Writing TipsMs. Hamden

Where to start?• Choose a topic for your paper• Decide which characters or events you

want to use• Flip through the novel to find examples of

characters or events—mark the page numbers with post-it or write it down

• Start to create a thesis statement, which will be the central argument of your paper– Specifically list the characters or events you

plan to discuss in your thesis

I’m stuck on my introduction…

• Include the title and author!• Italicize the title!• Start out broad!

– Discuss the topic in general.– Perhaps give some background

information on the novel or articles.• Narrow down to specific events or characters• End your introduction with the most specific

sentence, your thesis!

Example Thesis Statements• In Fahrenheit 451 and the articles, the theme of

civil disobedience is presented as a civic necessity in order to instill change.

• Overall, the selection of texts presents an optimistic view of the American dream and supports the concept of success for all.

• In Fahrenheit 451, and in the Miller and Steinbeck articles, the theme of freedom as the backbone of our society is challenged in the face of a dominating government.

Body Paragraphs• Begin each supporting paragraph with a strong statement—

ask yourself, “What point do I want to make in this paragraph?”– What examples are there from each of the texts?– How do they fit together?

• Support your statement with information from the story– Don’t summarize! Use QUOTES!– Follow the story in chronological order– Use quotes from the beginning, middle, and end of the novel/

play—3-4 quotes per character (approx 10-12)!– Always introduce the quote with a lead-in, don’t just leave a

quote “floating” in the middle of your argument– Include page numbers: just the number, followed by the

period. – Example Sentence

• Montag, realizing the situation, cries “Beatty wanted to die” (189).

• Make sure you ALWAYS cite correctly!

• Next, logically discuss how this quote supports your statement.– Always return to your thesis.

• Transition into your next supporting quote.– Lead-in to your quote and tie it back to your argument.– Never begin or end a paragraph with a quote.– Don’t make the quotes too long—no more then 2-3 lines. You should

only include the most important part of the quote!• Move on to your next point in a new paragraph.– Begin the process again.

Conclusion• Restate your thesis—your main argument

• Broaden out your topic, perhaps stating your points of argument again

• Add additional insights—what did the reader take away from the story?

• Don’t repeat everything again, make it interesting!

• Extend yourself!

Remember…• Your thesis statement is the last sentence of your

introduction paragraph.• Do not use “I” in your paper!• Italicize titles– Fahrenheit 451• Always lead-in to your quote, never “float” them.• Never begin or end a paragraph with a quote.• Arrange quotes chronologically—beginning to end of

novel.• Cite them correctly: Faber claimed “I’m a coward” (166).• Always proofread; major points for this! • Submit to www.turnitin.com!• Print and staple your copy to hand in BEFORE class. • Do not even attempt to use shmoop, sparknotes, Cliff’s

notes or another website for ANY QUOTES! That is considered cheating and you will fail and have to re-do the paper!