Literary Topic Plan

LIT1100 Introduction to Literature University of Northwestern – St. Paul

Parts of an Essay

We will be looking at a five paragraph essay as one possible way of organizing an essay. For

this class, you will be writing much more than five paragraphs, so you may think of this as a

structural guideline.

I. Introductory Paragraph

A. Attention-getting Sentences: These entice the reader to want to read more of your essay.

They may be comprised of a brief anecdote, a very compelling question, a shocking

statement, etc. relating to your topic. (Should NOT be a definition unless you are

introducing vocabulary that will be unfamiliar to the average person.)

B. Thesis Statement: This is the main point of your essay, and it should be clearly stated.

The entire essay will attempt to prove this point. Example: In Zora Neale Hurston's novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, Hurston utilizes

images from nature to portray Janie's metamorphosis from naivety to maturity.

C. Forecasting Statement: This is a clear and concise statement (or statements) that explains

how the thesis will be supported or proven. (If the thesis is where your essay is going, the

forecasting statement is how you will get there.) Example: The blossoming pear tree, the tide, the hurricane and the horizon all beautifully

and powerfully illustrate Janie's transformation.

II. Body Paragraph #1

A. Topic sentence (having to do with first forecasting point listed in your introductory

paragraph)

B. Supporting details / Specific "proof" of your topic sentence point

C. Concluding sentence (may restate main idea of topic sentence/ should "wrap up" paragraph

and transition to the next one)

All body paragraphs follow the model above. Each topic sentence should be taken from your

forecasting statement in the order you laid them out in the introduction.

III. Concluding Paragraph

A. Restate thesis and forecasting statements in different words

B. General statements about topic

C. Clincher statement that concludes entire paper in a strong, memorable way and may refer

back to the attention getter ("framing" effect)

LIT1100 Introduction to Literature University of Northwestern – St. Paul

General Essay Guidelines

 Paragraphs should generally not be fewer than 5 sentences.

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

 Come up with an original title (not Literary Analysis Essay or the title of text about which you are

writing) that reflects your subject.

 Avoid slang or clichés.

 DO indent new paragraphs.

 Double space your essay and use a standardized 12 or 14 point font (such as Times, Helvetica, or

Arial, etc.).

 Don't lose sight of your thesis; it needs to be the focus of your entire essay.

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

 Proofread your essay carefully--rough AND final drafts.

 Short story and poem titles are in quotes; titles of novels and plays are italicized.

 Do integrate quotes for textual support, and cite them properly.