World literature

First Paragraph-I ntroduction

· A broad statement introducing the subject in a general way in one or more sentences (this may be a statement of theme)

· A specific reference to the title and author

· Thesis/Claime statement presenting the main idea of the paper in one sentence

Body Paragraphs

· 1st point from the thesis statement -an idea

· An example or quotation to support your idea

· Analysis and interpretation of the supporting evidence to show how it supports the idea in your topic sentence

· Concluding sentence which ties this paragraph to your thesis/claim.

Body Paragraphs

· 2nd point from the thesis statement - an idea

· An example or quotation to support your idea

· Analysis and interpretation of the supporting evidence to show how it supports the idea in your topic sentence

· Concluding sentence which ties this paragraph to your thesis/claim

Body Paragraphs

· 3rd point from the thesis statement - an idea 

· An example or quotation to support your idea

· Analysis and interpretation of the supporting evidence to show how it supports the idea in your topic sentence

· Concluding sentence which ties this paragraph to your thesis/claim

Conclusion

· Thoughtful explanation of the significance of your thesis (answers the "so what?" question)

 *Remember, the Body Paragraphs may be multiple paragraphs.

Qualities of an Excellent Literary 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 / Claim

· 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 [follows 3-step plan of presentation 1) Ideas, 2) details related to ideas, and 3) analysis and interpretation of the details in relation to the thesis/claim] to the minimum needed for clarity of analysis

· limits plot summary

· 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]

· one side of paper

· in-text citations follow MLA format