Essay Composition Instructions Your essay must consist of five complete paragraphs: • An introduction • Three body paragraphs • A conclusion Your introduction should contain the following elements: • A compelling attention getter, or ‘hook’ • A preview of the main idea of each body paragraph • A clear thesis statement (this should be at the end of your intro paragraph) Each body paragraph should consist of: • A main idea which supports/helps prove your thesis (this should be at the beginning of the paragraph) • An introduction to a direct quote, which supports your main idea for this paragraph. • A direct quote from the text of the novel which supports/helps prove your main idea for the paragraph. • At least one sentence which explains/analyzes your quote – how does it support your main idea? • A transition into your next body paragraph. Your conclusion should contain the following elements: • A re-­‐statement of your thesis (but not word-­‐for-­‐word) • A review of your main ideas from each body paragraph. • An answer to the question, ‘So what?’ In other words, why is this essay worth the reader’s time? Try to relate your essay to a larger issue in society, history or literature. Remember the following important tips in your writing: • ALWAYS write in THIRD PERSON, PRESENT TENSE. NEVER refer directly to yourself (I think, I believe, etc.) or to the reader (you can clearly see…etc.) • You MUST include the title and author of the novel in your introduction. When handwritten, the title of a book is always underlined. When typed, it is always italicized. • Remember the grammar rules we reviewed in class: subject/verb agreement, avoid homophone errors (your/you’re). • A complete paragraph contains at least five sentences. • EACH body paragraph MUST include a DIRECT QUOTE from the novel.