The Title:

Write your title last. Use two or three words to summarize your thesis. An adjective or a verb plus a noun are usually the most effective combinations. Keep it simple and clear.

Introduction:

Begin broad and end specific. Sentence #1 notes the title, source, and theme of the work. Sentence #2 leads into the general topic/aspect of the work about which you will be speaking. Sentence #3, 4, 5 includes a very brief recollection of the plot along with more pointed information about the specific stories you will use as examples. Sentence #6 is the thesis (word for word from Mrs. Wyglendowski.

 Each Body Paragraph:

Begin with a topic sentence which tells the reader what the point of this paragraph is. Say it in as simple terms as possible. Then lead into textual example #1, quote it, and comment on it. Helpful comment starters are words like “Therefore” and “However” and “Because of this”. Continue onto the next lead in sentence and so on. Then close with a sentence which finalizes thoughts on that topic and segue ways into the next. Words like “Not only” and “Even though” are helpful starters for transition sentences.

Direct Quote Formatting Example:

Rebekah sending Jacob away was proven unnecessary, “When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob…then went Esau unto Ishmael and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath…to be his wife” (28:6-9). Esau did not care to begrudge what had been stolen from him.

(Lead-in, quote, citation, comment)

Concluding Comments:

The words “In conclusion” are useless and unnecessary; you are not merely closing the essay but adding comments relevant to current day situations. Begin with a rephrasing of your thesis sentence; do not use the same exact sentence, rephrase it. Reiterate the three examples you chose to use by very briefly mentioning each one again in simple terms. Connect these incidents/stories/examples to something useful in today’s world. What lesson can be learned? What message was meant to be sent? What are the long term effects of this proof? Where do these things happen today and how can we appreciate them or rectify them? The last sentence of the concluding thoughts needs to be biting; end with a comment that will make your reader believe you know what you’re talking about and you seriously believe you are correct. Words like “without a doubt” and “clearly” and “with certainty” hold strong sentiments.