INTRODUCTION:

  • Is your hook effective? (Cheese-free!)
  • Do you have enough background information about BOTH The Odyssey AND your IR book?
  • Are BOTH titles italicized?
  • Are BOTH authors’ names mentioned?

THESIS STATEMENT LAST sentence of your INTRO paragraph.

  • ONE sentence only. No more. No joke.
  • Includes topic + position + 3 reasons. (Doesn’t have to be in this order.)
  • 3 Reasons are written in parallel structure (same grammatical pattern)

BODY:

  • BROAD topic sentence.
  • The same sentence/format of sentence may NOT be used again as a topic sentence.
  • Follow the rules for using a Quote/Evidence sandwich:

Rules: 1. Set the scene (give background about what is happening in the story so that the reader understands your direct quote or evidence).

2. Give the Direct Quote or Paraphrase the Evidence

When you’re using a direct quote, you MUST use MLA format. For example: The Cyclops taunts Odysseus, “You ninny. I do not listen to the gods. You will die!” (432).

Remember, only put an exclamation mark or a question mark INSIDE the quotation marks – NO PERIODS. Also, you always have to put a period at the end of the parentheses that houses the page/line number.

3. Explain how the direct quote or paraphrasing of the evidence supports you main point. You MAY NOT SAY “This shows…”

YOU MUST FOLLOW THESE RULES FOR BOTH PIECES OF EVIDENCE IN EACH BODY PARAGRAPH.

CONCLUSION:

  • Use a transition, such as:

In conclusion, Clearly,Finally, It is clear that

Without a doubt, Unquestionably,Therefore, Consequently,

As a result,

  • Restate the MAIN ideas of your essay IN DIFFERENT WORDS FROM YOUR THESIS STATEMENT.
  • Do not: Give specific details, repeat words from your paper, use personal pronouns, write your opinion of the poem/novel/drama, etc.

Reminders:

  • Stay in present tense
  • No PP, Cheese, Fluff, Wet Water, Contractions
  • Stay away from “No-No” words: “This shows”, things, stuff, a lot, very, really, etc.
  • Do not repeat the same main words more than two times in a paragraph.
  • Use a semicolon at least once in your essay. A semicolon joins together to complete sentences about the same topic.

For Example:

Odysseus defends his castle by destroying the suitors; he stops at nothing to reclaim what is rightfully his.

  • Use “AAAWWUBBIS!” at least 3 times in your essay.

Opener, SENTENCE.

Use an AAAWWUBBIS to begin an “OPENER”:

Although

After

As

While

When

Until

Because

Before

If

Since