FORMAL ESSAY WRITING
The Introduction
The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and give an idea of the
essay's focus.
1. Thematic or Hook statement.
This attention grabber you use is up to you, but here are some ideas:
o Startling information
This information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn't need to be totally new to
your readers. It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point
you wish to make. If you use a piece of startling information, follow it with a
sentence or two of elaboration.
o Anecdote
An anecdote is a story that illustrates a point. Be sure your anecdote is short, to the
point, and relevant to your topic. This can be a very effective opener for your essay,
but use it carefully.
o Summary Information
A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to
your thesis. Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach
your thesis.
o Quotation
o An interesting quote can kick-start an essay by illustrating the opinion of an
authority on the topic. Be sure it is taken from a recognized source. Follow it with
an analysis of the quote.
o Rhetorical Question
o An interesting question regarding the topic can stimulate discussion and start the
essay on a controversial note. Use sparingly. Always answer these questions when
you raise them.
2. Harnessing Sentences.
If the attention grabber was only a sentence or two, add one or two more sentences that
will lead the reader from your opening to your thesis statement. Develop your topic
sentence and begin to apply it to your area of focus. Additionally, these sentences must
include the author as well as the title of piece of literature your essay is focusing on.
3. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement and arguments.
A basic thesis statement should be clear and take one side of the issue, identifying the
ways you will prove your thesis. For example: “D is true (or false) because of A, B, and
C.” or “Because of A, B, and C, D is true (or false).”
Good thesis statements
 Martel suggests that when people are placed in life or death situations full of chaos,
societal rules cannot apply in order to ensure survival.
 The failure of the characters in Othello to allow their ego to act as their guide results in
their downfall and deaths.
Both statements are arguable and do not include the arguments that will be used to prove your
thesis.
Incorrect thesis statements
X Martel’s novel is about a young boy lost at sea. (Not arguable)
X Through Pi’s lose of values, uncivilized actions, and selfish actions Martel suggest that
when
people are placed in life or death situations full of chaos, societal rules cannot apply in
order
to ensure survival. (Thesis and arguments are in one sentence)
Body Paragraphs
1. Topic Sentence
 Introduces the reader to the topic and main idea of the paragraph.
 Grabs or hooks the reader.
For example: In the novel Flowers for Algernon, Charlie Gordon discovers how others truly
perceive him.
2. Supporting Sentences
 Follows the topic sentence.
 Offers points, proof in the form of direct or indirect references to the text, and an
explanation relating the information back to the main idea.
For example:
 Point: Prof. Nemur feels superior to Charlie and treats Charlie as a guinea pig, instead of
a human being.
 Proof: Charlie recognizes Prof. Nemur’s mistreatment, only after the operation, and
writes the following in a progress report, “I resent Nemur’s constant references to me as
a laboratory specimen. He makes me feel that before the experiment I was not really a
human being.” (p. 113)
 Analysis: With Charlie’s increased intelligence; he can interpret other people’s
perceptions and attitudes towards him. He feels hurt and disrespected by Prof. Nemur,
and he knows that he is more than a science experiment.
3. Concluding Sentence
 Closing sentence following the supporting sentences, that sheds light on the main idea
and topic of the paragraph.
For example: If Charlie had chosen not to have the surgery, he would not be aware of how
other people perceive him and the mistreatment he has endured. As a result, he would not
have suffered the emotional pain of being treated as less of a human being.
How to use textual references
When writing your paragraph, it is important to include proof in the form of direct and
indirect quotations from the text. Below are models of how to incorporate direct and indirect
quotations in your writing.
Direct QuotationDirect quotations must reproduce the original source exactly. You must construct a clear,
grammatically correct sentence that allows you to introduce or incorporate a quotation
smoothly and accurately.
Short quotations of 1 to 4 typed lines are put into quotation marks and included, double space,
in the body of the assignment. They are introduced by a comma (,) unless they are a
continuation of a body paragraph sentence; the appropriate punctuation, or none at all, is then
used. Quotations are followed by the page reference in parentheses (see below) and then the
period.
Short Quotation Example
Bianca demonstrates jealousy towards Cassio as she questions the origin of the
handkerchief Cassio requests she recreate: “O Cassio, whence came this? / This is some token
from a newer friend;” (3.4.180-181). The presence of the handkerchief ignites Bianca’s jealous
as she believes it to be a gift from Cassio’s new girlfriend and thus the cause of his recent
absences.
Long quotations of more than 4 lines are set off from the body of the assignment. Begin a new
line, indented by one inch or 10 spaces. Type the quotation double spaced, without using
quotation marks. Do not indent the first line more than the others unless you are quoting two
or more paragraphs. A long quotation is introduced by a colon (:) unless it forms a continuation
of a body paragraph sentence; the appropriate punctuation, or none at all, is then used. Long
quotations are followed directly by a period, and then the pager reference in parentheses.
Long Quotation & Ellipsis Example
Jealousy is what fuels Iago’s desire to bring down those around him. This becomes
evident as Iago explains to Roderigo that he is envious of Othello’s appointment of Cassio as
lieutenant:
And what was he?
Forsooth, a great arithmetician,
One Michael Cassio, a Florentine
…But he, sir, had th’ election;
And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof
At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on [other] grounds
Christen’d and heathen, must be belee’d and calm’d (1.1.18-30)
Thus, Iago is consumed with envy because Othello awarded the second in command position to
an undeserving and inexperienced Michael Cassio. Additionally, Iago becomes even more
jealous as he feels that his own experiences and character were overlooked in this
appointment. As a result, Iago uses this jealousy as the basis for his plan to ruin Othello.
Indirect Quotation –
When citing proof from the text by putting it into your own words, it is still necessary
that you indicate where your idea originated.
Here is an example of how to use an indirect quotation:
Dr. Straus explained to Charlie that his intellectual development will exceed his emotional
development. Charlie will experience problems as a result. (p. 47)
*Note that the quotation marks are not used but the page reference is indicated in
parentheses.*
The Conclusion
1. Restate the Thesis:
This statement should identify and focus on what you have proven is your essay. It should also
indicate the three reasons used to prove it.
2. Summarize your Main Arguments:
Briefly summarize the points presented in your essay. Each point should be summarized in its
own sentence.
3. Final Thought:
This statement should leave your reader with something to consider about what you have
proven in your essay.
MLA Formatting Tips
General Guidelines:
 Double space
 Times New Roman or Arial font
 12 pt. font
 Margins = 1 inch on all sides
 Indent the first line of paragraphs – use the tab key.
 Create a header in the upper right hand corner, which includes your last name, followed
by a space with the page number.
 Italicize titles of other works.
Formatting the first page of your paper:
 Do not make a title page for your paper.
 In the upper left hand corner list your name, your teacher`s name, the course, and the
date the essay will be submitted. (Be sure to double space.)
 Double space again and center the title. Do not underline or italicize the title.
 Double space between the title and your first line.