Universal Truth Essays
Common Mistakes and Solutions
MLA Formatting
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I will no longer accept papers not submitted in MLA formatting.
You will receive a “0” until you fix it, and then notify me.
Deduction of points for later papers will apply (10 points per day).
Introducing Quotations
● Remember to introduce
quotations (i.e. avoid starting
sentences abruptly and
directly with a quotation).
● Using a colon between the
contextualization of the
quotation and the actual
quotation can help bridge
the gap.
● Use commas with trigger
words such as "says,"
"states," etc.
Introducing Quotations: Example A
Introducing Quotations: Example B
Depth of Analysis
● Do not just reiterate the
quotation. In your
commentary and analysis,
prove how the quotation
fully strengthens your
overall assertion.
● Avoid repetitive analysis.
● Focus closely on analyzing
a specific element (e.g.
language, style,
connotation, theme, etc.)
Look beneath the surface
meaning of a quote. Find the
DEEPER meaning.
Depth of Analysis: Example A
Depth of Analysis: Essay B
Tying Body Paragraphs to Thesis
● Think of your essay
as a marionette. The
wooden handle is the
thesis. All elements
underneath should
tie back and connect
to the central,
overarching idea.
● Connect everything
back to the thesis!
SIS
E
TH
Tying Body Paragraphs to Thesis
● Remember that one of your pivotal aims for writing is not
just what you say but also how you say it. Organization is
pivotal to clearly conveying your thoughts and ideas.
● You must fulfill the promises made in your thesis. If you
tell the reader you will discuss a certain literary
element, trope, etc., you must analyze that in each body
paragraph. The quotations you choose should lend
themselves to such analysis. Be discerning in your choice
of evidence.
● Suggestion:
○ Write a quick outline first. Check to see if the topic sentences
(assertions) align with and support your thesis.
○ I. Thesis → II. Topic Sentence #1 → Topic Sentence #2 → Topic
Sentence #...etc.
Tying Body Paragraphs
to Thesis: Example A
● Thesis: To achieve happiness, you must overcome difficult trials.
● Assertion #1: The main character Nyasha, in “Mufaro’s Beautiful
Daughters”, has to overcome three challenges to reach happiness,
which in this case is marrying the king.
● Assertion #2: In Indonesia’s “The Gift of the Crocodile” by Judy
Sierra, the main character Damura is tasked with taking care of a
crocodile’s child, while the crocodile goes and retrieves a sarong.
● Assertion #3: In the final story, “The Baba Yaga” by Aleksandr
Afanasyev the main character has to use the knowledge of her aunt
to overcome challenges to get a needle and thread.
Introductions: Reminders
Introduction: Example A
In laymen’s terms, “Cinderella” is essentially the old world version
of speed dating. The female meets her partner where a group of
attractive and affluent individuals constellate, they spend a short period
of time together, and then espouse. Add social Darwinism to the mix
(an ancient form of bouncers checking for a membership card and ID),
uncomfortably misogynistic societal pressure, and the end result is the
mantra “marry or die trying; mercy is not an option.” However,
amongst “Cinderella” (the German version written by the Brothers
Grimm), “Yeh-Shen: A Chinese Cinderella Story” (translated by AiLing Louie), and “Fair, Brown, and Trembling” (an Irish tale recorded
by Jeremiah Curtin), the contrast between the fates of Cinderella and
her sisters shows that the conquering of oppression comes through
focusing on personal success rather than the degradation of adversaries.
Introduction: Example B
Conclusions
Conclusion: Example A
Essentially, there are not enough princes in these stories to go
around, and the sisters’ actions not only made it impossible to marry
the only trophy husband, but ruined their chances at union with a
relatively decent man. Likewise, the main character’s luck was only
furthered by their choices. As exhibited through the Cinderella
figure’s success versus that of her adversaries, using another’s
progress to measure prosperity sets unrealistic standards that deter
personal goals from being realized. Instead, it is better to focus
solely on personal goals to achieve the desired result. This is the
benefit in egocentricity.