Guidelines for Writing the Essay

The following is a sample for structuring your essay:

(adapted from Thinking and Writing About Literature by Edgar

V. Roberts)

Theme:                        Arsat inspires understanding and compassion

                                    in the reader.

Paragraph 1                 INTRODUCTION containing CENTRAL IDEA

                                    and THESIS SENTENCE

                                    Central Idea: Arsat inspires a sense of understanding

                                    and compassion in the reader.

                                    Thesis Sentence: The sense of understanding and

                                    compassion inspired by Arsat results from his love

                                    for Diamelen, from his grief for the loss of his

                                    brother, and from Joseph Conrad’s artful presentation

                                    of Arsat’s feelings of loneliness and isolation.

                                    BODY containing three TOPIC SENTENCES

Paragraph 2                 Topic Sentence: Arsat’s love for Diamelen establishes

                                    him as both passionate and conflicted.

Paragraph 3                 Topic Sentence: His grief underscores the guilt that

                                    he feels because of his role in the loss of his brother.

Paragraph 4                 Topic Sentence: Joseph Conrad’s artful presentation

                                    of Arsat’s feelings of loneliness and isolation inspires the

                                    reader’s compassion.

                                    CONCLUSION

Paragraph 5                 Topic Sentence: Understanding and compassion for Arsat

                                    are powerful statements made by the story.

Writing Tips

Introduction

The introduction begins with general ideas and ends with specific points. Be sure to state what works, authors, characters, and ideas are under consideration. The first part of the introduction should present ideas that are related to the subject. The second part of the introduction states the thesis, which will draw the reader into the main text of the essay. Your thesis sentence should anticipate the body of the essay.

Body

In each paragraph of the body of your essay, present one of the main points in your thesis sentence, expanding and supporting with examples from the work or research.

Conclusion

The conclusion ties together the points of the essay or thesis. The closing lines may make a connection between the idea presented in the essay and life in general.