Literary Analysis Essay Structure I.

Introductory Paragraph The beginning of your essay this gives us a preview of what your essay will discuss. a. Title, Author, Genre/Text Type A Long Walk to Water Linda Sue Park novel b. A short summary of book one or two sentences to give background information about the story (setting, characters, conflict/problem) c. Claim Statement (thesis statement) listing 3 survival factors for Salva. This is the last sentence in your introductory paragraph. Paragraph 2 - First Survival Factor Paragraph a. Topic sentence state the main idea of your paragraph what this paragraph will discuss how it will prove your claim. b. Context for the quote (that will follow in the next sentence) i. Who says it? ii. What is happening in the text when they say it? c. Provide evidence Quote from text (cited appropriately) d. Analysis of the quote: How does it prove your claim? What does the evidence say? What does it mean? Why does it matter? e. Closing sentence (wrap up the paragraph to effectively transition to the next paragraph) Paragraph 3 - Second Survival Factor Paragraph a. Topic sentence state the main idea of your paragraph what this paragraph will discuss how it will prove your claim. b. Context for the quote (that will follow in the next sentence) i. Who says it? ii. What is happening in the text when they say it? c. Provide evidence Quote from text (cited appropriately) d. Analysis of the quote: How does it prove your claim? What does the evidence say? What does it mean? Why does it matter? e. Closing sentence (wrap up the paragraph to effectively transition to the next paragraph) Paragraph 4 - Third Survival Factor Paragraph a. Topic sentence state the main idea of your paragraph what this paragraph will discuss how it will prove your claim. b. Context for the quote (that will follow in the next sentence) i. Who says it? ii. What is happening in the text when they say it? c. Provide evidence Quote from text (cited appropriately) d. Analysis of the quote: How does it prove your claim? What does the evidence say? What does it mean? Why does it matter? e. Closing sentence (wrap up the paragraph to effectively transition to the next paragraph)

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Conclusion a. Restate your claim (thesis) first sentence of conclusion b. Explain the importance of

Remember DO NOT Say in my opinion, I think, I believe, etc. Switch tenses or persons. (If you begin in present tense, keep it all present tense.) Use second person (you, your, yours). Refer to the essay itself. For example, This essay will prove or The next paragraph discusses Say the same thing over and over in the paragraphs of the body. Use specific and numerous details of proof instead. Use contractions. Retell the plot of the story. Give only the details you need to support your points.

Essay Checklist: Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the book Presents an original, compelling argument (claim) Uses appropriate and insightful examples Structures ideas in a logical and progressive order Demonstrates a mastery of sentence construction, transitions, grammar, spelling, and word choice

PLEASE USE THE MODEL ESSAY ON PAGE 71. IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTIES WRITING YOUR BODY PARAGRAPHS YOU CAN USE THE MODEL ON PAGE 51.