For this essay, you will be constructing an argumentative essay. An essay is a relatively short
written composition that articulates, supports, and develops an idea or claim (an argument).
Explaining in this case entails both analysis (breaking the complex “thing” down into its parts
and showing how they work together to form a meaningful whole) and argument (working to
convince someone that the analysis is valid). In an essay about literature, the literary work is the
complex “thing” that you are helping a reader to better understand. The essay needs to show the
reader a particular way to understand the work, to interpret or read it. The purpose of this
argumentative essay is to provide a specific interpretation of your chosen literature and its larger
significance using textual evidence (select specific scenes from the chosen course literature).
Literature Selections:
✔ Choose any literature read for class
Argument:
✔ What (subject) + How (how you plan to examine the subject) + Why (significance of
your argument)
✔ Thesis: The thesis statement is a roadmap for your essay. It should appear (1-2
sentences) at the end of your introduction.
✔ Topic Sentences: Topic sentences are the first sentences of each body paragraph (except
the introduction) that states the significance of the main idea you explore in the
paragraph.
Avoid:
✔ Outside sources citing summaries, biographies, blogs, and websites.
✔ Addressing the author by their first name.
✔ Evidence (quotes) without introductions and explanations.
✔ Incomplete and run-on sentences.
✔ Addressing the reader (e.g. “The reader can tell” or “The reader can see”).
✔ Inserting your opinion (e.g. In my opinion, I think, I feel, or I believe). Instead work to
provide evidence and explain what the interpretation means.
✔ Summarizing the text.
MLA Format for Essays:
All formal papers must be submitted using the following format:
1. 5-6 full pages (excluding Works Cited page), 12 pt, Times Roman font, double-spaced with
one-inch margins;
2. Text is left-justified and title in center-justified;
3. Heading is on the upper left-hand corner of the paper and consists of student’s name, course
number and section/instructor’s name, assignment title, and due date;
4. Header is in the upper right hand corner and consists of student’s last name and the page
number;
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