ENG2D - Formal Literary Essay

Compose a formal, five-paragraph, literary essay (approximately 650-900 words) on your novel.

Introductory Paragraph
a) Begin with a warm-up sentence that introduces the reader, in a general way, to the thesis.
b) Write the thesis in as clear a manner as possible. Be sure to include the name of the piece of literature
and the author.

Body Paragraphs
a) Write a topic sentence for the paragraph, clearly stating the main point. Follow all of the rules under the
heading First/Second/Third Main Point on the Essay Outline. These rules are very, very important. (Go
look them up now please.)
b) Provide context for the first specific moment (ie. the 4Ws - who, what, where, when).
c) Provide a specific moment to prove the main point. Begin by writing a paraphrase describing a specific
moment from the literature. If possible, also provide a brief quotation from the literature. Whether you
choose to include a quotation or not, you must include a page number for each specific moment.

Example 1: When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness/ sake (Lee 99).
Example 2: Scout listened in secret from behind the door (Lee 101).

Please notice the punctuation in these examples. Note that there should be no period at the end of the
quotation or paraphrase. If a quotation or paraphrase ends with a question or exclamation mark,
however, include it directly after the quotation, as follows:

Example 3: Ill never speak to you again as long as I live! (Lee 96).

d) Provide a clear explanation as to how the specific moment actually proves the point being made in this
paragraph.
e) Write a transition sentence that leads the reader smoothly into the next support.
f) For the second support in the body paragraph, begin over again at a) and repeat to e).
g) Write a concluding sentence for the paragraph that re-states the point that has been proven and adds a
feeling of completion, a qualification, or a final thought on the matter.
h) A transition into the next body paragraph can be used, as long as it is not overly simplistic or mechanical
(ie. the dreaded The next main point is).
i) Repeat steps a) through to g) for the second body paragraph.
j) Repeat steps a) through to g) for the third body paragraph.
Concluding Paragraph
Restate the thesis statement and include a brief summary of the three main points, but

Having said this, do NOT simply restate the thesis statement and directional statement word for word
(or idea by idea), as that would be repetitive. Having read the essay, the reader should understand the ideas
explored with fresh and deeper understanding, and your conclusion must reflect what has been learned.

It is also possible to include one or more of the following:

askaprovocativequestion(butstayinthirdperson!)
useaquotation.
evokeavividimage.
universalize(comparetoothersituations).
suggestamotivationonthepartoftheauthorforsendingthismessage

Do not, under any circumstances:

slipintofirstpersonnarration(I,you,me,we,our,etc.)
introduceanentirelynewpoint.
endwithanoverblown,sentimentalpronouncement(ie.Onemustrealizethattheworldwillbea
horribleplaceforhumanityschildren,andthechildrenafterthem,ifwedonotpayheedtoLees
lessonsandthemes.)