15StepstoWritingHandout.docxWriting the Literary Essay:
Fifteen Steps to Drafting and Revising
1. Formulate a clear main idea for your essay (thesis statement). This is usually placed in the introductory paragraph unless the scope and subject of your paper requires more background information first. The thesis statement cannot be a question or state an obvious fact. Rather, it should assert a position on the assigned topic and have a clear purpose. Ask yourself: “What is my stance and how can I prove it? Moreover, what should readers take away from my discussion?”
3. Avoid “announcing” in the introduction your analysis strategy (i.e.“In this essay I will explain how …”). Instead, go straight to the point in logical, coherent, and precise statements.
4. Write in third person objective, NOT first (“I,” “me,” “mine”). The focus is on the issues discussed (characters, plot, themes, etc.) not yourself. Do not use second person either (“you, your, yours”). In objective analysis write in present tense, since you’re examining the text now.
5. Formulate a main idea (topic sentence) for each paragraph. This should be developed by means of explanation (facts, details, evidence). Always explain what you mean (the “why” and “how” factor), and make clear your inferences. Don’t merely list obvious facts or pad your paragraphs with quotations.
6. Avoid narrating the story. We already know it! In analysis, your task is to analyze a specific aspect of the text in order to prove a point, and therefore build on what we already know.
7. Avoid undernourished paragraphs (containing less than five complete statements). They weaken your composition.
8. Avoid clichés, slang, abstract or vague statements. Strive for logical, clear, and organized statements written in precise language. Pay attention to sentence structure and word choice at all times.
9. Use textual evidence sparingly and only where it strengthens your discussion. Never quote obvious facts! The focus is on your ideas.
10. Follow MLA conventions when you integrate evidence in the body paragraph. Always use a lead phrase (“According to,” “As stated by” etc.) to introduce a quote or paraphrase. Provide parenthetical information after each quote and pay attention to punctuation. All quotations must also make grammatical sense in context, especially when blended with your own words!
11. Never place back-to-back quotations within a paragraph. Rather, each quotation should be followed by a commentary that explains its relevance to your discussion. Do not drop quotes into your paragraph without explanation.
12. Attach a Work Cited page to your essay, documenting your sources. Without this page your professional essay is incomplete and will be returned to you with no comments or grade.
13. Proofread your paper for grammar, punctuation, and capitalization accuracy. This applies to your entire document: from the MLA headings in the upper left corner of page one, to the body of your paper, and the Work Cited page completing your document. Pay attention to headings content, paragraph spacing, font size, margins, etc.
14. Give your essay a brief but eye-catching title in context, one that reflects the content of your discussion and grabs the readers’ attention.
15. Staple your paper before you turn it in. You are delivering a professional document intended for an academic audience. If you submit your assignment on-line, ensure that all pages are complete and properly formatted before uploading it on Blackboard.
· The 15 criteria above will be used to evaluate your papers, point by point. Use it as you draft and revise you document to ensure basic writing quality.
