Literary Analysis Ess@y Rough Draft

LIT1100 Introduction to Literature University of Northwestern – St. Paul

Rough Draft Guidelines

Writing a first draft can be overwhelming. A common feeling is that you are juggling all your ideas without clearly knowing where to start. Use these guidelines to help the drafting process go more smoothly. First, read through the instructor feedback on your outline and make notes as to what elements need to be altered in your writing plan. Next, think of each section of the paper – the introduction, body and conclusion

– as distinct parts that have different purposes.

Introduction – 1-2 paragraphs The introduction should be 1-2 paragraphs long, and its purpose is to introduce your readers to the topic of your paper. Remember, the topic is not only the text that you analyzed; it is also the literary element(s) that you will be discussing throughout the paper. Note: The thesis and forecasting statements should appear somewhere in the introduction, usually at the end. Body – several pages

Body paragraph model: all body paragraphs should follow this model

1. Topic sentence: Introduce the first point listed in the thesis that will prove the validity of your central idea.

2. Supporting details: Discuss the paragraph topic by weaving your interpretations and specific textual evidence together. You may quote, describe, summarize or paraphrase parts of the story that will develop your idea.

3. Concluding sentence: Use your own words to bring closure to the paragraph and signal the reader that you are moving on to your next point or sub-point.

As you write each body paragraph, remember the following: *Assume that your audience has read the story but not analyzed it deeply as you have. Do not retell the story; rather, cite specific detail from the story to support your ideas.

*Explain for your readers how the textual evidence you cite relates to your thesis: do not

merely cite detail from the story without connecting it to your ideas.

*Use a parenthetical reference with a page number after every sentence containing a reference from the story, whether directly quoted, summarized, or paraphrased.

*One main point might need several body paragraphs to fully develop it.

Conclusion – 1 paragraph The purpose of the conclusion is to bring closure to your essay by reasserting your central idea (thesis) and by summarizing the main points of the paper. The last sentence of the conclusion, and the essay itself, should be somewhat profound or ultimately conclusive because it’s your last chance to convince the reader that your central idea is valid. Note: you can use a quote from the story to end the paper if that feels appropriate.

LIT1100 Introduction to Literature University of Northwestern – St. Paul

The final step to complete before you draft your paper is to read the annotated student sample essay that illustrates each of the above guidelines. Once you have reviewed that sample, start writing!

Before you submit your rough draft …

Content Polishing

 Don't lose sight of your thesis; it needs to be the focus of

your entire essay.

 Avoid ever mentioning the reader of the essay or

addressing the reader ("you").

 Avoid saying "In this essay I will prove," or "I will discuss"; avoid using "I" if possible.

 Avoid slang, contractions or clichés.

 Proofread and spell check your essay carefully--rough AND final drafts.

Essay Structure Polishing

 Paragraphs should generally not be fewer than 5 sentences

or more than 10 sentences.

 Use 12 or 14 point font (standard font like Times, Helvetica,

or Arial, etc.).

 Double-space the paper.

 Use 1” margins.

 Do not put extra spaces between paragraphs.

 DO indent new paragraphs a half inch (set tab).

Presentation Polishing

 Come up with original titles (not “Literary Analysis Essay") that reflect your subject.

 Do not underline, bold, or capitalize every letter of your title.

 There is only one double-spaced return between the title and the beginning of your essay.

 In the upper left-hand corner, provide the following information:

Name Professor Name Date Word Count