Essays will be approximately 1000-1300 words (excluding the Works Cited page) and will include at least 4 background sources and one primary source (the literary work itself is the “primary source”). Try to use respectable, credible background sources such as journal articles, books, or articles from Galileo. (Cliff’s Notes, Bookrags, Sparknotes, Wikipedia entries, and similar popular sites may help you get started but should not be cited in your paper.) Papers must be written according to MLA (Modern Language Association) format.
Somewhere in the first paragraph, state in precise and detailed fashion what your argument is going to be. Consider using this template as a way to condense your ideas into a clear, concise thesis statement: “By looking at _____, we can see _____, which most readers don’t see; this is important because _____. “ Note: The thesis of your essay does not have to fit this template; in fact, I’d prefer that your wording be your own. But using the template can help you get started. For more information on strong literary thesis statements, please visit this site: http://www.math.grinnell.edu/~simpsone/Teaching/fiveways.html
A good literary research paper contains quotations and parenthetical citations. Somewhere in your essay, you must cite each of your research sources; some of these citations may be quotations, and some may be paraphrases. Quoting and paraphrasing from your research sources shows that you have spent some time learning about your topic.
HOWEVER, you should only quote passages that you can analyze for their connotations or symbolic significance. Don’t quote something that you aren’t going to “read meaning into,” and only quote what you need. Avoid quoting long passages that are only marginally relevant.
Use MLA style for all in-text citations and for your Works Cited page. The Research Paper Materials Folder contains a link to an online MLA style guide.
Avoid over-summarizing plots. When writing a literary essay, you should assume that your reader has some familiarity with the literature. You should briefly identify characters, but you should not supply a play-by-play recap of the action. Discuss only those details of the plot that specifically support your argument. In addition, while you may choose to offer a VERY brief biography of a writer, historical facts, dates, and random biographical details should not be the focus of your paper. Instead, devote most of your energy to ANALYZING your primary sources and buttressing your argument with information from background sources.
Plagiarism from online sources, from other students’ papers, or from any other type of source will not be tolerated. Make sure you adequately document any information you take from a research source.
Organize the essay according to specific points that comprise your argument. Your introduction should state a clear thesis. Each body paragraph should include a topic sentence and evidence that clearly supports that topic sentence. In your conclusion, avoid merely restating your thesis; instead, offer a thought-provoking final statement that offers closure and leaves readers pondering.
Do not end on a question or a quotation.
PROOFREAD! Grammar counts, and research papers should be free of major grammar/usage/mechanics errors