Instruction
Final Essay is due, please submit it here:
For your essay, write a literary analysis on any of the course readings. Come up with a thesis statement or question and support/answer it in a 3-4 paged, double-spaced, typed essay. Use specific examples from the text(s) to support your answers. Utilize proper MLA in-text citation and documentation guidelines. After the second week of classes please email me your essay idea, you must first present it to me for approval before beginning.
Qualities of an Excellent Paper
Title: brief yet illuminating, relevant, tone in keeping with the rest of the paper Introduction:
identifies topic
states thesis
to the point
includes a direct reference to title and author
invites reading
appropriate tone to purpose
Thesis
significant
clearly stated and precise
limited
debatable
Body Paragraphs
main points clearly stated
smooth and logical transitions between and within paragraphs
general point made specific through reference to text
quotations smoothly incorporated and thoroughly analyzed, showing relevance to and support for main points
concluding sentence ties to thesis
Conclusion
grows naturally from preceding paragraphs
explains significance of thesis
provides a sense of completion
Organization
ideas developed in proportion to their significance
logical and climactic arrangement of paragraphs
order is appropriate to thesis
Content
unpretentious
definite, focused, cohesive
shows that writer has given careful thought to the topic
well-nourished with specific supports
relies on careful analysis of text
developed through specific details and mature interpretations
shows independent thinking, unusual insights or perspective
Control of Written Language
fluent expression
sentences controlled for rhetorical purposes
each sentence has a logical relationship to surrounding sentences and fits smoothly into its context
variety of sentence lengths and patterns
precise and fresh word choice
natural and appropriate diction level
meaning emphasized through creative effects [use of figurative language, sonic devices, parallel structure, etc.] when useful and appropriate
uses present tense
Conventions
no errors in mechanics and usage
Format
typed [double-spaced]
in-text citations follow MLA format