Gather evidence:
Once you have made the topic your own, then it is time to gather evidence from the chapters, keeping in mind that this is only a 750 word essay, which may mean, you only have about 4-5 body paragraphs to present your evidence in—it is a good idea to gather more quotes at first, as you can always eliminate what you do not need for your argument/discussion.
Write a working thesis statement:
The working thesis statement stems from your close-critical prewriting about the essay topic, evidence gathering, and other ideas you create along the way.
Suggested Outline approach:
Introductory paragraph
Topic sentence—author’s full name, title of work, and a clause that situates the reader in and around the central idea that is in the essay.
Introduce the author—biographical information on the author.
Introduce the social/historical context(s) of the novel.
Introduce your character(s) that you will be interpreting or presenting in your body paragraphs.
Transition your reader to your thesis.
Write your Thesis—the last sentence of your introductory paragraph—you may wish to consider the what, how, and why, or, the author’s role (use of literary elements/devices) in influencing your reading/interpretation of the work.
BP1 (Body Paragraph 1)
Topic sentence—every body paragraph topic sentence needs to be its own idea or sub-idea of the main idea—your thesis.
Plot summary/context sentences.
Secondary source evidence
Primary source evidence or direct quote(s)
Analysis sentence.
Concluding sentence that wraps up the paragraph’s point—which is a subpoint of your main point—thesis.
BP2
Topic sentence—
similar pattern as above
BP3
Topic sentence
similar pattern as above
BP4
Topic sentence
similar pattern as above
BP5
Topic sentence
similar pattern as above
CP (Concluding paragraph)
Reminder: use effective and appropriate transitions: withing sentences and/or between paragraphs—transitions help to cut down on choppy flow of ideas—the reader should be able to read the essay, without having to stop to repair or make connections between your ideas.
