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Background, Criticism, Definition of Terms, Analysis, End Notes, MLA Formatted with Works Cited.
The Introduction Should Contain:
I) A (1) hook, designed to draw the reader in and provide a relevant foundation for the argument to follow, a (2) general thesis, that notes your basic ordering principle, idea, or statement of conflict or inquiry, and a (3) specific thesis, that lays out exactly what you plan to argue and develop in your body paragraphs with brief reference to any primary and secondary materials if appropriate. At the very least, the specific thesis statement should note the key points of each body paragraph or idea section.
The Body Paragraphs Should Each Contain:
II) A (1) a concise statement or topic sentence that in the first sentence or two of the paragraph, functioning as a mini-thesis for just that paragraph. It should note the what (you are going to say), the how (the example you plan to use), and the why (how this fits in with your thesis) of that particular body paragraph. Follow this statement up with (2) a signal phrase to provide context and direction for the (3) supportive quotation(s) from text(s)this/these may define a term, or prove your point for that body paragraph, clarify some historical issue or concept, or suggest a method of interpretation. If necessary, follow this up with (3) paraphrase, where you restate the quotation in your own words, clarifying any difficult ideas or terms for a reader who may not be as smart as you are. This is especially important if dealing with dense prose or poetry which require a considerable degree of literal and figurative translation. Finally, (4) explain how the support develops your point, analyze key words and phrases of importance to your argument, and discuss clearly and thoroughly any important aspects of this particular example. Develop your argument through the discussion of the larger ramifications of its meaning, if any, and discuss any other important ideas related to the quotation and its connection to the statement you made at the start of this particular body paragraph. This is also the point in your argument where the use of secondary supports will be ideal. Structure each successive body paragraph just like this one, and be sure to cite any and all references to primary and secondary texts in the MLA format. If the transition of ideas from one body paragraph to the next is not inherent in the language of your discussion, then be sure to craft a transition from one body paragraph to the next.
The Concluding Paragraph Should Contain:
III) Make sure that your concluding paragraph (1) clearly summarizes the points that you have argued and (2) evaluates the importance of the statements that youve made in reference to your topic. If appropriate, you may follow this with relevant sections containing Notes and Works Cited. Please note that in some cases you may be expected to place these last two components on separate pages following the termination of your essay proper.
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