Essay FormatEssay FormatAmerican Lit.American Lit.

Essay StructureEssay Structure• IntroductionIntroduction• Body ParagraphsBody Paragraphs• ConclusionConclusion

IntroductionIntroduction• 5-7 sentences5-7 sentences• Answer any specific questions in the promptAnswer any specific questions in the prompt• General information about the topicGeneral information about the topic• End with a thesis statementEnd with a thesis statement

Body paragraphsBody paragraphs• Each body must follow this formatEach body must follow this format• Topic sentenceTopic sentence• Concrete DetailConcrete Detail

• FACT-quote, or example from the textFACT-quote, or example from the text• CommentaryCommentary

• Your opinion-supports your CDYour opinion-supports your CD• Commentary (2Commentary (2ndnd CM is preferred, not required) CM is preferred, not required)• Concrete DetailConcrete Detail• CommentaryCommentary• CommentaryCommentary• Concluding SentenceConcluding Sentence

ConclusionConclusion• 5-7 Sentences5-7 Sentences• Summarizes main pointsSummarizes main points• No new information introducedNo new information introduced• Answer specific question in promptAnswer specific question in prompt

MLA FormatMLA Format• Use standard 8 1/2 by 11 inch white paper. Do not use paper Use standard 8 1/2 by 11 inch white paper. Do not use paper

that has been torn out of a notebook.that has been torn out of a notebook.• Use the heading shown on MLA sheet.Use the heading shown on MLA sheet.• Center your title as shown. Do not underline, bold, or use Center your title as shown. Do not underline, bold, or use

quotation marks around your title. Do not use a different quotation marks around your title. Do not use a different font.font.

• Do not skip lines between paragraphs.Do not skip lines between paragraphs.• Write on only one side of the paper.Write on only one side of the paper.• Do not write or type in all capital letters.Do not write or type in all capital letters.• Do not write “The End.”Do not write “The End.”• Use 12 point Times New Roman font unless otherwise stated. Use 12 point Times New Roman font unless otherwise stated.

CitationsCitations• Before using a quote, make sure you Before using a quote, make sure you

introduce it. introduce it. • Start with a transition, then a signal phrase, Start with a transition, then a signal phrase,

then your quote.then your quote.•   For example, John Proctor says, “I have For example, John Proctor says, “I have

given you my soul; leave me my name” (240).given you my soul; leave me my name” (240).

Transition

Signal Phrase Quote

Pg. #