SL+essay+notes

Scarlet Letter expository essay notes Helpful hints
 * Introduction – starts broad, some hook
 * Must include title of text, name of author, genre or medium
 * Narrows to the thesis
 * Thesis = topic + opinion
 * Body paragraphs
 * 3 body paragraphs
 * must use 6 pieces of textual evidence
 * 2 per paragraph
 * Start with a topic sentence
 * Supports the thesis
 * Include a transition in later paragraphs
 * Offer context
 * What part of the story are you referring to? What part of the character’s development?
 * First example from the text
 * MLA style – include the signal phrase!
 * Explain first example
 * Tying it to topic sentence
 * Second example
 * Explain
 * Conclusion
 * Start with thesis restatement
 * Then relate the topic or thesis to something outside the scope of the essay.
 * No “I,” “me,” “you,” etc. in a formal essay
 * No “In my opinion”
 * Be bold!
 * No passive voice
 * No: It is often thought that . ..
 * But: People think . ..
 * Format rules
 * Size 12 font, some normal font
 * Heading on top left
 * Name
 * Teacher’s name
 * Class and period
 * Date


 * 1” margins – whatever Google Docs does is fine
 * double spaced
 * no space between paragraphs
 * indent beginning of paragraphs