Essay Writing Checklist

Essay Writing Checklist Introduction l The first sentence is the hook and is designed to grab the reader’s attention l Transition from the hook to the thesis statement l Give the full title(s) of the work(s) you are exploring as well as the complete name(s) of the author(s) l The thesis statement is the last sentence in the introduction paragraph l The thesis statement clearly and directly responds to the writing prompt or assignment (the words in the prompt may be used to formulate the thesis statement) l The introduction is at least 4 – 6 sentences Body Paragraphs l The topic sentence is the first sentence of each body paragraph l The topic sentences are an extension of the thesis statement—each topic sentence clearly proves and supports the thesis statement and responds to the prompt or writing assignment l Topic sentences do not summarize plot or make general comments l Body paragraphs are developed with at least two supporting passages/quotes from the literature  l Provide reader with the context for each supporting quote: speaker + occasion l Follow each quote with at least two sentences of analysis that explain how the quote supports and proves the topic sentence and therefore the thesis statement l The last sentence of each body paragraph is a concluding sentence that summarizes the paragraph and/or transitions to the next paragraph Conclusion l Restates the thesis statement l Summarizes the main ideas without being repetitive l May possibly revisit the hook or provide an appropriate quotation l Expands on the ideas in the essay, leaving the reader thinking and pondering l The conclusion is at least 4 – 6 sentences l Never write “In conclusion…” Other Important Aspects l Use formal writing style, tone, and language l Avoid slang, poor diction, non-specific language, and contractions l Avoid addressing the reader and the use of first-person l Avoid asking rhetorical questions l Be mindful and aware of MLA format in citing your sources in the text l Pay attention to spelling, punctuation and grammar l Always proofread and self-edit your work l Give your essay a creative, thoughtful and interesting title Take pride in your work and give the essay 100% of your effort! Topic Sentence Checklist An effective topic sentence: l Proves and supports a thesis statement l Tells the reader the focus of the paragraph l States a claim, idea, or assertion—the author’s expert opinion about the literature l Like the thesis statement, addresses how/why questions l Is very clear and very specific l Avoids 1st person point of view l Avoids plot summary l Avoids stating the obvious l Avoids abstract ideas and language l Avoids passive voice Using Supporting Details Checklist Consider the following when using supporting quotes and passages in your writing: l Lead into or set up your quote/passage with speaker (character/narrator) and occasion (context, or what’s happening in the plot l Follow up a quote with at least two sentences of commentary and analysis before moving on to the next supporting detail l Avoid excessive plot summary l Be sure the quote is relevant to your topic sentence and thesis—does your quote help prove your point? l Avoid letting the quote speak for itself—avoid “dropping” the quote Active and Academic Verbs to Use in Critical Literary Analysis Emphasizes                    Elucidates Compares Suggests Creates Illustrates Exemplifies Parallels Juxtaposes Implies Alludes to Observes Identifies Organizes Reinforces Defines Clarifies Contrasts Argues Mirrors Echoes Develops Connotes Focuses Balances Relates Expresses Insinuates Demonstrates Anatomy of a Paragraph & Paragraph Checklist Consider the following model of a typical literary analysis paragraph: Detail* Detail* Detail* Concluding Sentence Each supporting detail is made up of: 1. Lead-in or set-up: Speaker + Occasion 2. Direct quote or passage 3. At least two sentences of following commentary/analysis The Concluding Sentence: l Wraps up and summarizes the paragraph l Transitions to the next body paragraph l Avoids the words “in conclusion” or “in summary” Consider the following reminders when composing a literary analysis paragraph: l Use the strongest argument, or supporting detail, last l Be mindful of spelling, grammar, and punctuation