1. Introduction:
- Have an interesting lead that connects clearly to thesis and the rest of the essay:
- universal theme or statement about the topic
- relevant quotation from the text
- startling or thought-provoking opinion
- State the title and author of the text you are writing about; make sure you spell everything correctly.
- Underline or italicize titles of longer works, use quotation marks around titles of shorter works such as articles, and make sure you capitalize each major word excluding prepositions, articles, and conjunctions.
- Have a strong thesis statement.
2. Body paragraphs:
- Use transitions at the beginning of paragraphs and between sentences to clearly connect ideas
- Make sure you have at least 1 quotation in each paragraph; make sure the quotation best supports the main idea of the paragraph and thus the thesis. Also, spend at least 2-3 sentences elaborating on and explaining the quotation and how it supports the main idea of the paragraph.
- Correctly integrate and cite sources:
- Use / to indicate line breaks; also, include Act.Scene, line number in ( ) at the end of the sentence. Example: The play concludes with the Prince's solemn words: "For never was a story of more woe / Than this of Juliet and her Romeo" (5.3.320-321).
- For more information on citing Shakespeare, go to: http://writingcenter.english.uga.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=141:quoting-shakespeare&catid=52:handouts&Itemid=15
- Also, revisit previous post on Incorporating Quotations
3. Voice and tone:
- Take out unnecessary "I's" and "I think's".
- Make sure the verb tense is consistent. Write in the present tense and stay in the present tense. Ex. Romeo often makes (not made) rash decisions.
- Use strong and appropriate language. Do not use simple, vague words such as bad or good or stuff.
- Make sure tone reflects your thesis/purpose. A traditional 5-paragraph essay may sound more academic and less personal, while a journey of thought essay may sound more personal and reflective.
- Show depth and complexity in thinking about your topic.
4. Conclusion:
- Reflect on and reveal new and deeper insight on your thesis and essay.
- Don't repeat the thesis word for word.
- Connect the text to the world. Show the messages and lessons you learned from the text regarding your specific focus.
- Click on the link of your homeroom. Read the student essay (812, 807, and 811) and comment on the following:
- What is 1 or 2 strengths?
- What is 1 or 2 questions about the essay that you don't understand or are unclear?
- What is 1 or 2 suggestions you have for revision?
6. Revise your own essay yet again. Make at least 3 revisions. Publish the new and improved draft as a new post. Again, if you want me to write comments on your essay, print it out.
Final, improved essay due Friday May 17.
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