Guidelines for a Successful Paper:
A
helpful metaphor for paper writing is that your argument is like a
building, so make sure that every piece of evidence (quotations from
the text and the analysis of those quotations) that you use as a
brick in your building fits well and is strong. Make
sure that you cement your evidence into your argument through the
use of strong topic sentences that reflect the main point of the
paragraph and concluding sentences that tie each paragraph back to
your thesis.
Textual Evidence: Any good literary analysis must use many specific details to support the conclusions that it reaches. Make sure your own claims about the text are supported with specific quotations from the text. In addition, remember to explain as completely as possible the significance of the quotations you choose to cite. How does a particular quotation relate to your larger argument about the text? Quotations should always be accompanied by detailed analysis. Close reading is a crucial part of this essay; you must explain how specific elements within the material you quote help to establish that which you claim the quotation establishes. Remember to connect the steps in your thinking for your readers – the connections obvious in your mind usually aren’t obvious to us, and we want to understand the point you’re making. Quote selectively; cite only those passages that support your argument most effectively. Try to avoid using too many long quotations (over three lines); try to say more about less. One recipe for a good paragraph is something called the Paraburger:
State the argument of the paragraph (TOP BREAD)
Quote the text that you will use to make your point (SPECIAL SAUCE)
Analyze the significance of the quoted text to make your case, requoting where necessary (MEAT/VEGGIE PATTY)
Tie the point of your paragraph back to the main thesis of your paper (BOTTOM BREAD).
Arguable Thesis and Organization:
Be sure to include a thesis stating your main claims about the
text(s) near the beginning of your paper. Think of your thesis as a
promise to the reader concerning the points you will make in the rest
of the paper. Your thesis should focus and organize your essay;
every paragraph you write should develop your thesis in some way.
Tie every paragraph back to your thesis, thereby reinforcing the role
the paragraph plays in your larger argument. Make
an outline before you write to help you connect your thesis to the
supporting paragraphs. Also, try making a paragraph from your thesis
statement and all your topic sentences – if that paragraph is
coherent, then you’re topic sentences (and hopefully also your
paragraphs!) are on track. Try to conclude your
argument with comments that do not simply repeat what you’ve
already said, but point the reader to other connected ideas or issues.
Avoid Generalizations: Take the time to define key terms in your analysis in your own language. Always “earn your terms”—don’t just repeat expressions or phrases from lecture, but make sure that you define what you mean by key images or ideas. For example, if you cite a term from Brook Thomas, you still need to explain how exactly this term fits into the context of your particular argument (what do you mean by "civil rights"?). Try to build a convincing case for your interpretation of the text using specific logic and evidence. Focus on specific word choices and phrases in your analysis.
