1. Work on: No “I” “We” “Our” “In this essay…” etc.
Intro. paragraph to your essay
Body paragraphs to your essay
Conclusion paragraph to your essay
FINAL DRAFT:
Whole Essay is 12 Font
Double Space (not heading)
Times New Roman or Arial
Indent each paragraph
TITLE
Stay in present tense
SCORE YOURSELF ON THE RUBRIC
SET UP (who what when where) BEFORE THE CD
No “I” “We” “Our” “In this essay…” etc.
NO CONTRACTIONS don’t = do not can’t = cannot

2. INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

3. Thesis examples:
Thesis 1 = In Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain, the author focuses on the themes of dishonesty and maturity. Thesis 2 = In Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain, the characterization of Injun Joe, Dr. Robinson, and Mr. Dobbins show them to be malevolent. Thesis 3 = In Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain, Jackson's Island and the cave are used as a symbols of adulthood. Thesis 4 = Through the use of symbolism, Twain portrays Jackson’s Island as adulthood and the cave is used to display maturity.

4. Example intro. paragraph:
Tom Sawyer, written by Mark Twain, focuses on life in Missouri near the Mississippi River around In the novel, young Tom and his friends must learn to live independently if they want to become responsible adults. In Twain’s classic novel, he provides a glimpse into life in America one hundred and sixty years ago. Tom and his friends have many life altering adventures in rural Missouri. Through the use of symbolism, Twain portrays Jackson’s Island as adulthood and the cave is used to display maturity.

5. Conclusion Paragraph
Restate thesis (change the wording, do not simply cut and paste!)
State the strongest CD (textual evidence from each body paragraph)
Final concluding sentence(s) that refocuses back to your topic/literary device. You could use a quote that leaves the reader with a final powerful thought about your topic (NOT THE TEXT). It could be a final I have learned type statement.

6. Twain emphasizes that Jackson’s Island is a symbol of autonomy and the cave shows adulthood. For example, Tom and his friends attempt to live alone on Jackson’s Island. Next, Tom tries to comfort and protect Becky when they are lost in the cave. In conclusion, one often grows after being forced to complete a task on their own. Mark Twain once said, “When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”