Title: How to Write a Formal Essay
1How to Write a Formal Essay
2Choosing a Title
- Your title must be specific to your topic so that
it is obvious to your reader exactly what your
essay will prove.
3Problematic Titles
- Romeo and Juliet by John Smith
- Romeo and Juliet Essay by John Smith
- Problems with these titles
- -William Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet, not
John Smith. - -Romeo and Juliet is too broad a topic.
- -Avoid using the word essay in your title.
4Strong Titles
- The Importance of Choice in Romeo and Juliet by
John Smith - Accidental Villainy in Romeo and Juliet by John
Smith - The Darkness of Love in Romeo and Juliet by John
Smith - The Character of the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet
Friend or Foe? by John Smith - These titles work because
- -they are specific and focused on the topic of
the essay. - -it is clear that John Smith did not write the
play, but rather the literary essays addressing
specific elements of the play.
5Sample first page MLA format
- District 18 Sir Charles GD Roberts Medal Format -
OWL at Purdue
6The Introduction
7The Introduction
- The introductory paragraph should give important
details. - Clearly introduce the general topic.
- Provide direction for the essay through a strong
thesis statement. - Identify the literary work and author.
8Example of Topic and Thesis
- Example of a general topic
- To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee presents
discrimination against black people. - Example of a thesis statement
- The persecution of Tom Robinson by the residents
of Maycomb County demonstrates how an innocent
man can be destroyed through racism.
9The Thesis
- The thesis is a powerfully worded declaration of
the intent of your essay. - It states the purpose of the essay and
establishes the focus and direction of the essay
which will be proven in the body. - It is often stated in the last sentence of your
introduction. - It is your comment or position on the issue you
are discussing. - A successful thesis statement will help unify
your essay.
10How to write a thesis statement
- Ask yourself
- How do you feel about the issue?
- Is there anything about your topic that relates
to something else in an interesting way? If so,
how? - What makes your topic different from any other?
- What are the parts of your topic?
- Can you break down the topic and address only one
specific part of it? - Narrowly focused thesis statements often result
in better writing, especially if the essay is
short.
11Things to consider
- Be persuasive you should attempt to convince
readers of something that is not obvious. After
all, there is no point in arguing a point of view
that everyone shares. - Your thesis may present a problem that has no
easy solution. As an essay writer, you should
choose a problem that you can discuss in depth. - Your thesis should be supported by all your
arguments facts if the thesis does not
encompass all of the points in your essay, you
will either have to re-work your thesis or remove
unrelated points.
12For further consideration
- You might be able to state your thesis as an
answer to a question. For example, the thesis
"essay assignments are a form of torture" answers
the question "what are essay assignments?" (This
thesis can be disagreed with somebody else might
answer "essay assignments are a measure of
student understanding.") - You may develop or modify your thesis through the
writing process. - Don't hesitate to be original. Your thesis may
pose an argument in response to a question nobody
has thought of asking before.
13Testing your thesis
- Strength make a list of arguments that support
your thesis. Then, make a list of objections to
it. If these objections are stronger than your
arguments, you should re-work your thesis. - Interest does it state the obvious? If it's so
obvious that nobody could fail to see it, it's
probably not worth arguing. An interesting thesis
offers a fresh, subtle, or controversial
perspective.
14Testing your thesis
- Specificity is it too vague? Be sure that you
have narrowed your topic and the thesis statement
is specific. - Manageability can you handle the topic within
the time frame/space provided? For example, can
your thesis be proven in a 1200 to 1600 word
essay?
15Refining the thesis statement
- Example of a general topic
- Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy. (This is too
broad). - Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy that
occurs as a direct result of the decisions made
by characters, not those made by fate. - Note that the second sentence summarizes the
writers argument and sets up a pattern for the
discussion.
16Example of an Introductory Paragraph
17 Romeo and Juliet is widely known to be a
tragedy, but what caused the atrocity for which
it is so renowned? Some may argue fate was to
blame for Romeo and Juliets deaths, that the
situations these young lovers faced were depicted
as being out of their control. Could Romeo have
refused to attend the Capulet masque? Was Romeo
destined to duel the raging Tybalt? Did Romeo and
Juliet truly have to kill themselves? If one
considers the specific circumstances and causes
of these situations, the fact that all scenarios
are the result of choice rather than chance, and
the notion that the characters were never left
without options, only one conclusion can be
determined. Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet is a
tragedy that occurs as a direct result of the
decisions made by characters, not those made by
fate.
18The Body
- The content of the body provides facts and
evidence to prove and support your thesis. - Divide the facts and evidence into paragraphs,
each of which begins with a topic sentence. - Connect the paragraphs through the use of
transitional expressions.
19Sample Body Paragraph
20- To fully comprehend how fate and destiny
had no role in the tragic deaths of Romeo and
Juliet, the terms fate, destiny, and
tragedy must be first understood. Fate can be
defined as a power that determines and controls
everything that is or happens, (Newfeldt 431)
while destiny can be described as what is
predetermined to happen despite of all efforts to
change or prevent it (Newfeldt 321). Therefore,
fate is the entity that decides all that will
occur, and destiny is the decision made by fate.
Tragedy can be defined as the dramatic
representation of serious and important actions
that turn out disastrously for the main
character. This indicates that the tragedies in
the play were the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, and
to say fate and destiny were not responsible for
these tragedies, is to say the characters of the
play, rather than some intangible force, were
aware and in control of the actions that caused
Romeo and Juliets deaths.
21Transitions
- All writers want their papers "to flow." This
rather vague phrase usually refers to the idea of
continuity and progression to which most writers
aspire. Often, a writer will create a
well-argued paper, complete with a strong thesis
and substantial evidence, only to find the paper
"dry." Other times, the lack of fluidity in an
essay may stem directly from weakness in the
organization of ideas. In both cases, the
effective use of transitions helps immeasurably.
22Identifying connections between ideas
- Just as linked sentences within a paragraph lead
the reader, so too must linked paragraphs direct
the reader from one idea to another. But no
writer can cover up a misdirected argument. The
first step in writing a cohesive argument lies in
outlining your ideas and organizing them soundly.
Take the time to prioritize your arguments
exploit the differences between points, set up
comparisons and contrasts, then construct
transitions to explain the relationship between
your ideas. Let your organization do the
transition work for you. Often, you need only to
state the relationship between successive
paragraphs in order to have a successful
transition.
23Example
- A paragraph citing the shortcomings of a
provincial lottery ends - The state focuses nearly all its publicity
effort on merchandising a get-rich-quick
fantasy, one that will come true for only a
handful of people, while encouraging millions of
others to think of success as a product of luck,
not honest work.
24Or a contrasting view
- While the shortcomings of the provincial lottery
system are numerous, there are sound arguments
for allowing state lotteries to continue and
spread... - The reader now sees the relationship between
paragraphs and expects to read a defense of the
lottery system.
25Implementing transitions
- The transition process applies to all types of
arguments. If you have strong evidence in each
paragraph, transitions may simply mark the
movement from one point to another. - If you want to show a cause and effect
relationship, you need only express that
connection. - Whatever relationship your ideas share, identify
that connection and communicate it to the reader. - You may add to, emphasize, summarize, or end an
argument. - Once you know the relationship, the options are
plentiful and logical.
26Transitional strategies
- The end of one paragraph can set up a clear
connection to the next paragraph, whether you aim
to reinforce or debunk what has been stated. - One way to create a transition is to repeat a key
word or phrase from the preceding paragraph. - In addition, since all paragraphs should help
prove the thesis, another strategy could be to
remind the reader of that larger goal.
27An example
- If your thesis is an attempt to prove Satan to
be a sympathetic character in Paradise Lost,
you may move from a paragraph citing Satan's self
doubt to another that explains Satan's
monologues - Because Satan doubts his choices throughout
Paradise Lost, he appears human, fallible, and
ultimately sympathetic to reader who identifies
with the human rather than the super human.
Another characteristic which suggests Milton
viewed Satan sympathetically emerges in Satan's
melancholy monologues. Like Satan's self-doubt,
his monologues display the manner in which Satan
longs for acceptance in Eden...
28- In the previous example, the word 'doubt' was
repeated and the transitional word 'another,'
connected both paragraphs to the thesis about
Satan's 'sympathetic' nature.
29Common Transitional Words Phrases
30To link complementary ideas
- again, in addition, at the same time, in the same
way, similarly, likewise, hence, as a result,
furthermore, moreover, secondly, thirdly.
31To link conflicting ideas
- in reality, in truth, on the contrary, on the
other hand, nonetheless, however, in contrast.
32To demonstrate cause and effect
- therefore, thus, so, it follows, then, as a
result, consequently.
33Transitional sequence words
- after, afterward, ahead of, all through, as,
before, beforehand, during, earlier than, first,
second, third finally, following, later, now,
prior to, sooner than, subsequently, then,
throughout, while.
34Transitional restatement or synonym signal words
- also, as well as, by the same token,
correspondingly, equally, equally so, especially,
for example, in that, in the same way, just as,
likewise, similarly, such as, these, too.
35Contrast or antonym signal words
- alternatively, although, apart from, but, by
contrast, contrary to that, conversely, despite,
even though, however, in contrast, in spite of
this, nevertheless, nonetheless, not
withstanding, on the other hand, regardless,
some,but others, still, then again, yet
36The Conclusion
37The purpose of the conclusion is
- to bring the main argument of your essay to a
close and explain to your reader why your paper
was worth reading. - to remind your reader of your thesis and main
points of the argument, but it should be more
than a restatement of your introduction. - to strengthen your essay by bringing logical
closure to the full scope of your ideas.
38Possible strategies for a successful conclusion
- You first need to consider the larger purposes of
your paper. - Ask yourself "Why is my argument important?"
- Decide how best to convey this insight to your
reader. - Expanding your thesis in this way gives you the
opportunity to highlight the key insights of your
argument.
39Possible strategies
- Address ideas from a fresh perspective in order
to encourage the reader to continue thinking
about your topic. - Include something from the introduction, such as
a detail, image, or example, to bring the
argument full circle. - Save a provocative, unexpected, or exciting
insight or quotation for the conclusion.
40Example of a Concluding Paragraph
41- To take ones own life is the sole choice of
the one committing suicide it is not the
responsibility of fate, as only the individual is
in control of his or her own life. Romeo and
Juliets deaths were the final result of a long
series of consequential choices and actions. The
possibility of tragedy was established with Romeo
attending the Capulets masque, and with Romeo
and Juliet swearing their love in marriage with
the help of Friar Lawrence. The likeliness of
their deaths was augmented by Tybalt battling
Romeo, Romeos banishment, and Juliet and Friar
Lawrences plan to reunite the lovers. The
tragedy ultimately took form when Romeo and
Juliet were faced with the decisions to kill
themselves. At no point in the sequence of events
was Romeo, Juliet, the Friar, or anyone else left
without an alternate choice to his or her actual
deeds. They were always conscious of what was
happening around them, and had good ideas as to
what may come about as a result of their actions.
There was no intricately designed destiny that
could not have been prevented Romeo and Juliets
road to destruction was paved simply by the poor
choices they made and their own fate.
42Remember To
- Be authoritative and persuasive.
- Write in the present tense check for verb
agreement. - Give evidence and quotes to support your personal
opinions.
43Remember To
- Avoid using contractions. (For example, use
cannot not cant.) Contractions are colloquial
and detract from the formality of your essay. - Avoid using first person phrases such as I am
going to or I want to or I anything. - Never use the phrases In this essay or This
essay is concerned with when introducing your
topic and thesis statement.
44Remember To
- Avoid using the phrase In conclusion to begin
your final paragraph. - Begin and end with a sharp and definitive
statement. - Indent five spaces (tab) when beginning a new
paragraph.
45Remember To
- Pay attention to paragraph length. Generally,
paragraphs are 4-6 sentences in length. - Note the opportunities to break up your paper
into interesting bites. - This is also an excellent opportunity to check
for linking sentences (transitions).
46Remember To
- Avoid drop-ins that is, throwing in unrelated
material. - Every idea or fact you use must be connected or
explained. For example, it is great to say that
Shakespeare had three children, but so what? You
need to discuss why this is important to your
essay or leave out this information altogether.
47Remember To
- Proofread your essay.
- Be careful of those commonly confused words like
there and their. - It takes time to use a dictionary, but it can
make a huge difference in your grade. - Also use a thesaurus expand your vocabulary!
48Remember To
- Revise your essay - the introduction you wrote at
the beginning of your paper may change completely
after you have finished writing. - Avoid padding -- try not to lengthen your essay
by repeating your ideas or concepts over and over
again in different terms. - Confirm that your essay has a well-constructed
and logical beginning, a steady and clear
progression of ideas, and a conclusion that
summarizes and reaffirms your findings.
Remember, quality is more important than
quantity.
49Remember To
- Use your own words and not plagiarize.
- Make sure that your conclusion relates directly
to your introduction.
50Remember To
- Italicize the title of a major literary work (a
novel or play). For example, Of Mice or Men, or
Romeo and Juliet. - Use quotations around the title of a short story,
article, song, or poem. (For example, The
Lottery, The Raven.)
51Remember To
- Use 8.5 by 11 plain white paper without side
holes. - Type the final copy in black ink-- size 12 font
in Times New Roman. - Double space the essay consistently throughout.
- Staple your essay in the upper left hand corner -
no plastic coverings or duo-tangs.
52Remember To
- Use proper margins on all sides (1 inch all
around). - Number the pages properly (refer to MLA Sample
Page).
53Documenting Sources
- To figure out how to properly document the
sources you use in your essay (in-text citations)
and on a Works Cited page and to avoid
plagiarism, consult one of many useful sites on
the Internet explaining the finer points of
properly documenting sources.
54Works Cited versus Bibliography
- Works Cited refers to the page where you credit
the sources you have quoted directly in your
essay. - Bibliography refers to the page where you credit
all sources you consulted in preparation for the
essay (whether you quoted them directly or not). -
- For the purpose of a literary essay, you would be
required to have a Works Cited page.
55Citation Hyperlinks
- MLA Formatting and Style Guide - The OWL at
Purdue - Bibliography/ Works Cited Maker
- Citation Machine
- UNB's Guide to MLA Style
- Easy Bibliographies
- Avoiding Plagiarism - The OWL at Purdue
56A little levity
- For a lighthearted look at the importance of
using formal language appropriately, complete
with transitions and complete thoughtsplease
visit - Miss Teen South Carolina
57