THE EXPOSITORY ESSAY for The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
DUE NOVEMBER 20th on turnitin.com
In this research paper, the student will analyze one topic related to the play The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. It will be a
four paragraph paper consisting of an introductory paragraph, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.
Topic 1: What role does the concept of young love play in Romeo and Juliet?
Topic 2: Examine the role of women in Romeo and Juliet.
Topic 3: How do family values influence the decisions young people make?
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
The introductory paragraph, or introduction of the paper, should mention the COMPLETE name of the author,
the title of the work, the genre (type of literature) you are writing about, and one theme found in the book. The
introductory sentences should also lead the reader in the direction of the specific topic you have chosen. The thesis is
the last sentence in the introduction and should include the two supporting points; each of these supporting points will
become a body paragraph.
BODY PARAGRAPHS
How do the paragraphs breakdown?
The first sentence of your body, or developmental, paragraph will be a topic sentence. Each topic sentence will develop
one of the points set forth in your thesis. The rest of the developmental paragraph will be illustrated by specific
evidence (direct quotations) from the play.
So, what are the minimum requirements for each body paragraph?
Each paragraph MUST have:
1. A Topic Sentence—clear Answer to the prompt and an outline of the paragraph
2. Minimum of four combination quotes, your Proof (quotes mixed with your own words) from the play
a. the quotes should illustrate specific moments from the play that proves your topic
3. Analysis or Explanation of the technique presented
a. in this analysis, discuss how the quote proves your topic in relation to the play Romeo and Juliet
b. in addition, discuss—in detail—what other connections can be made about the topic outside of the play
4. Closing Sentence—BRIEFLY sum up the paragraph and/or transition to second paragraph
*In all, the body paragraph will have at least 2 quotes—both from Romeo and Juliet
CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH
The conclusion must be at least two sentences long and should re-emphasize your thesis. Ideally, you will also indicate
how the point in your thesis makes an impact on the work or the reader. The last line of this paragraph is the only place
where you can use first person plural (we, us, etc.).
A few reminders:
1. Keep in PRESENT tense throughout the paper. For example, Romeo dies, Nurse thinks, Juliet manipulates.
LITERATURE IS ALIVE.
2. Remember that a quotation should demonstrate the truth of some statement you have made, preferably in the
same sentence. An apt quotation will prove your point.
3. You will also include a Works Cited page at the end of your paper to tell your reader the source(s) you are
discussing and quoting. You will need only one source for this paper: Romeo and Juliet.
a. The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet—primary source
IN-TEXT CITATIONS
You may refer to the literature by a direct quotation, which may be as short as a word or two, or as long as several lines.
These quotations MUST be documented; you must inform your reader of the source of these quotations. You will
provide the information in parentheses after the quotation. Documentation for plays is stated: Act.Scene.line(s). The
numbers are written in Arabic numbers, and a period comes between the act. scene. and the line(s). Example (Romeo
and Juliet 3.1.28-31).
The following conventions are REQUIRED in regards to documentation:
1. If the lines in the play are written in iambic pentameter (like most of Shakespeare’s writing is), you must put
slash marks (/) indicating the end of the line.
2. Ellipsis (…) to mark words omitted from lines in a play or a sentence; words unnecessary to the point you are
making should be omitted from your quotation. Also, do not begin your quotation with the “…”; just begin with
the first word you are using.
3. A square bracket [] is used to indicate a change from the past tense to the present tense or to identify a pronoun
in the quotation. Tense is changed to make the quotation fit your sentence because formal essays are always
written in PRESENT tense. If the work uses was, you change to [is] in your paper. You may also have to use the
brackets to alter the text to fit your sentence; i.e., [Romeo] instead of he. Finally, you may also use [] to change
capital letters to small letters and vice versa.
4. Use of a single word or brief phrase as a quotation. You should fit the words into the structure of your sentence
to make a smooth sentence. Example: Romeo explains that the reason he is sad is because “[Roseline will] not
be hit/With Cupid’s arrow” (Romeo and Juliet 1.2.202-203).
Non-Negotiables for writing major grade papers:
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Never, ever use first or second person (except the LAST line of the conclusion).
The word “This” should ALWAYS be followed by a noun. “This shows….”= NO! “This speech shows…”= Better
All quotes MUST be integrated with your own words.
Writing about literature is in PRESENT TENSE.