2220 Classical Mythology
Classics 2220 Classical Mythology The Ohio State University | Fall 2015
1
Tips for Writing Essays, with a Post-Writing Checklist
1. TIPS Formatting & Length
• Missing points for Formatting & Length is silly: just follow the assignment sheet! • Do the Title correctly (according to the assignment sheet!). It should take 1 line.
Example: o A Necessary Odysseus by J. Doe o Why Homer’s Odyssey Should Matter to OSU Freshman by F. Smith
Thesis
• State your Thesis clearly and up front in its own paragraph. • If you’re stuck, base your thesis on the actual words of the prompt, making it the
first sentence of your essay. This can help to ensure that your thesis is on topic. • One hallmark of a good thesis is that it contains an explicit or implicit “because.”
Examples: o This essay will argue that Homer’s Odyssey should be required reading for
each freshman at OSU because X, Y, Z.
o In this essay I will provide two reasons that the Odyssey should be included in a required freshman curriculum. The first reason is. . . The second reason is. . . After making this argument in two concise body paragraphs, I will end by briefly forestalling a potential counterargument.
Supporting Paragraphs Topic Sentences. Just as an essay must have an introductory/thesis paragraph, so too you must give your body paragraphs their own thesis statements. We call this a topic sentence. Do not begin a body paragraph with a summary of a text—BEGIN IT WITH A TOPIC/THESIS SENTENCE. Indicate what the paragraph will be about with the first sentence. All of your evidence and argument in that paragraph will be used to illustrate/argue for the topic sentence. So: at the paragraph level, Topic sentence first, then Evidence & Argument! Here are some good body paragraph starters, from real student essays (on the topic of polytheistic socities):
In a polytheistic culture, each god can portray different characteristics, which are also relatable to human nature. As we can see in Hesiod’s Theogony. . . A polytheistic culture could contribute to the community by having many gods to fulfill the desires of different people. In Enuma Elish. . . Hesiod’s Theogony exemplifies the tendency of polytheistic religions to showcase humanlike gods. Kronos, for example,. . .
Classics 2220 Classical Mythology The Ohio State University | Fall 2015
2
Polytheistic beliefs have potential to explain the world, because they are easy for humans to comprehend. An example of creation that is easy to comprehend is when Hesiod explained how Day was created. He stated that. . .
Argument & Evidence
• An important part of earning full credit for argument is explicitly connecting your citations of ancient sources (i.e., your evidence) to your thesis.
• It is not sufficient simply to quote texts. To be considered “evidence” you must
connect them to your Thesis.
• USE PHRASES THAT MAKE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN CLAIM AND EVIDENCE EXPLICIT.
Here are some good thesis-‐evidence-‐argument connectors, from real essays:
These two examples are just a few that show how polytheism has a connection with human life. This story shows that kingship should go to those with the knowledge and valor to do so. In both the Theogony and human history, they have learned that greed for power eventually results in losing all your power to someone else. Thus, they have progressed towards the sharing of power in order to stay as the top ruler. One piece of evidence for this claim about polytheism’s capacity to better represent the world’s complexity can be found in Hesiod’s Theogony. There, we see that in the case of Chaos . . . This passage demonstrates my thesis that. . . From these examples in Enuma Elish, I conclude that. . . These conclusions, in turn, support the second part of my initial thesis that. . .
Grammar & Other Mechanics of Writing
• Some of the best advice for checking grammar and other mechanics is to read the essay out loud to yourself and to some friends, fixing errors as you find them.
• Use the OSU Writing Center for more detailed help.
Classics 2220 Classical Mythology The Ohio State University | Fall 2015
3
2. POST-WRITING CHECKLIST Consider using the following checklist as you prepare your essay. Structure
1. _____ I have created a thesis paragraph that introduces the argument clearly and thoroughly. It follows the prompt and defines key terms I will use in my essay.
2. _____ I have created a “roadmap” in the thesis paragraph that outlines the major
points.
3. _____ I have created a conclusion that restates and possibly extends the argument. It also brings the essay to a memorable finish.
4. _____ I have thought about how my paragraphs are arranged and have structured
them in a way that best supports my argument.
5. _____ I have confirmed that each body paragraph has a topic sentence and that they flow logically from the preceding paragraph.
Substance
1. ____ I have developed a clear argument based on the prompt.
2. _____ I have developed a creative argument.
3. _____ I have used appropriate evidence from appropriate sources in support of the argument.
4. _____ I have verified that each paragraph contains evidence to support the topic
sentence and the overall argument of the essay. Style
1. _____ I have proofread the paper for spelling, punctuation, citation, and grammar errors.
2. _____ I have read the paper aloud to myself or to someone else, listening for
sentences that do not make sense or seem too long.
3. _____ I have had a friend or classmate check the paper for stylistic errors.
4. _____ I have followed the formatting and length guidelines on the assignment sheet.
