examples:
Another example… Finally, in climax…
Later in the story… Furthermore…
Not only…but also…

10. Lead In
Phrase or sentence that prepares the reader for your textual evidence by introducing the speaker, setting, and/or situation.
Example:
For example, after Odysseus blinds Bugs Bunny, he ignores his men’s warnings to flee quickly. Instead, he says to Bugs, “

11. Textual Evidence
A specific passage from the book that provides evidence for your topic sentence and thesis. Must be followed by citation.
Usually use directly quoted material (with citation), but can also include some paraphrased material (with citation). But, do not rely on it.

12. analysis
Your explanation and interpretation of the textual evidence above.
Connects the evidence to what you are proving (thesis).
DOES NOT summarize the textual evidence.

13. Concluding Sentence
Last sentence of the body paragraph. Concludes paragraph by tying textual evidence and analysis back to thesis. Example: Thus, if Odysseus can keep his ego under control, he will be able to achieve his leadership goals.

14. Conclusion (5-7 sentences)
Last paragraph of essay. Begin by echoing your major thesis without repeating exact words.
Summarize main points of argument.
Then, should expand from thesis to answer the “So What?” your reader may have.

15. MLA Formatting (basic)
Type on white 8.5” x 11” paper
Set to double space for entire document
Set 1-inch margins on all sides
Use 12 pt. Times font (or similar font)
In header, type last name and page number in upper right corner

16. MLA Formatting (basic)
MLA heading in top left corner
Center essay title (be careful not to center body of essay)
Leave only one space after punctuation
Indent the first line of paragraphs 1 inch
Header with page numbers in the upper right corner
Use italics for book titles
DO NOT bold, underline, or use ALL CAPS

17. The Hero Who Cannot Lead
Lutz 1
Megan Lutz
Thomas
English 10-6
2 March 2016
The Hero Who Cannot Lead
Although the world has changed dramatically during the past 2,500 years,
the qualities of a good leader have not. Homer’s ancient epic poem The Odyssey follows legendary hero and leader Odysseus as he attempts to get himself and his crew of men safely home to Ithaca after fighting in the Trojan War and facing years of obstacles and diversions. Odysseus proves he is a ______ leader through his _________________ and ______________.