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Writing Tips Ms. Hamden

Writing Tips Ms. Hamden. Where to start?. Choose a topic for your paper Decide which characters or events you want to use Flip through the novel to find examples of characters or events—mark the page numbers with post-it or write it down

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Writing Tips Ms. Hamden

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  1. Writing TipsMs. Hamden

  2. Where to start? • Choose a topic for your paper • Decide which characters or events you want to use • Flip through the novel to find examples of characters or events—mark the page numbers with post-it or write it down • Start to create a thesis statement, which will be the central argument of your paper • Specifically list the characters or events you plan to discuss in your thesis

  3. I’m stuck on my introduction… • Include the title and author! • Italicize the title! • Start out broad! • Discuss the topic in general. • Perhaps give some background information on the novel or articles. • Narrow down to specific events or characters • End your introduction with the most specific sentence, your thesis!

  4. Example Thesis Statements • In Fahrenheit 451 and the articles, the theme of civil disobedience is presented as a civic necessity in order to instill change. • Overall, the selection of texts presents an optimistic view of the American dream and supports the concept of success for all. • In Fahrenheit 451, and in the Miller and Steinbeck articles, the theme of freedom as the backbone of our society is challenged in the face of a dominating government.

  5. Body Paragraphs • Begin each supporting paragraph with a strong statement—ask yourself, “What point do I want to make in this paragraph?” • What examples are there from each of the texts? • How do they fit together? • Support your statement with information from the story • Don’t summarize! Use QUOTES! • Follow the story in chronological order • Use quotes from the beginning, middle, and end of the novel/ play—3-4 quotes per character (approx 10-12)! • Always introduce the quote with a lead-in, don’t just leave a quote “floating” in the middle of your argument • Include page numbers: just the number, followed by the period. • Example Sentence • Montag, realizing the situation, cries “Beatty wanted to die” (189).

  6. Make sure you ALWAYS cite correctly! • Next, logically discuss how this quote supports your statement. • Always return to your thesis. • Transition into your next supporting quote. • Lead-in to your quote and tie it back to your argument. • Never begin or end a paragraph with a quote. • Don’t make the quotes too long—no more then 2-3 lines. You should only include the most important part of the quote! • Move on to your next point in a new paragraph. • Begin the process again.

  7. Conclusion • Restate your thesis—your main argument • Broaden out your topic, perhaps stating your points of argument again • Add additional insights—what did the reader take away from the story? • Don’t repeat everything again, make it interesting! • Extend yourself!

  8. Remember… • Your thesis statement is the last sentence of your introduction paragraph. • Do not use “I” in your paper! • Italicize titles– Fahrenheit 451 • Always lead-in to your quote, never “float” them. • Never begin or end a paragraph with a quote. • Arrange quotes chronologically—beginning to end of novel. • Cite them correctly: Faber claimed “I’m a coward” (166). • Always proofread; major points for this! • Submit to www.turnitin.com! • Print and staple your copy to hand in BEFORE class. • Do not even attempt to use shmoop, sparknotes, Cliff’s notes or another website for ANY QUOTES! That is considered cheating and you will fail and have to re-do the paper!

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