Heading, Title, and General Format
Identify student, class, assignment, due date, and page number as illustrated in the
grading paradigm below. Put the last name and page number in the header function of
your computer. Create an original title, uniquely relevant to this essay (not the book’s
title). Center it on the page, not underlined, below the heading and above the first
paragraph. Double space and use a legible 12-point font and one-inch margins
throughout.
Introduction (first paragraph)
Begin with a catchy opening statement. Go on to identify the book’s title (italicized),
author, type of work (eg. historical novel, not “fictional novel” or just “book”—all novels
are fictional, all novels are books), genre (look it up!), and major themes. Briefly
introduce the main characters and describe the setting (time and place). If you wish,
you may also mention other titles by the author and /or pertinent details of the author’s
background. The last sentence of the introduction MUST be a thesis statement
that previews the ideas you will explore in paragraphs 2, 3, and 4. Be certain that
there is a direct connection between this statement and the topic sentence of each of
the two body paragraphs (below).
Synopsis (second paragraph)
Begin this paragraph with the book’s main idea in a single topic sentence. Go on to
present a complete but concise synopsis of the book in one paragraph. This is a brief
sketch of what happens: the beginning, the middle, and the end. Think about the major
conflict, the rising action, the climax of the story, and the resolution. Keep it brief – no
more than 5 sentences.
Observations (third and fourth paragraphs)
In each of these two paragraphs, narrow the discussion to a significant topic. Begin
each paragraph with a topic sentence that makes an observation about a particular
aspect of the book: a character, a feature of the plot, an element of style, or a
theme. Go on to support and expand upon your idea with specific examples, incidents,
details, and at least one relevant quote from the book. Write in flowing sentences,
weaving these elements from the book into your writing, not simply listing them. (Cite
the page number for each quote used.) End each paragraph with a wrap-up
sentence that ties your examples and details together in support of your topic
sentence. The paragraph that makes the most important point should be the fourth
one, right before your conclusion.
Conclusion (fifth paragraph)
Begin this paragraph with your reaction to this piece of literature, your response to it as
a reader. Avoid writing, “I think,” “I feel,” “I believe,” or “In my opinion,” but do try to
express how the work has affected you, deepened your understanding, alerted or
enlightened you (or even a wider audience) in some way. Go on to integrate the themes
of your three body paragraphs and your essay’s unique title, revealing how they relate
to one another. End with a thoughtful closing statement: a concluding remark for the
whole report. This could be your most important evaluative point, an intriguing twist on
your title, a fitting quote, or a compelling question.