Essay and Composition Format: KEYHOLE STRUCTURE
All formal writing assignments for Mr. Abernethy’s class must be done in the following way. This format lends itself to clear, concise, logical thinking and expression. Whenever time permits, outlines and rough drafts are encouraged. All steps in the Writing Process serve to refine and sharpen communication.
KEYHOLE STRUCTURE – Adapted from The Practical Stylist by Sheridan Baker
I)Introductory Paragraph – 3 to 5 sentences minimum.
This paragraph serves as the set up for the main idea /topic of the rest of your essay. At least one sentence must be your thesis statement, in which your position on the topic/essay question is clearly stated. The type of writing or paper should also be clear (expository, persuasive, narrative, descriptive). In a literature essay you must also mention the title(s) and author(s) to be discussed.
II)Body Paragraph(s) – 5 to 8 sentences minimum.
The gold standard for most high school and freshman year college work is the “Five Paragraph Essay”. That would indicate that the majority of formal papers/essays you write will have three body paragraphs. In the body of an essay, the thesis statement is proven. Each paragraph will have a topic sentence related to the overall thesis/topic of the paper. Evidence, in the form of quotes from literature, is presented and explained to prove the thesis. This is the heart of a piece of formal writing. Logic, clarity and a confident “voice” are the goals of every writer.
III)Conclusion Paragraph – 3 to 5 sentences minimum.
The thesis is proven, and every writer should be confident that his/her message has been communicated. No new evidence may be added at this point. The thesis should be creatively restated and the argument briefly summarized.
***ANY FORMAL ASSIGNMENT/WORK THAT DOES NOT CONFORM TO THIS OUTLINE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.***
Essay: - a piece of formal academic work, usually based on literature.
Composition: - a piece of formal academic work, based on the writers own personal experience, observations, or feelings.
MR. ABERNETHY’S BLACKLIST
Proofread ALL essays, research papers, and compositions to be sure these phrases DO NOT appear!!!
There are other common mistakes as well, be these are the top 10 that drive me the craziest, the quickest. Remember your audience. Strive to always be clear and concise. Maintain a formal, academic tone and remember that you cannot write the way you would causally converse. Your essays and formal papers cannot look or sound like a note, text, or e-mail you would write to a friend.
1)“I” statements…I think…I feel…I know…I believe…In my opinion…in this essay I will prove…
2)“You” statements – strive to write in a restrained 3rd person “voice”.
3)“On the other hand….As you can see…” – poor transitions!
4)“Book”…in the book Hunger Games...it will always be a novel, drama, play, short story, poem, or if need be…work of literature. Use the correct term.
5)Alot– not a word! A lot – a plot of land between two buildings, NOT a precise measure of anything. “Few” and “many” often fall into this category also.
6)“Shoulda…Woulda…Coulda…Gonna…” also “Should of…could of…etc.”All are very poor grammar and imprecise language. “Should have…Could have…etc.”
7)Then = a time transition or adverb! Than = a comparison!“Milton Davidson is far less admirable then the other character.” = INCORRECT!
8)To, Two, Too: I too, have had two choices to make. "Too" means also, "two" is one more than one, and "to" is a preposition.
9)Avoid clichés like the plague! A much used expression that has lost its freshness and descriptive power. Some clichés are “thick as a brick…open a can of worms…he gave one hundred and ten percent… a drop in the bucket.”
10)DON’T!!! OVER!!! PUNCTUATE!!!When a student has made what they believe to be a very important point, they will often use font, bold, underline etc. to make sure the reader sees it. Don’t do it. It is like you are yelling at your audience.