Preparing for the ISU - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Preparing for the ISU

How to write a literary essaySlide2

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

PurposeSlide3

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 yoursSlide4

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 quotesSlide5

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

Introductory ParagraphSlide6

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!

Thesis StatementsSlide7

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 explainsStates and third point, proves, and explainsEnsure your points are introduced by varied transitionsEnds with a closing sentence that reinforces the major point of the

paragraph

A Body ParagraphSlide8

Begins with a restatement of the thesis in new words

Outlines the three major

prongs that you evaluated and provedMakes a general statement about the

topic (avoid ending with vague questions)

Concluding ParagraphSlide9

Hide the weakest point and paragraph between the others

End with your strongest point and paragraph when it is logical to do

soVaried sentence structure must be used in order to make your paper more appealing

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)

Things to RememberSlide10

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 analysisExplanationsSlide11

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

AssumptionsSlide12

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 numberDo 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 writingDo not use contractions (don’t, can’t, etc.) because they, too, take away from the formality of the textDo not use first person voice (conversational or informal language, this is formal)Do not address the reader (“You..”)

Start paragraphs with quotations

Things to AvoidSlide13

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

Things to Avoid ContinuedSlide14

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 15

th

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! Next Steps

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