Literary Essay
You will be responsible for writing a literary research MLA essay based on the topic you selected. (Please note: You must include at least two secondary sources as well as the text itself (this counts as your primary source). You must also include a Works Cited page.
The essay should range between 1200 – 1300 words and consist of an introduction, a conclusion and three body paragraphs each presenting a different argument. (Quotes do not technically count as part of the word count.)
You will need to include 1 example from the primary text per paragraph and at least 1 supporting piece of evidence either in the form of a fact or a quote from a secondary source. (2 quotes in total)
The essay must be typed in 12 point, Times New Roman font.
The essay must be double spaced.
Please avoid re-adjusting margins to make the essay appear longer or shorter, enlarging periods or other punctuation or changing spacing between words.
Helpful hints and tips to think about during the writing process:
Check spelling, grammar and syntax/sentence structure before submitting.
Share your essay with a partner or sibling. Sometimes a “fresh set of eyes” helps to offer a different perspective.
Plan everything out before writing. (You will submit and discuss your outline with me at a designated time.)
Ensure you take a firm stance on your topic. Perhaps make some notes on both the thesis and the antithesis and see which one you can find more information on or which one you connect with and feel more passionate writing about. (Writing about something you want to write about often makes writing easier and the product more interesting!)
Ensure your thesis is clear, concise and interesting and that it is not highlighting the obvious. It should show evidence of critical thinking and be more of an analysis as opposed to the stating of obvious facts.
Position your weakest argument as the second argument in your essay and your strongest argument in the first body paragraph.
Ensure your introduction includes the title of the text, it refers to the text appropriately (plays are plays and novels are novels), and the writer of the literary work.
Ensure the introduction is attention-grabbing. You are welcome to begin with a pertinent quote.
Ensure your conclusion is not simply a repeating of your introduction. It should consider all of the insight gained through the arguments made in the entire essay and draw conclusions based on the new information presented throughout the essay. It should then be slightly more detailed than the introduction BUT SHOULD NOT INCLUDE NEW INFORMATION.
Be sure to include transition words and phrases such as “moreover”, “thus”, “in addition to…”, etc. (I will provide you with a more extensive list.)
Avoid using overused words and phrases such as, “in conclusion”, “said” etc. Instead, replace these words with, “in sum”, “declares”, “states”, “explains” etc. (I will provide you with a more extensive list.)
ALWAYS WRITE IN PRESENT TENSE and KEEP VERB TENSES CONSISTENT
Avoid the use of vague and evaluative language (replace “good” with “effective” and “large” or “huge” with “significant(ly)”.
Ensure sentences are not fragmented (this is not creative writing) and that you are not beginning sentences with conjunctions (words that link ideas) such as “because” and “and”.
Ensure sentences are coherent and consist of both a subject and a predicate. (REVIEW YOUR GRAMMAR WORKSHEETS!)
Avoid abrupt endings to your paragraphs and always include a concluding statement. Every paragraph should essentially be structured like a mini essay. It should include an introductory statement that introduces the argument, the argument and a concluding statement.
Do not simply “throw in” quotes. They should blend seamlessly into your body paragraph. Avoid using phrases such as, “this is evident when…” “this can be seen when…”. Instead, replace them with introducing the quote with whomever states it and then beginning the following sentence with “this further reinforces…” or “this further proves…” etc.
Don’t forget to include embedded citations. (Even if you don’t quote a source directly, you must still cite it if you are including ideas from it and putting them into your own words.)
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