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Henry’s Handy Dandy Guide to Writing. A Checklist. Higher Order Concerns:. Intro. Provides 1. background info 2. Author and title 3. Hook (personal pronouns allowed) 4. Thesis (last sent.). Thesis. Last sentence of your intro Arguable Answers the “so what?” Never a question!.
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Henry’s Handy Dandy Guide to Writing A Checklist
Intro Provides 1. background info 2. Author and title 3. Hook (personal pronouns allowed) 4. Thesis (last sent.)
Thesis • Last sentence of your intro • Arguable • Answers the “so what?” • Never a question!
Body Paragraphs • Start with a transition statement • Provides plot details, explained (don’t assume reader knows) • Plot is analyzed to explain how it proves the thesis • Quotes are used and then analyzed to support thesis.
Transition Statements • 1st sentence of each body paragraph • Introduces focus of that paragraph (tells reader what to expect) • Mentions plot that will be covered in a general way, but also how that plot connects to thesis.
Quotes • Use proper citation • Use to support argument, NOT PROVE PLOT • Not 1st or last sentence • Not in intro or conclusion • Must be analyzed (explain how they help support your thesis. • Try to make them flow with your own language (properly framed/context)
Conclusion • Restates thesis in different words • Sums up what you proved • Leaves reader with something to think about (wider implications of your argument, a rhetorical ques., etc…) • No new info • Avoid “In conclusion”
Organization • Chronological or Important Examples (strongest first) • Each body paragraph=one central idea • One sentence’s idea logically leads to the next • Use transitional devices (lang) Ex: A later example, Further, Also, etc..
Formal Tone No: 1. personal pronouns (you, I, we, our) 2. contractions (can’t, won’t don’t, etc..) 3. shortened words (cause, til) 4. colloquial language (weird, stupid, etc..)
Mechanics • Check grammar/spelling • Language is clear and concise. Avoid wordiness, vagueness, awkward phrasings • Use stylistic flourishes with extreme caution (alliteration, extended metaphor, semicolons) • Subject/verb agreement • Check your use of “s:” plural or posessive? • Check pronouns for unclear references. What is “it,” “this,” “that,” “them”
Writing Conventions • Avoid sexist language. He/she, His/her Ex: If one was to run into a monster hiding under the bed, he/she would certainly run. 2. Write out numbers ten and below 3. Avoid repetition of words 4. Provide an interesting title that comes from your topic 5. Voice: who are you? 6. Don’t mention chapters. Treat story as a narrative. 7. No “very,” “extremely,” or “really” 8. Write about lit in the present tense