1. Knowledge/ Understanding: Numerous references to the content of the texts; references make relevant and effective connections to the thesis. The thesis is focused, insightful and arguable
Shows exemplary inclusion and integration of relevant quotations
uses appropriate language and voice with a high degree of effectiveness and consistency
applies grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation with a high degree of accuracy and effectiveness
Body paragraphs use topic sentences, supporting details, commentary, and concluding sentences fluently according to comparative structure
-
Go beyond the obvious answers and evidence to make your analysis unique
-
Don’t think of “how” think of “why”!
-
Try to find references that closely relate to your arguments rather than ones that you “twist” to make them fit your argument
-
Don’t simply state the obvious or summarize; you always assume that the reader of your essay has read the text and is aware of the main plot and characters etc.
-
Spelling counts, especially the names of characters
-
Use MLA format for citations
-
Maintain the present tense!
-
Use formal language (which means no slang, no colloquial language, no contractions, and no personal pronouns)
-
Order your body paragraphs so that the strongest argument is placed last, but also be considerate as to which paragraphs flow into one another…in other words, the organization of your paragraphs is important
-
Use forceful and complex and/or compound sentence…meaning, avoiding vague diction (weak word choices) and weak-kneed words and phrases such as “it seems that,” “the fact that”, “it could be that”
-
Make sure you are creating style in your essay using rhetorical devices appropriate to your thesis
-
Use 12-point font and double space
-
Word Limit: 700-800 words
Paragraph 1 (Introduction):
Provide an engaging essay introduction to your topic using one of the suggested methods:
-
HOOK: general statement which relates to your topic but is not boring or dry and sets your tone
-
sensory imagery – describe a person/place/thing according to the senses which sets up the mood of the essay
-
contrast: an interesting opposition of ideas related to your thesis
-
Introduce the texts and your main idea.
-
Connect how the basis of comparison in the prompt is relevant to the first text
-
Connect how the basis for comparison in the prompt is also relevant to the second text.
-
State the thesis at the end of this paragraph.
Paragraphs 2, and 3 (Body paragraphs):
-
Topic Sentence with argument
-
Sub points/development
-
Proof from text #1
-
Analysis of text’s proof
-
Commentary and connection to thesis
-
Proof from text #2
-
Analysis of text’s proof
-
Commentary and connection to thesis
-
Concluding/transition sentence
Paragraph 4 (Conclusion):
-
Restate your thesis
-
Summarize your main points
-
End with final thought (something to leave readers thinking about)
-
So what? come back full circle to your introduction’s opening and how you hooked the reader (e.g. sensory imagery, contrast etc.)