1. How to write a literary essay
Preparing for the ISU

2. Purpose
A literary essay is an organized piece of writing that expresses the opinion of its author (you)
It is meant to express controversial or debatable ideas with evidence and explanation

3. The Planning Process
The planning process is the most important part of essay writing
There is no required way to plan, but there are several recommended patterns
The process work MUST be kept and submitted with you good copy on July 17th- this is the proof that the essay is yours

4. Format For ENG4U, the expectation is that:
There will be a proper introduction and conclusion
There will be a minimum of 3 body paragraphs
There will be 3 “Point, Proof, Explanations” per body paragraph (this may change in format depending on what comparison style you choose to write in however, the expectation is that you have a total of 9 direct quotes throughout your essay)
There will be intelligent topic and closing sentences in each paragraph
There will be transitions to begin new points
There will be proper citations and well-chosen quotes

5. Introductory Paragraph
Begins with a general statement that introduces the topic. It should HOOK your reader immediately.
Your next sentence or two should introduce the texts and the authors (remember there are various formats for text titles. i.e. books, plays and films are italicized, while essays and short stories are placed in “quotation marks”)
Next, outline the three prongs (criteria you’re evaluating to prove your thesis)
The last sentence of your introductory paragraph is ALWAYS the arguable thesis

6. Thesis Statements
A thesis is a one sentence statement that introduces an opinion (the writer’s position) on any given topic.
This statement must also include ‘3 prongs’ that identify the main points that you will be arguing throughout.
A strong thesis must state a strong opinion that would generate an argument
If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
A strong thesis must be specific and avoid vague language like ‘good’, ‘important’ or ‘successful’
Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
A strong thesis must be insightful, original and spark interest in the reader.
Does your thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is, “So what?” then you need to clarify, or connect to a larger/ more important issue. Do not point out the obvious!

7. A Body Paragraph
Begins with a topic sentence that outlines the prong of that paragraph (be sure that the first prong in your thesis is the topic of the first body paragraph!)
States a point, provides proof, and then explains the significance of that proof to the argument
States and second point, proves, and explains
States and third point, proves, and explains
Ensure your points are introduced by varied transitions
Ends with a closing sentence that reinforces the major point of the paragraph

8. Concluding Paragraph
Begins with a restatement of the thesis in new words
Outlines the three major prongs that you evaluated and proved
Makes a general statement about the topic (avoid ending with vague questions)

9. Things to Remember Transition words and phrases are crucial
The most important part of an essay is the explanation - that is where you explain your ideas (and where you’ll be evaluated the most heavily)
Paragraphs should be ordered as outlined in the introduction and the conclusion (order of prongs)
Hide the weakest point and paragraph between the others
End with your strongest point and paragraph when it is logical to do so
Varied sentence structure must be used in order to make your paper more appealing

10. Explanations
Explanations are about significance- why is this quotation important?
Do not start your explanation with phrases such as: “This quote proves…” (redundant)
What, as the reader, am I to see? Guide your reader
How does this connect to your point, prong and overall thesis?
Explanations, generally, are to be twice as long as the proof.
They should be analytical and provide unique insight that shows depth of analysis

11. Assumptions
Assume the reader has read the text- therefore, do NOT summarize it
Assume your reader understands the basic plot but has no understanding of the layers
Assume your reader needs to have your ideas carefully and methodically explained

12. Things to Avoid Do not single space the paper
Do not forget to put correct MLA formatting in the top left corner and to include a header with a page number
Do not submit work that is not your own in any way, shape or form (Turnitin)
Do not use clichés (overused expressions) that take away from the formality of the writing
Do not use contractions (don’t, can’t, etc.) because they, too, take away from the formality of the text
Do not use first person voice (conversational or informal language, this is formal)
Do not address the reader (“You..”)
Start paragraphs with quotations

13. Things to Avoid Continued
Throw quotations in without introducing them or giving them any context, and then not discussing their relevance or importance
Start a sentence with a quotation
Change verb tense, write in the present and be consistent throughout your entire paper.
Do not forget to include a properly formatted Works Cited page at the end of your good copy
Refer to OWL Purdue Writing Lab online or the resources distributed to you in class

14. Next Steps
Plan your essay. Make a rough outline to illustrate your argument before you begin writing.
Write your essay in stages. The writing process takes time. Great writers don’t write a novel in a day, so don’t assume you can write your ISU essay in one.
Prepare your thesis proposal for Monday – I will be looking over these to ensure you are on the right track.
Once your proposal has been approved you should then transfer your outline to the computer in the form a rough draft.
Bring your rough draft to class on Wednesday, July 15th to complete the required peer editing process.
Relax – chunk your work so that you do not get overwhelmed. It will get done by the 17th!