Fritsch
Micro-Essay Format
 Choose a quote from the text that illustrates the point you are to make for the prompt
 Explain how the specific language of that quote develops the point you are making, explaining the specific
words and ideas in detail, and
 Analyze what it implies and expresses about the point, based on what the words and images reveal. Be
specific.
The micro-essay must include the following:
 A clear, specific thesis statement.
This must be arguable, make a point, and be related to the topic you have chosen while explaining what you
have to say about it. The thesis statement should be ONE SENTENCE and should be at the top of the essay,
set apart as if it were a single paragraph (this stands in as a micro-introduction).
 A single development paragraph.
This paragraph must have a QUOTE from the text, which must be cited using MLA format. The quote must be
integrated into a SENTENCE OF YOUR OWN (see the quote sandwich activity if that helps you), and cannot
stand alone as something just dropped into the paragraph as its own sentence. The paragraph must discuss the
quote and explain how SPECIFIC WORDS serve to bring up ideas of relating to your point/topic, and how
those choices of words and images reveal. You must, in all cases, connect your ideas to the text
DIRECTLY.
 A few (2-4) sentences concluding and wrapping up your ideas.
These sentences will summarize your ideas but also include the analysis of why the language used in the quote
light on deeper knowledge regarding your point.
Fritsch
Micro-Essay Format
 Choose a quote from the text that illustrates the point you are to make for the prompt
 Explain how the specific language of that quote develops the point you are making, explaining the specific
words and ideas in detail, and
 Analyze what it implies and expresses about the point, based on what the words and images reveal. Be
specific.
The micro-essay must include the following:
 A clear, specific thesis statement.
This must be arguable, make a point, and be related to the topic you have chosen while explaining what you
have to say about it. The thesis statement should be ONE SENTENCE and should be at the top of the essay,
set apart as if it were a single paragraph (this stands in as a micro-introduction).
 A single development paragraph.
This paragraph must have a QUOTE from the text, which must be cited using MLA format. The quote must be
integrated into a SENTENCE OF YOUR OWN (see the quote sandwich activity if that helps you), and cannot
stand alone as something just dropped into the paragraph as its own sentence. The paragraph must discuss the
quote and explain how SPECIFIC WORDS serve to bring up ideas of relating to your point/topic, and how
those choices of words and images reveal. You must, in all cases, connect your ideas to the text
DIRECTLY.
 A few (2-4) sentences concluding and wrapping up your ideas.
These sentences will summarize your ideas but also include the analysis of why the language used in the quote
light on deeper knowledge regarding your point.