Essay FormatEssay FormatAmerican Lit.American Lit.

Essay StructureEssay Structure

• IntroductionIntroduction

• Body ParagraphsBody Paragraphs

• ConclusionConclusion

IntroductionIntroduction

• 5-7 sentences5-7 sentences

• Answer any specific questions in the promptAnswer any specific questions in the prompt

• General information about the topicGeneral information about the topic

• End with a thesis statementEnd with a thesis statement

Body paragraphsBody paragraphs

• Each body must follow this formatEach body must follow this format

• Topic sentenceTopic sentence

• Concrete DetailConcrete Detail• FACT-quote, or example from the textFACT-quote, or example from the text

• CommentaryCommentary• Your opinion-supports your CDYour opinion-supports your CD

• Commentary (2Commentary (2ndnd CM is preferred, not required) CM is preferred, not required)

• Concrete DetailConcrete Detail

• CommentaryCommentary

• CommentaryCommentary

• Concluding SentenceConcluding Sentence

ConclusionConclusion

• 5-7 Sentences5-7 Sentences

• Summarizes main pointsSummarizes main points

• No new information introducedNo new information introduced

• Answer specific question in promptAnswer specific question in prompt

MLA FormatMLA Format

• Use standard 8 1/2 by 11 inch white paper. Do not use Use standard 8 1/2 by 11 inch white paper. Do not use paper that has been torn out of a notebook.paper that has been torn out of a notebook.

• Use the heading shown on MLA sheet.Use the heading shown on MLA sheet.

• Center your title as shown. Do not underline, bold, or use Center your title as shown. Do not underline, bold, or use quotation marks around your title. Do not use a different quotation marks around your title. Do not use a different font.font.

• Do not skip lines between paragraphs.Do not skip lines between paragraphs.

• Write on only one side of the paper.Write on only one side of the paper.

• Do not write or type in all capital letters.Do not write or type in all capital letters.

• Do not write “The End.”Do not write “The End.”

• Use 12 point Times New Roman font unless otherwise stated. Use 12 point Times New Roman font unless otherwise stated.

CitationsCitations

• Before using a quote, make sure you Before using a quote, make sure you introduce it. introduce it.

• Start with a transition, then a signal phrase, Start with a transition, then a signal phrase, then your quote.then your quote.

•   For example, John Proctor says, “I have For example, John Proctor says, “I have given you my soul; leave me my name” (240).given you my soul; leave me my name” (240).

Transition

Signal Phrase

Quote

Pg. #