Expectations for 10th Grade analytical writing:
1. Basics:
Don't use "I."
Use present tense
Correctly formatting the paper
heading
title
stapled with all drafts
Handing it in on time
2. Intro Paragraph
Sets tone and direction of essay; does not “preview”
An interesting opening that builds to a thesis.
Thesis should be clear, significant, arguable, provable, risky.
Mention title and author in this 1st paragraph.
Start with a "hook" (examples: quote, funnel, anecdote, bigger issue that will arise from the thesis, etc.)
3. Body paragraphs:
All body paragraphs support thesis; connection to thesis clear in each paragraph
Smooth transitions into and out of the paragraph through connection of ideas
Strong, clear topic sentence for each
Cohesiveness: one idea per paragraph
At least three apt, related quote or direct textual support per body paragraph, properly cited and punctuated
1/4 quote to 3/4 analysis per paragraph
Analysis is specifically anchored to quote; be sure quote does work you want it to and does not just repeat a point
Draw quotes from all relevant parts of the text
Show a breadth of relevant supporting detail
4. Overall logic/structure of essay:
Structure of essay should reflect point
Organization should present clear argument
One idea/point should lead clearly to the next via transitions of phrases or ideas
5. Conclusion:
Stay focused; Wrap up the argument without merely restating it; “Stick it!”
"So what" = conclusion should include new insights you've gained from writing this paper
Don't introduce new textual support in conclusion
6. Acknowledgments page