Religious Myths and Rituals Course Short Answers Essay Questions
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HowtoWriteanEssaypart11.pptxHow to Write an Essay:
The Basics
Introduction and Thesis
You will be writing an analytical paper, that means you should have an argument. Try to persuade the reader (me) to your perspective.
Your introduction should briefly give me important background information on your topic
After this information, provide your thesis (typically the last one or two sentences of the introductory paragraph)
Your thesis tells the reader what your argument is. An analytical paper will not just summarize, it will provide a new perspective (yours!)
One way to do this is to set up a problem and give a solution. “Most people think this, but actually it’s this”
Thesis continued
A good thesis is specific (what will you be talking about in your essay?)
A good thesis makes a point that can be challenged or opposed
A good thesis should not leave the reader asking “how” or “why”
In its most basic form a thesis should say “I argue ______, because __________.
Examples
Baptism is an important ritual for Christianity.
Baptism is an important ritual for Christianity because it initiates members into the community and creates a unique Christian identity for the participants.
Body Paragraphs
Start with your main point of your paragraph. The first sentence should set the tone for the rest of your paragraph.
Mix concrete details with your own commentary (Jane Schaffer)
If you are summarizing too much, you are not making an argument. You need to include your own analysis
Cohesion: your paragraphs should be directly supporting your thesis. Try to tie it in with your thesis in a closing sentence.
Conclusion
Sum up your argument
Supply the BFD
Why does it matter, why should we care?
Cite all sources
Anything that isn’t your own opinion or idea should be cited.
Always cite the page number
Use footnotes or parenthetical citations
On page 21, MacCulloch states
MacCulloch states, “[Insert text here]” (MacColluch, 21).
Writing Style
Good essays are both organized, and well written
Return to your intro once you finish your paper
GRAMMAR, SYNTAX, AND TYPOS LOWER YOUR GRADE!
Formatting
Italicize or underline book titles (don’t put them in quotations). Titles of articles do go in quotes
1” margins, double-spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman font
2 full pages (or more)
A few more tips
Avoid generalizations like “All Christians do this”
Avoid value statements using words like “wrong,” “right,” “good,” “bad,” true,” or “false”
Don’t use “you”
Using “I” is okay in some circumstances, but should be avoided
You don’t need to tell me “I believe” or “in my opinion,” I already know it is your argument. Be confident and just state it
A few more tips cont.
The following are fine sometimes, but should not be used often
Try to stay out of the passive voice
“She threw the ball” > “The ball was thrown by her”
Avoid “had”
“I learned in class” > “I had learned in class”
Avoid adding unnecessary “be” verbs
“Katie eats lunch” > “Katie is eating lunch”
Remember, an A+ paper is practically perfect
Writing style cont.
Make sure sentences aren’t too “wordy.”
Try reading your paper out loud. If a sentence takes more than one breath, it’s too long.
When in doubt, split the sentence.
Be concise, take out meaningless or redundant words
Avoid block quotes
Don’t end your paper just because you reached page 2.
