Guidelines
for Writing an Essay
Getting
Started~
1.
Read and Reread.
Read and reread the work or works you've decided to write about, with a mind
to the topic you have chosen. As you take careful notes (making note of all
relevant words, phrases, images, and illustrations), consult the Bedford
Handbook and any relevant handouts.
1. Formulate a thesis. Make sure your thesis is specific enough to be covered adequately in the space of your discussion. Remember: merely noting a difference or similarity does not constitute a thesis. So, it would not be sufficient to say that Dr. Seuss's The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins (1937), Horton Hears a Who! (1954), and The Lorax (1971) all are versions of the "quest" narrative. True enough, but so what? Instead, you might argue that the changing nature of the "quest" narrative in Dr. Seuss's The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins (1937), Horton Hears a Who! (1954), and The Lorax (1971) shows an increasingly political engagement with real-world issues: from a fairly mild indictment of an unjust king, Seuss's concerns grow to include threats of anihilation and environmental catastrophe. Refer to the handout titled "Thesis vs. Topic."2. Each paragraph should begin with a claim. Just as a thesis claim guides the paper as a whole, a paragraph's claim (often referred to as a "topic sentence") guides a paragraph. So, at or near the beginning of each paragraph, include a topic sentence that states your paragraph's central argument. The topic sentence serves as a bridge between thesis and paragraph by making an interpretive claim that indicates how the paragraph will support your thesis.3. Provide support. To persuade your readers to your position, you will need to provide some evidence in support of your claims. Quotations from the novel or story should be used as evidence to prove your assertions.4. Analysis and explanation of evidence. Be sure to analyze the quotation and discuss its significance. Explain for your reader how your evidence supports your claims.5. Conclusion. Your last paragraph should synthesize, not summarize. You should resolve—and not merely repeat—your argument. Think of a conclusion this way: it both reminds your reader of where you've been and suggests new areas to explore.
And,
after you finish your draft~
1. Revise and edit. Read your paper out loud to yourself. Often you will hear what your eyes will miss.2. Grammar and structure are important. To help yourself proofread and revise with both of these ideas in mind, please see the handout titled "Keys to Structure and Style."3. When in doubt, get help. My office hours are on the syllabus, and by appointment. My email address is csigler@d.umn.edu. Also, please make use of a grammar or writing handbook.