Writing the Final Paper

Guidelines for Final Paper

Literary Argument Essay (6 pages): This capstone project for the course should present a thesis-driven argument about a single text or a comparative analysis of two texts. It should apply skills of close reading and textual explication to support an original interpretation. In addition, it must incorporate (through paraphrase or direct quotation) research from at least two secondary critical sources. Acceptable secondary sources include books, essays, scholarly journal articles, and periodical reviews. Scholarly articles found through online database research are encouraged. Unsigned essays and other downloadable materials from research paper websites and similar services are not acceptable.

Format:
6 double spaced pages, 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins.

Due Date: Day of the Final Exam

Possible Procedure:

1) Reread the text or texts you are interested in

2) Using the list of terms provided on our blog, create some notes on what interests you most about the story

3) Go over your notes and identify a possible thesis for your paper. Is your thesis contestable? Is it something that someone would disagree with? If so, you’re on the right path.

4) Develop a contestable thesis about one or two of the texts we have read this semester

a. For example: Identify the theme in one or more texts. How does the author convey this theme to the reader? How does a different author tackle a similar or the same theme in a different way?

b. Alternatively, you may want to think about how an author uses any of the literary terms we’ve examined this semester, and then ask yourself how a different uses the same term: For example, you could contrast two allegories, or two approaches for developing character, or two approaches for using symbolism…ect...


How to Write a Paper: PLEASE NOTE: These directions will probably only get you to page 4. In class, we will discuss how to get to page 6.

1) Begin with an introduction. In 6-8 sentences you should generally summarize the text or texts for the reader. What is the text? Who wrote it? When did they write it? What is the poem generally about? You do not need to use any specific quotes here. You are just setting the reader up so that they will be able to understand what comes next.

Value: 10pts

2) Your thesis paragraph: Begin with your contestable thesis. Your thesis is what you will be arguing about the poem. It is the idea or notion that you are going to try to convince the reader to believe. Follow your thesis up with at least three specific examples from your text or texts that you believe support your point. Explain each of these examples in a sentence or two. There is no need for heavy quoting in this paragraph. You are just setting the foundation for your paper.

Value: 10 pts

3) 1st Body Paragraph. Here you are going to begin by reminding the reader of the 1st example you just mentioned to support your thesis. Basically, you are repeating that sentence, but rewording it slightly. Next, present a quote from one text that supports your point. Don’t include an extensive quote, a line or two will do. Next, explain in detail –three to four sentences – exactly how the quote supports your thesis.

Value: 10pts

4) Find similar evidence in the text that supports your thesis in the same way, then include another body paragraph focusing on that evidence that follows the same format as your previous body paragraph. However, in this paragraph, you may want to include a quote from a secondary source. If you cannot find this evidence, move on to the next paragraph.

Value: 10 pts

5) Here you are going to begin by reminding the reader of the 2nd example you mentioned in your thesis paragraph. Basically, you are repeating that sentence, but rewording it slightly. Next, present a quote from the text that supports your point. Don’t include an extensive quote, a line or two will do. Next, explain in detail – three to four sentences – exactly how the quote supports your thesis.

Value: 10 pts
6) Find similar evidence in the text that supports your thesis in the same way, then include another body paragraph focusing on that evidence that follows the same format as your previous body paragraph. However, in this paragraph, you may want to include a quote from a secondary source .If you cannot find this evidence, move on to the next paragraph.

Value: 10 pts

7) 3rd Body Paragraph. Here you are going to begin by reminding the reader of the 3rd example you mentioned in your thesis paragraph. Basically, you are repeating that sentence, but rewording it slightly. Next, present a quote from the poem that supports your point. Don’t include an extensive quote, a line or two will do. Next, explain in detail –three to four sentences – exactly how the quote supports your thesis.

Value: 10 pts

8) Find similar evidence in the poem that supports your thesis in the same way, then include another body paragraph focusing on that evidence that follows the same format as your previous body paragraph. However, in this paragraph, you may want to include a quote from a secondary source. If you cannot find this evidence, move on to the next paragraph.

Value 10 pts

9) Summary. In the summary, you need to restate your thesis, then restate each of the points that you have used to support your thesis.

Value: 10 pts