Download - Essay Format
Essay FormatEssay FormatAmerican Lit.American Lit.
Essay StructureEssay Structure
• IntroductionIntroduction
• Body ParagraphsBody Paragraphs
• ConclusionConclusion
IntroductionIntroduction
• 5-7 sentences5-7 sentences
• Answer any specific questions in the promptAnswer any specific questions in the prompt
• General information about the topicGeneral information about the topic
• End with a thesis statementEnd with a thesis statement
Body paragraphsBody paragraphs
• Each body must follow this formatEach body must follow this format
• Topic sentenceTopic sentence
• Concrete DetailConcrete Detail• FACT-quote, or example from the textFACT-quote, or example from the text
• CommentaryCommentary• Your opinion-supports your CDYour opinion-supports your CD
• Commentary (2Commentary (2ndnd CM is preferred, not required) CM is preferred, not required)
• Concrete DetailConcrete Detail
• CommentaryCommentary
• CommentaryCommentary
• Concluding SentenceConcluding Sentence
ConclusionConclusion
• 5-7 Sentences5-7 Sentences
• Summarizes main pointsSummarizes main points
• No new information introducedNo new information introduced
• Answer specific question in promptAnswer specific question in prompt
MLA FormatMLA Format
• Use standard 8 1/2 by 11 inch white paper. Do not use Use standard 8 1/2 by 11 inch white paper. Do not use paper that has been torn out of a notebook.paper that has been torn out of a notebook.
• Use the heading shown on MLA sheet.Use the heading shown on MLA sheet.
• Center your title as shown. Do not underline, bold, or use Center your title as shown. Do not underline, bold, or use quotation marks around your title. Do not use a different quotation marks around your title. Do not use a different font.font.
• Do not skip lines between paragraphs.Do not skip lines between paragraphs.
• Write on only one side of the paper.Write on only one side of the paper.
• Do not write or type in all capital letters.Do not write or type in all capital letters.
• Do not write “The End.”Do not write “The End.”
• Use 12 point Times New Roman font unless otherwise stated. Use 12 point Times New Roman font unless otherwise stated.
CitationsCitations
• Before using a quote, make sure you Before using a quote, make sure you introduce it. introduce it.
• Start with a transition, then a signal phrase, Start with a transition, then a signal phrase, then your quote.then your quote.
• For example, John Proctor says, “I have For example, John Proctor says, “I have given you my soul; leave me my name” (240).given you my soul; leave me my name” (240).
Transition
Signal Phrase
Quote
Pg. #