Johnny Poe (your name)

Mr. Sullivan (teacher’s name)

English III

November 7, 2008

The Scarlet Letter Essay: What is Wrong Here? (Boring title)

Notice the above MLA format follows the wiki page example. Before we begin responding to each other’s papers, we should remember to be courteous and write only positive suggestions on our neighbor’s paper

Introduction checklist: ____introduce topic; ______ incorporate title and author well; _______ create a strong thesis statement with a mapping sentence or phrase that allows your reader to anticipate the main ideas of the three upcoming body paragraphs.

Body paragraphs checklist:

____ Topic sentence: includes element and a hint of your two examples;

____ Sentences introducing your first piece of textual evidence as well as your claim;

____ Supply your textual evidence; this is called support in essay parlance; see the MLS Style page on the wiki for style rules;

____ Evaluate your evidence; this is the fun part of writing essays;

____ Sentences introducing your second piece of textual evidence as well as your claim;

____ Supply your textual evidence; this is called support in essay parlance; see the MLS Style page on the wiki for style rules;

____ Evaluate your evidence; again, have fun with this part;

____Good essay writers will reflect on these two pieces of evidence and evince more value.

Conclusion checklist: ____ restate thesis; ____ create a profound conclusion.

Are you having trouble creating a strong close? Try some of these strategies for closing paragraphs: strike a note of despair or hope; give a symbolic or powerful fact or other detail; give an especially compelling example; create a visual image that represents your subject; reflect on the implications of your thesis. Avoid simply restating your topic sentence, starting off in a new direction, and apologizing or casting doubt on your thesis.

The Writer’s Handbook: be sure to follow the style advice and use the active voice as much as possible. For now, we’ll make sure every topic sentence exploits the active voice.