Essay Writing Guide

Put Your Title Here

This page begins your review. Before you start typing, fix your format. The font should be 12. If you're using MS Word 2007, go to Paragraph above; the alignment for all text should be left except for the title above, which is centered. Also in Paragraph, go to Line Spacing and click on "double," and spacing before and after should be 0 pt. In Page Layout, check that the margins are "Normal," which is 1 inch all around. Then put your introductory sentences here. Be sure you're giving the background or context in several developed sentences. In this opening paragraph, you must include the author's first and last name, which is Michael Pollan, and title of the book in italics, which is The Omnivore's Dilemma. For each subsequent reference to the author, write only the author's last name. Identify the chapters you will be reviewing as well. Do not attempt to prove the thesis statement in these sentences; don't have obvious ideas. Prove the thesis below it, not above it. If appropriate, provide a bridge from the introductory sentences to the thesis. Then put your thesis statement here; the thesis must include your overall impression, plus a preview of the next three paragraphs.

The topic sentence for paragraph number two belongs right here; it is the start of the description. Then discuss three aspects or points in the chapters. Identify the first aspect; then describe it in a couple of sentences. Do the same for the other two aspects.

The topic sentence for paragraph number three belongs right here; it expands on the strengths of the chapter. Choose the common expectations that were met or exceeded from your list of three common expectations. Discuss how and why these expectations were met. Summarize or paraphrase sentences or passages that prove the chapter was strong or successful. Use quotations only when the idea can't be summarize or paraphrased, or when the wording of the idea is the whole point. Provide a page number in parentheses after the quotation. Consider using both Capital Letters and numbers; analyze the ideas.

The topic sentence for paragraph number four belongs right here; it expands on the weaknesses of the chapter. Choose the common expectations that were not met or were only partially met from your list of three common expectations. Discuss how and why these expectations were not met. Summarize or paraphrase sentences or passages that prove the chapter was weak or unsuccessful. Use quotations only when the idea can't be summarize or paraphrased, or when the wording of the idea is the whole point. Provide a page number in parentheses after the quotation. Consider using both Capital Letters and numbers; analyze the ideas.

Then put your conclusion or final paragraph here. Include your final appraisal of the chapter. Avoid repetition or straight summarizing of earlier information. Instead,

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