Essay Structure

Introductory Paragraph
Hookengage the reader so s/he wont change the channel; a direct quotation is your most
effective and expeditious choice; translate / deconstruct the hook as necessary
Transitionmake the connection between the hook and the thesis; include a brief synopsis of
the novel
Make sure that you have included title and author in this paragraph
Thesisin one sentence capture your proposal; i.e., make your claim
o Thesis starter: In this essay I will argue that . . .
o Erase the starter, and what remains is the thesis
o A theme-based thesis is a universal statement; that is, it does not make reference to the
characters or conflict
Body Paragraphs
I.

Topic Sentence: must be in a complete sentence = the contract with the reader about what
this paragraph will argue. That is, ask yourself, what will this paragraph be about that will
help me advance my thesis? = your topic sentence. (Remember, 1. your topic sentence
mirrors the thesis and 2. it maps the direction of the paragraph. The topic sentence is text
specific.)
A. Context =
1. you have selected a scene / example from your novel and a DQ from this
scene to help you argue this topic sentence
2. literally, where are we in the story leading up to the DQ that you will use?
3. who is involved in the scene and whats happening?
4. that is, what information does the nave reader need to know to follow your
argument?
5. offer sufficient detail to be truly meaningful
B. Direct quotation(s) from the text
1. must allow you to reveal something significant
2. its meaning should not be obvious or superficial
3. avoid quotations that merely drive the plot forward or repeats your topic
sentence
4. use parenthetical citations
C. Analysis
1. detailed deconstruction of the text
a. what is being said or implied in the scene / quotation?
b. why is it important?
c. what is the subtext?
2. relate the analysis to the topic sentence and thesis
a. how is this example helping you to demonstrate your thesis?
b. how is this example advancing your thesis?

II.

Repeat this formula for the second supporting paragraph

III.

Repeat this formula for the third supporting paragraph

Concluding Paragraph
end with a bang rather than a whimper
build this paragraph in a manner similar to the construction of the opening paragraph
offer a strong conclusion to your argument