The One-Novel Author Paper Simplified
- An effective paragraph should be no longer than a half page to a full page, with full-page paragraphs in the minority.
Total length of first author paper = 6-8 pgs.
Intro paragraph + conclusion = approximately 1 pg.
Total pages for body of paper = 5-7 pgs.
- In other words, the body of your essay should comprise of 8-10 paragraphs.
- This means that your aim is to divide your argument into 8-10 parts.
- The first and last paragraphs should be saved to close read the first and last paragraphs of your novel within the context of your argument (thesis), which then leaves you 6-8 paragraphs to support your argument using evidence from the rest of the novel.
- After coming up with your full thesis claim (argument + reasoning), start collecting quotes from your novel, and then begin breaking your argument into 6-8 parts.
- Each of the 6-8 sections should address a different building block in your argument. Here are some of the topics your supporting paragraphs can address within the context of your argument.
-important passages/events in the novel
-the author’s use of figurative language (metaphor, symbol, imagery, contrast, repetition)
-the novel’s form
-the author’s writing style
-the novel’s literary style
-character development
- Aim to provide 14-20 quotes as evidence for your claims. Once you’ve chosen your quotes, write them out and brainstorm ways to organize them into the distinct groups listed above as they are relative to your argument.
- Wait to write your full thesis paragraph until you have already written the body of your paper. That way, you can tailor your intro the argument that follows.
- Finally, write the conclusion and make it good—an unimaginative conclusion will reduce a paper’s grade, and an impressive and thoughtful one will bring a paper’s grade up. Your conclusion is your closing argument and it makes an impact—positive or negative—on your audience.