How to Write a Formal Essay

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How to Write a Formal Essay
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Choosing a Title

• Your title must be specific to your topic so that
  it is obvious to your reader exactly what your
  essay will prove.

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Problematic Titles

• Romeo and Juliet by John Smith
• Romeo and Juliet Essay by John Smith
• Problems with these titles
• -William Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet, not
  John Smith.
• -Romeo and Juliet is too broad a topic.
• -Avoid using the word essay in your title.

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Strong Titles

• The Importance of Choice in Romeo and Juliet by
  John Smith
• Accidental Villainy in Romeo and Juliet by John
  Smith
• The Darkness of Love in Romeo and Juliet by John
  Smith
• The Character of the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet
  Friend or Foe? by John Smith
• These titles work because
• -they are specific and focused on the topic of
  the essay.
• -it is clear that John Smith did not write the
  play, but rather the literary essays addressing
  specific elements of the play.

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Sample first page MLA format

• District 18 Sir Charles GD Roberts Medal Format -
  OWL at Purdue

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The Introduction
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The Introduction

• The introductory paragraph should give important
  details.
• Clearly introduce the general topic.
• Provide direction for the essay through a strong
  thesis statement.
• Identify the literary work and author.

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Example of Topic and Thesis

• Example of a general topic
• To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee presents
  discrimination against black people.
• Example of a thesis statement
• The persecution of Tom Robinson by the residents
  of Maycomb County demonstrates how an innocent
  man can be destroyed through racism.

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The Thesis

• The thesis is a powerfully worded declaration of
  the intent of your essay.
• It states the purpose of the essay and
  establishes the focus and direction of the essay
  which will be proven in the body.
• It is often stated in the last sentence of your
  introduction.
• It is your comment or position on the issue you
  are discussing.
• A successful thesis statement will help unify
  your essay.

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How to write a thesis statement

• Ask yourself
• How do you feel about the issue?
• Is there anything about your topic that relates
  to something else in an interesting way? If so,
  how?
• What makes your topic different from any other?
• What are the parts of your topic?
• Can you break down the topic and address only one
  specific part of it?
• Narrowly focused thesis statements often result
  in better writing, especially if the essay is
  short.

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Things to consider

• Be persuasive you should attempt to convince
  readers of something that is not obvious. After
  all, there is no point in arguing a point of view
  that everyone shares.
• Your thesis may present a problem that has no
  easy solution. As an essay writer, you should
  choose a problem that you can discuss in depth.
• Your thesis should be supported by all your
  arguments facts if the thesis does not
  encompass all of the points in your essay, you
  will either have to re-work your thesis or remove
  unrelated points.

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For further consideration

• You might be able to state your thesis as an
  answer to a question. For example, the thesis
  "essay assignments are a form of torture" answers
  the question "what are essay assignments?" (This
  thesis can be disagreed with somebody else might
  answer "essay assignments are a measure of
  student understanding.")
• You may develop or modify your thesis through the
  writing process.
• Don't hesitate to be original. Your thesis may
  pose an argument in response to a question nobody
  has thought of asking before.

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Testing your thesis

• Strength make a list of arguments that support
  your thesis. Then, make a list of objections to
  it. If these objections are stronger than your
  arguments, you should re-work your thesis.
• Interest does it state the obvious? If it's so
  obvious that nobody could fail to see it, it's
  probably not worth arguing. An interesting thesis
  offers a fresh, subtle, or controversial
  perspective.

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Testing your thesis

• Specificity is it too vague? Be sure that you
  have narrowed your topic and the thesis statement
  is specific.
• Manageability can you handle the topic within
  the time frame/space provided? For example, can
  your thesis be proven in a 1200 to 1600 word
  essay?

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Refining the thesis statement

• Example of a general topic
• Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy. (This is too
  broad).
• Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy that
  occurs as a direct result of the decisions made
  by characters, not those made by fate.
• Note that the second sentence summarizes the
  writers argument and sets up a pattern for the
  discussion.

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Example of an Introductory Paragraph
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Romeo and Juliet is widely known to be a
tragedy, but what caused the atrocity for which
it is so renowned? Some may argue fate was to
blame for Romeo and Juliets deaths, that the
situations these young lovers faced were depicted
as being out of their control. Could Romeo have
refused to attend the Capulet masque? Was Romeo
destined to duel the raging Tybalt? Did Romeo and
Juliet truly have to kill themselves? If one
considers the specific circumstances and causes
of these situations, the fact that all scenarios
are the result of choice rather than chance, and
the notion that the characters were never left
without options, only one conclusion can be
determined. Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet is a
tragedy that occurs as a direct result of the
decisions made by characters, not those made by
fate.
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The Body

• The content of the body provides facts and
  evidence to prove and support your thesis.
• Divide the facts and evidence into paragraphs,
  each of which begins with a topic sentence.
• Connect the paragraphs through the use of
  transitional expressions.

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Sample Body Paragraph
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• To fully comprehend how fate and destiny
  had no role in the tragic deaths of Romeo and
  Juliet, the terms fate, destiny, and
  tragedy must be first understood. Fate can be
  defined as a power that determines and controls
  everything that is or happens, (Newfeldt 431)
  while destiny can be described as what is
  predetermined to happen despite of all efforts to
  change or prevent it (Newfeldt 321). Therefore,
  fate is the entity that decides all that will
  occur, and destiny is the decision made by fate.
  Tragedy can be defined as the dramatic
  representation of serious and important actions
  that turn out disastrously for the main
  character. This indicates that the tragedies in
  the play were the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, and
  to say fate and destiny were not responsible for
  these tragedies, is to say the characters of the
  play, rather than some intangible force, were
  aware and in control of the actions that caused
  Romeo and Juliets deaths.

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Transitions

• All writers want their papers "to flow." This
  rather vague phrase usually refers to the idea of
  continuity and progression to which most writers
  aspire. Often, a writer will create a
  well-argued paper, complete with a strong thesis
  and substantial evidence, only to find the paper
  "dry." Other times, the lack of fluidity in an
  essay may stem directly from weakness in the
  organization of ideas. In both cases, the
  effective use of transitions helps immeasurably.

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Identifying connections between ideas

• Just as linked sentences within a paragraph lead
  the reader, so too must linked paragraphs direct
  the reader from one idea to another. But no
  writer can cover up a misdirected argument. The
  first step in writing a cohesive argument lies in
  outlining your ideas and organizing them soundly.
  Take the time to prioritize your arguments
  exploit the differences between points, set up
  comparisons and contrasts, then construct
  transitions to explain the relationship between
  your ideas. Let your organization do the
  transition work for you. Often, you need only to
  state the relationship between successive
  paragraphs in order to have a successful
  transition.

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Example

• A paragraph citing the shortcomings of a
  provincial lottery ends
• The state focuses nearly all its publicity
  effort on merchandising a get-rich-quick
  fantasy, one that will come true for only a
  handful of people, while encouraging millions of
  others to think of success as a product of luck,
  not honest work.

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Or a contrasting view

• While the shortcomings of the provincial lottery
  system are numerous, there are sound arguments
  for allowing state lotteries to continue and
  spread...
• The reader now sees the relationship between
  paragraphs and expects to read a defense of the
  lottery system.

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Implementing transitions

• The transition process applies to all types of
  arguments. If you have strong evidence in each
  paragraph, transitions may simply mark the
  movement from one point to another.
• If you want to show a cause and effect
  relationship, you need only express that
  connection.
• Whatever relationship your ideas share, identify
  that connection and communicate it to the reader.
• You may add to, emphasize, summarize, or end an
  argument.
• Once you know the relationship, the options are
  plentiful and logical.

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Transitional strategies

• The end of one paragraph can set up a clear
  connection to the next paragraph, whether you aim
  to reinforce or debunk what has been stated.
• One way to create a transition is to repeat a key
  word or phrase from the preceding paragraph.
• In addition, since all paragraphs should help
  prove the thesis, another strategy could be to
  remind the reader of that larger goal.

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An example

• If your thesis is an attempt to prove Satan to
  be a sympathetic character in Paradise Lost,
  you may move from a paragraph citing Satan's self
  doubt to another that explains Satan's
  monologues
• Because Satan doubts his choices throughout
  Paradise Lost, he appears human, fallible, and
  ultimately sympathetic to reader who identifies
  with the human rather than the super human.
  Another characteristic which suggests Milton
  viewed Satan sympathetically emerges in Satan's
  melancholy monologues. Like Satan's self-doubt,
  his monologues display the manner in which Satan
  longs for acceptance in Eden...

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• In the previous example, the word 'doubt' was
  repeated and the transitional word 'another,'
  connected both paragraphs to the thesis about
  Satan's 'sympathetic' nature.

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Common Transitional Words Phrases
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To link complementary ideas

• again, in addition, at the same time, in the same
  way, similarly, likewise, hence, as a result,
  furthermore, moreover, secondly, thirdly.

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To link conflicting ideas

• in reality, in truth, on the contrary, on the
  other hand, nonetheless, however, in contrast.

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To demonstrate cause and effect

• therefore, thus, so, it follows, then, as a
  result, consequently.

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Transitional sequence words

• after, afterward, ahead of, all through, as,
  before, beforehand, during, earlier than, first,
  second, third finally, following, later, now,
  prior to, sooner than, subsequently, then,
  throughout, while.

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Transitional restatement or synonym signal words

• also, as well as, by the same token,
  correspondingly, equally, equally so, especially,
  for example, in that, in the same way, just as,
  likewise, similarly, such as, these, too.

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Contrast or antonym signal words

• alternatively, although, apart from, but, by
  contrast, contrary to that, conversely, despite,
  even though, however, in contrast, in spite of
  this, nevertheless, nonetheless, not
  withstanding, on the other hand, regardless,
  some,but others, still, then again, yet

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The Conclusion
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The purpose of the conclusion is

• to bring the main argument of your essay to a
  close and explain to your reader why your paper
  was worth reading.
• to remind your reader of your thesis and main
  points of the argument, but it should be more
  than a restatement of your introduction.
• to strengthen your essay by bringing logical
  closure to the full scope of your ideas.

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Possible strategies for a successful conclusion

• You first need to consider the larger purposes of
  your paper.
• Ask yourself "Why is my argument important?"
• Decide how best to convey this insight to your
  reader.
• Expanding your thesis in this way gives you the
  opportunity to highlight the key insights of your
  argument.

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Possible strategies

• Address ideas from a fresh perspective in order
  to encourage the reader to continue thinking
  about your topic.
• Include something from the introduction, such as
  a detail, image, or example, to bring the
  argument full circle.
• Save a provocative, unexpected, or exciting
  insight or quotation for the conclusion.

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Example of a Concluding Paragraph
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• To take ones own life is the sole choice of
  the one committing suicide it is not the
  responsibility of fate, as only the individual is
  in control of his or her own life. Romeo and
  Juliets deaths were the final result of a long
  series of consequential choices and actions. The
  possibility of tragedy was established with Romeo
  attending the Capulets masque, and with Romeo
  and Juliet swearing their love in marriage with
  the help of Friar Lawrence. The likeliness of
  their deaths was augmented by Tybalt battling
  Romeo, Romeos banishment, and Juliet and Friar
  Lawrences plan to reunite the lovers. The
  tragedy ultimately took form when Romeo and
  Juliet were faced with the decisions to kill
  themselves. At no point in the sequence of events
  was Romeo, Juliet, the Friar, or anyone else left
  without an alternate choice to his or her actual
  deeds. They were always conscious of what was
  happening around them, and had good ideas as to
  what may come about as a result of their actions.
  There was no intricately designed destiny that
  could not have been prevented Romeo and Juliets
  road to destruction was paved simply by the poor
  choices they made and their own fate.

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Remember To

• Be authoritative and persuasive.
• Write in the present tense check for verb
  agreement.
• Give evidence and quotes to support your personal
  opinions.

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Remember To

• Avoid using contractions. (For example, use
  cannot not cant.) Contractions are colloquial
  and detract from the formality of your essay.
• Avoid using first person phrases such as I am
  going to or I want to or I anything.
• Never use the phrases In this essay or This
  essay is concerned with when introducing your
  topic and thesis statement.

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Remember To

• Avoid using the phrase In conclusion to begin
  your final paragraph.
• Begin and end with a sharp and definitive
  statement.
• Indent five spaces (tab) when beginning a new
  paragraph.

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Remember To

• Pay attention to paragraph length. Generally,
  paragraphs are 4-6 sentences in length.
• Note the opportunities to break up your paper
  into interesting bites.
• This is also an excellent opportunity to check
  for linking sentences (transitions).

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Remember To

• Avoid drop-ins that is, throwing in unrelated
  material.
• Every idea or fact you use must be connected or
  explained. For example, it is great to say that
  Shakespeare had three children, but so what? You
  need to discuss why this is important to your
  essay or leave out this information altogether.

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Remember To

• Proofread your essay.
• Be careful of those commonly confused words like
  there and their.
• It takes time to use a dictionary, but it can
  make a huge difference in your grade.
• Also use a thesaurus expand your vocabulary!

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Remember To

• Revise your essay - the introduction you wrote at
  the beginning of your paper may change completely
  after you have finished writing.
• Avoid padding -- try not to lengthen your essay
  by repeating your ideas or concepts over and over
  again in different terms.
• Confirm that your essay has a well-constructed
  and logical beginning, a steady and clear
  progression of ideas, and a conclusion that
  summarizes and reaffirms your findings.
  Remember, quality is more important than
  quantity.

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Remember To

• Use your own words and not plagiarize.
• Make sure that your conclusion relates directly
  to your introduction.

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Remember To

• Italicize the title of a major literary work (a
  novel or play). For example, Of Mice or Men, or
  Romeo and Juliet.
• Use quotations around the title of a short story,
  article, song, or poem. (For example, The
  Lottery, The Raven.)

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Remember To

• Use 8.5 by 11 plain white paper without side
  holes.
• Type the final copy in black ink-- size 12 font
  in Times New Roman.
• Double space the essay consistently throughout.
• Staple your essay in the upper left hand corner -
  no plastic coverings or duo-tangs.

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Remember To

• Use proper margins on all sides (1 inch all
  around).
• Number the pages properly (refer to MLA Sample
  Page).

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Documenting Sources

• To figure out how to properly document the
  sources you use in your essay (in-text citations)
  and on a Works Cited page and to avoid
  plagiarism, consult one of many useful sites on
  the Internet explaining the finer points of
  properly documenting sources.

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Works Cited versus Bibliography

• Works Cited refers to the page where you credit
  the sources you have quoted directly in your
  essay.
• Bibliography refers to the page where you credit
  all sources you consulted in preparation for the
  essay (whether you quoted them directly or not).
• For the purpose of a literary essay, you would be
  required to have a Works Cited page.

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Citation Hyperlinks

• MLA Formatting and Style Guide - The OWL at
  Purdue
• Bibliography/ Works Cited Maker
• Citation Machine
• UNB's Guide to MLA Style
• Easy Bibliographies
• Avoiding Plagiarism - The OWL at Purdue

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A little levity

• For a lighthearted look at the importance of
  using formal language appropriately, complete
  with transitions and complete thoughtsplease
  visit
• Miss Teen South Carolina

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• MLA Sample Paper in PDF