HOW TO WRITE A FORMAL ESSAY (Mrs N guidelines)
First of all, you need to have an opinion about a play or novel that you can argue using quotes as evidence. The goal is for you to prove your ideas in an organized fashion. A basic thesis should aim for three ways to prove your point. Each idea would be in a new paragraph and your final product should have an introductory paragraph and a concluding paragraph. (this is not set in stone but a five paragraph essay is a good way to start) Use formal language which means no slang, “I” statements and contractions. Follow MLA essay guidelines listed on the
WCI website.
Here are thesis statements used for literary essays:
Will Smith demonstrates the power of human nature in his newest film call “Seven
Poun ds” which focuses on guilt, love and compassion.
Olivia demonstrates immaturity about life, love and marriage.
Duke Orsino’s character flaws lead to heartache, confusion and happiness
Through characterization, Shakespeare shows that looks can be deceiving.
Antonio demonstrates qualities of a true hero and good friend.
The Introductory paragraph (approx. 1/2 page typed and dsp) THE BUN
Consider the theme of your essay, Write a few general thoughts about your topic or some ideas about the novel or play. For example if your essay is proving that honesty is the most important quality in a friendship then your opening could be about human nature and the importance of friends and family,
 Include a general opening idea to hook the reader about your topic
 Include the title, author and a brief synopsis about the play
 Discuss and connect the main ideas of your thesis (A B C)
 Put your thesis ( statement of opinion) in the last part of the intro paragraph
The Body Paragraphs (Aim for 3 or more) THE HAMBURGER PATTIES
– include one quote/example in each paragraph.
Here is the format: a)Write a topice sentence which restates your thesis and your first point of discussion ie. The movie “How to Train Your Dragon’ examines various relationships. The relationship between Hiccup and his dad is very significant. It causes Hiccup to feel ashamed of who he is. b)Next describe the context of your evidence/quote. Tell the reader what is going on in the storyline- yes this means describing a little of the plot. Is your quote from the beginning or middle of the play? Tell us who is involved in the scene and what do you learn or infer from the quote. c) Rewrite the quote exactly the way you see it. If the quote is longer than 4 lines, use a colon before it and keep it indented 10 spaces, each line fully justified. If you are not using exact quotes then refer to examples from a film, story or play. d) Discuss how this quote supports your thesis and opinion. Why did you pick this quote in particular? How is it important? Add your opinions and state what the quote is about.
Hint: pretend that the reader of your essay has not read the play so you are
“teaching” the reader how this quote proves your thesis.
Add a transition sentence and then start writing your next body paragraph

Sample Transition Words – used to link similar ideas in the first place, not only ... but also, as a matter of fact, in like manner, in addition coupled with, first, second, third, in the light of, not to mention, equally important, again, also, equally, moreover, likewise, as well as, together with, of course, comparatively, correspondingly, similarly, furthermore, additionally
The conclusion (approx. 1/2 page typed and dsp) THE BOTTOM BUN
 Intro sentence - Restate your thesis. Include all three of the ideas that you proved in your body paragraphs. Use a new sentence for each idea.
 Mention the title and author of the play. Proceed to revisit the key aspects of your body paragraphs. Expand and revisit your previous observations and body paragraph conclusions.
 Expand on your thesis by coming up with an extension idea of your essay.
The goal is to make your reader think about how this topic impacts on society or add personal insights about the author’s purpose of this play or theme. Continue to avoid using “I think”
Final thoughts a) Make sure that your essay examines a significant aspect of the novel, film or play under investigation. b) Your arguments should follow a chronological order – you should include examples of evidence from the beginning, middle and end of the text. c) Don’t forget your works cited page. In most cases, a literary essay should not require secondary source research (no google or essay cheating) the ideas should be your own. Only one book would be noted on the works cited page.

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Body Paragraph # ___
Introductory sentence
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Context of this quote —tell a little about what is happening in the play up to when this quote is spoken. Use a colon right before the quote.
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If a long quote - Copy your Quote word for word exactly as in your playbook and omit quotation marks
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Discussion
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Concluding sentence _________________________________________________
Repeat this format for your next body paragraph. If your chosen quote is shorter than
4 lines, Do not centre it on the page. Add quotation marks and just keep going on the same line.

Body Paragraph # ___
Introductory sentence
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Context of this quote
—tell a little about what is happening in the play up to when this quote is spoken. Use a colon right before the quote.________________________________________________________________
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Quote __________________________
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Discussion
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__________________________ ( ) Act scene lines
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Concluding sentence _________________________________________________
Body Paragraph # ___
Introductory sentence
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Context of this quote
—tell a little about what is happening in the play up to when this quote is spoken. Use a colon right before the quote.
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Quote __________________________
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Discussion
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Concluding sentence _________________________________________________

Name
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Class
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Last name 1
The True Silent Heroes in To Kill a Mockingbird (Sample essay)
Discrimination is an extremely serious issue in our society. It can take on various forms, such as racism, social inequality and prejudice based on religion, gender, age, or sexual preference. In today’s society, most people feel that discrimination in any form is wrong and hurtful, However this was not the case in the 1930’s. Harper Lee’s classic novel To Kill a
Mockingbird, is set during a period where discrimination was part of everyday life and believed to be correct and ordinary. Atticus, a Maycomb
County citizen and lawyer, is appointed to a case in which Tom Robinson, a Negro man, is accused of raping a young woman by the name of Mayella
Ewell. Although there is sufficient evidence to suggest that Tom Robinson is innocent, the prejudice jury still convicts him with rape. Following the conviction, the violence does not end. In the final chapters of the novel,
Bob Ewell attempts to fatally attack
Scout and Jem, Atticus’ children. Boo
Radley, a greatly discriminated and misjudged neighbour, comes to the children’s aid. Boo Radley, Tom Robinson and Atticus Finch are three of the heroes in the novel. Each man faces the injustice of discrimination in the 1930’s with dignity, hope and perseverance
Although Tom Robinson was persecuted unfairly and often treated in an immoral manner, he remained respectful and considerate of others. During the court case, Tom Robinson is asked to step up and testify. He retells the many times Mayella Ewell would ask him to complete chores for her while he was walking home from work. When asked, by Atticus, if he was ever paid for these services Tom replies:
“no”:“She’d call me in, suh. Seemed like every time I passed by yonder she’d have some little somthin’ for me to do-choppin’ kindlin’, totin’ water for her. She watered them red flowers every day““Were you paid for your services?”
“No suh, not after she offered me a nickel the first time. I was glad to do it, Mr. Ewell didn’t seem to help her none, and neither did the chillun, and I knowed she didn’t have no nickels to spare.” (Lee
191)
Tom Robinson’s behaviour reveals that he is a compassionate human being. In spite of all the negativity and criticism he receives for being black, he is still considerate of other people. He helped Mayella Ewell out of his own nature, not for her money, although she did offer him a “nickel,” he refused. He knew that Mayella could not afford to pay him, as she was already in trouble economically. He felt that he would be taking advantage of her if he received her offering so he refused and decided to help her voluntarily, even though the Ewells were well-known for their discrimination against blacks. This act of compassion provides everyone with a great

example of how to treat other human beings the way you would like to be treated. He ignored the discriminatory actions inflicted by Mayella’s family and helped her while she was in need. Despite being wrongly charged with rape he honestly tells his compassionate nature. He is a great role model if integrity.
Once again, Tom Robinson’s displays his tenderness and sympathy at various moments in the courtroom. Such as the instant when he is questioned, once more, by Atticus. Tom is asked to recite the occurrences of the faithful night that he allegedly raped Mayella Ewell. He replies:
She reached up an’ kissed me ‘side of th’ face. She says she never kissed a grown man before an’ she might as well kiss a nigger. She says what her pap do to her don’t count. She says, “Kiss me back, nigger.” I say Miss Mayerlla lemme outa here an’ tried to run but she got her back to the door an’ I’da had to push her. I didn’t wanta harm her, Mr. Finch, an’ I say lemme pass...” (Lee 194).
Despite the verbal abuse that Mr. Robinson had just experienced he was able to tolerate it enough not to want to harm Ms. Ewell. His benevolent nature was displayed in this situation. Although Mayella had not treated him with any morals or respect, Tom was a gentleman throughout the ordeal; he would not harm a woman even under that type of circumstance.
This behaviour is one of a hero.
Throughout the novel, Atticus Finch is strongly discriminated, mostly by the towns folk of Maycomb, as the fiercely disagree with his agreement to defend a Negro, Tom Robinson. He is often referred to as a “nigger-lover”, but instead of being offended he appears to be proud of that label. In the courtroom, when he is to have his final say on the matter, he demonstrates that a man should not be judged by his skin colour:
...You know the truth, and the truth is this: some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some Negro men are not to be trusted around women-black or white. But this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men. There is not one person in this courtroom who has never told a lie, which has never done an immoral thing, and there is no man living who has never looked upon a woman without desire. (Lee, 235)
Atticus exhibits a grand lesson for all those present in the courtroom. That we are all equal, we all have acted incorrectly at some point in our life and it is not just one type of race that is guilty of this. It is human nature to lie, cheat and display selfishness during our existence and it should not be weighed more heavily according to your ethnic background or race.
Everyone should be trialed fairly and equally, without prejudice and discrimination. It is evident from Atticus’ actions, that he is a man of wisdom. This trait is doubtlessly one of a leader.
Furthermore, Atticus is not only a man of wisdom but also a man of courage. When he accepted to defend Tom Robinson he knew very well that there no possibility of winning the case. After the court case, Jem

Finch is extremely upset by the result. He does not understand why nobody acted against the Ewells’ accusation. He does not comprehend why, after all the evidence that pointed to the conclusion that Tom
Robinson was innocent, citizens of Maycomb did not defend Tom just as his father had done. Miss Maudie explains to Jem that something was done, that his father, Atticus was appointed the case for a reason. Instead of appointing the case to the lawyer who should have gotten it, they assigned Tom Robinson’s case to Atticus because he was the only one who would work hard for the rights of the convicted. Miss Maudie explains to Scout:
...Did it ever strike you that Judge Taylor naming Atticus to defend that boy was no accident? That Judge Taylor might have had his reasons for naming him?...You think about that. It was no accident. I was sittin’ there on the porch last night, waiting. I waited and waited to see you all come down the sidewalk, and as
I waited I thought, Atticus Finch won’t win, he can’t win, but he’s the only man in these parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that. And I thought to myself, well, we’re making a stepit’s just a baby step, but it’s a step.” (Lee 216)
Miss Maudie’s whole reason for saying this was to display that Atticus was the only one who would have the bravery to fight for the equality of blacks, as everyone else who believed that discrimination was immoral, was afraid to defend the rights of coloured people. During the period in which, To Kill a Mockingbird, was written, the belief that a black men was as much a person as a white man was unspeakable and incomprehensible. Speaking out for the rights of Negroes would possibly mean a death sentence, and this is a risk that Atticus was willing to take, because he strongly believed that racism was dishonourable. Judge Taylor chose him to defend Tom
Robinson for that exact reason, because Atticus would be the only one to give Tom Robinson a fair opportunity to defend himself. He would be the only one to attempt to give Tom a fair trial. This set an extraordinary example for Jem and Scout and all citizens of Maycomb, that even if you know that it is a lost battle, you must be persistent in what you believe is righteous.
Through the duration of the narrative, Boo Radley is described as a monster who is said to be demented and psychotic. This is a misjudgement all in itself as the citizens of Maycomb have not seen Boo for numerous years. At the end of the novel, when Bob Ewell attempts to murder Jem and Scout on the way back from the school play, Boo Radley is the one to save their lives. After the attack, Mr. Tate is asked to investigate what really occurred. Bob Ewell is found dead and Jem is the one first thought to be the one to commit this. But after much discussion,
Atticus and Heck Tate realize that it was not the young twelve year old boy but the much talked about neighbour who is supposedly mentally unstable.
Knowing that if this information was released, Boo Radley would gain much attention, something that had never been wanted, Atticus and Mr.
Tate concluded that they would retell the story, only that the cause of Mr.
Ewell’s death was of his own account. Atticus, not knowing how to explain this to Scout, asked her if she understood. She replies,
“Yes sir, I

understand...it’d be sort of like shootin’ a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?” (Lee
276).
Despite the fact that Scout is young, she truly understands why a fib must be told. Boo Radley has done a great service for Maycomb County, but he did not behave this way to gain attention or out of vain. He did it to protect the young lives of two innocent children. Bob Ewell was a man with no morals or respect; he did as he pleased with no consideration of anyone else but himself. Boo Radley, one of the most discriminated citizens of Maycomb, was the one to put an end to this behaviour. In the novel, the often talked about mockingbird, resemble someone who does no harm and is peaceful. Boo Radley is much like a mockingbird because he has never bothered anyone. If the information was leaked that
Boo was the one to put an end to Bob Ewell’s life, he would most likely be convicted of murder or become almost a celebrity in Maycomb. Both these things are unwanted by Boo, so the truth is kept quite. Boo Radley overcame prejudices and misjudgements by the town’s folk, making one of the greatest role models in the story.
In conclusion, To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee demonstrates true character traits of heroes and role models. Tom
Robinson exhibits compassion, grace and morals in the face of discrimination, while Atticus displays courage, bravery and leadership during a time period where being “colour-blind” was intolerable. More importantly, Boo Radley confirms the idea that rumours and gossip are often misleading and incorrect. Although the result of the court case was not the rightful one, it demonstrates that we live in a world surrounded by injustice and inequality. If we begin to open our eyes and begin to perceive people as being equal to us than one day our world may be rid of the prejudice, mistreatment and most of all discrimination. Just as Judge
Taylor took a small step to creating a better future for humanity, we should all do the same. It is the small things that eventually add up to something great. Every long journey begins with one step. And we follow the examples set to us by Tom Robinson, Atticus Finch and Boo Radley; we may one day also be considered role models and heroes to the ones surrounding us.