Universal Truth Essays Common Mistakes and Solutions MLA Formatting ● ● ● 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.
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