-double space between paragraphs
-Your essay must have an interesting and original title. Also, remember that titles should all be in capitals(first letters of words), except words of less than four lettersunless those small words come at the end or beginning of the title.
Proofread your essay carefully.
If you use dialogue, you should format it correctly. You need to start a new paragraph every time you change speakers.
-I want you to incorporate into your essay at least one simile.
Your essay should have a strong opening paragraph and a strong closing paragraph. The opening paragraph should draw your reader in. Do not, under any circumstances, say: In this essay I am going to write about my father (etc). Your opening paragraph can either be analytical or narrative, or anecdotal.
-below (or in the following attachment for a clearer version), I gave you questions and I want you to answer all the questions on the next page of the essay.
l. What is your favorite part of the paper? Be specific. Your least favorite? Why for both.
2. THESIS. What is the main idea of this essay, or, put in another way, what does the reader take with him/her after reading the paper? Each person in the group should try to state this thesis as clearly as possible to the writer of the paper, so the writer KNOWS what you GET out of his/her paper. Is this idea clearly in the paper, either implicitly stated or explicitly stated? If it is not clear, how could it be brought out more fully?
3. Where in the essay could there be more description and detail? What are more interesting ways to get more description and detail into the paper? (For example, use dialogue, metaphor, simile, imagery, use of incidents, specific objects. Avoid the words, THINGS and STUFF. Be more specific. SHOW US, EARN THE RIGHT TO SAY IT.)
4. Are the sentences varied, or do they mostly begin the same way? For example, do many sentences in a row begin subject/verb? Are the sentences varied in length? Or are they all very short sentences? Sentence fragments? Or long sentences that may be run-on sentences? How about the tense of the verbs? Consistent? Can you suggest how to change these sentences for smoother, less monotonous reading?
5. Notice how the writer gets from paragraph to paragraph. Do the transitions between paragraphs flow naturally, or are they illogical or too abrupt? Is there an over-abundance of words like moreover, therefore, however, nevertheless, regardless? Suggest changes. Notice how the quote is woven into the essay. Is it clumsily done? Is it done correctly according to MLA? Look up MLA and how to do quotes correctly in an essay. Just google MLA. Owl Purdue is a good website for this information.
6. Where does this essay need work in terms of organization? Could paragraphs be switched around? Are there places where there needs to be another paragraph? Are there paragraphs that could be edited out with no loss to meaning or development? TIGHTEN. Dont go on and on about the same thing you have already said. Look closely at the opening paragraph. GET INTO THE PAPER WITH SOMETHING INTERESTING RIGHT AWAY. Forget what you have been taught about the introductory paragraph, about going on and on introducing your subject. GET OUR ATTENTION. The reader would rather eat a cheese sandwich than read your writing. This is harsh but true. Say something specific, real, and stimulating right away. Does this essay hook you in with a lively and interesting opening paragraph? The first sentence should hook the reader, make the reader want to read the rest of the essay. Do not write a boring opening paragraph that basically tells the reader what the essay is going to be about. Jump right in with something interesting, a detail, a vivid description, dialogue.
7. The closing paragraph: \”In conclusion\” does not need to be stated. It should be obvious the paper is coming to a close. Are we left with something to think, to feel, or does the ending paragraph restate everything that\’s already been said? 8. Title: Does the title reflect the thoughts, feelings, mood, main idea (thesis) of the essay? Does it invite you in, shake you up, make you curious, is it interesting? Make suggestions. Do not underline your title. And don\’t put quotation marks around your title unless it includes a direct quote from some other source.
9. A great piece of writing touches the reader on all four levels of human nature: Physical, Intellectual, Emotional/Psychological and Spiritual. Identify in your writing what levels are being touched and say why these levels are being touched.