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ESSAY WRITING INSTRUCTIONS

These instructions should be used for writing all the essays that are required as part of the exams for each of the genre. 

 Submit your essay as a word document in APA format.

 Three to four pages of written work, not including citation page. 

 12 point,  Times Roman  and one-inch margins 

 Organization is key!!

 Introduction

 First topic

 Second  topic

 Third topic

 Conclusion

The introductory paragraph should begin with an interesting lead followed by the identification of the work and the author.  Your introduction should culminate in the thesis statement which identifies your subject, purpose, and original opinion.  

The body paragraphs should then be constructed to prove this point with the discussion centering on your literary analysis. If you were to choose the element of setting to analyze, for example, you would provide an examination of the place and time – using quotes from the story to describe the setting and descriptions by the narrator of the dress, names and attitudes that were relevant during that time period.  Do not tell what happened – Show and explain the author’s techniques and larger intentions.

These body paragraphs should begin with a topic sentence that generalizes the ideas to be developed.  Quotations and explanations of the quotes support that general statement.  It is extremely important that you explain your use of the quotations from the story.  Remember,  you are trying to prove your thesis statement. 

The concluding paragraph should restate your original thesis in different terms, stating once again the point that you have successfully proven in your essay.

**** Quotes from the story are necessary to support your ideas in the analysis, but the paper needs to be as much your own thoughts as possible. If you use outside sources, please be sure to cite and quote sparingly from these sources. It is best to paraphrase, and then still cite the author of the ideas.

ENG 130

SHORT STORY EXAM & ESSAY Name: ______________

Part II: Essay

*See the Essay Instructions found in Unit 2

and the Essay Grading checklist in our syllabus*

Choose one essay topic and develop an original, arguable thesis statement to start your essay:

1. Theme: Many of the works we have read in class explore the theme of isolation,

loneliness, or alienation. Choose three of the stories we’ve read and interpret this theme. What are the authors’ deeper messages or world views based on your interpretation?

1.

Setting: The setting often sets the stage for the story and is used to create

atmosphere and mood. Choose three stories we’ve read and analyze the writers’ use of setting. What are the authors’ deeper messages or world views based on your interpretation?

1. Symbolism: Writers of short stories often rely on symbolism as a way to develop the

plot or further the theme. Select three works and examine the writers’ use of symbolism. What are the authors’ deeper messages or world views based on your interpretation?

ESSAY GRADE

Format:

On time  1

Correct length  1

*MLA format 1

Instructions followed  1

Style:

Correct grammar, syntax, punctuation  1

Formal language   1

Logical organization of paragraphs  1

Ideas developed without repetition  1

Content:

Original, arguable thesis statement  3

Use of examples from text to support thesis  3

Use of examples from text to interpret (not summarize)  3

Analysis of components of literature (see course outcomes)  3

TOTAL:  20

Points:
20: 100 19: 95 18: 90…

*MLA information is in our book, online at MyLiteratureLab (Resources-Research) and on Course Information page.