1. Assume that your audience has read the material. DO NOT SUMMARIZE THE PLOT.

 2. State your thesis in the first paragraph. Make sure that your thesis answers the question. Has the true subject of the question become the subject of your thesis (and therefore of your paper)? A good thesis should investigate a worthwhile subject, it should mention specific characters, events, and ideas, and it should give some reason why your thesis is true ("because" clauses are often effective).

 3. Is your paper unified? (i.e. does it concentrate on the thesis?) Make sure that you repeat the main words (and therefore the main ideas) of the thesis throughout the paper.

 4. Write with a judicious mix of simple and complex sentences. Subordinate your sentences, and use transitional devices (although, because, unless, when, while, also, consequently, furthermore, however, moreover, nevertheless, therefore). It is very important that your paper flow logically from paragraph to paragraph, and that it build to a significant conclusion.

 5. Support your argument with sufficient, and pertinent, evidence.

 6. When you use quotations, integrate them into the syntax of your own sentence, and make it clear why they are relevant and how they support your point(s). Keep them short, and QUOTE ACCURATELY. Cite page or line numbers in parentheses.

 7. Does your conclusion show that you have developed your thesis into a richer more complex idea than it was at the beginning of your paper? DO NOT REHASH.

 8. Does your title say something significant about your paper?

 There is no substitute for allowing sufficient time to write a paper. Successful papers are the product of trial and error, multiple revisions, practice, care, and a genuine interest in the subject. I am always happy to discuss your papers, and to look over a thesis statement, an introductory paragraph, or (briefly) a rough draft.

 All of the paper questions and topics are open-ended enough for you to adopt your own perspective and to argue your own position. Remember that it is essential that your paper present evidence which not only answers the question but also investigates the issues involved. Show how your approach is not only "right" but also significant, interesting, and worthwhile.

 Avoid first paragraphs which simply restate the question. Answer the question by means of a thesis statement which states how your approach will take shape in the paper itself. Mention specific scenes, characters, and ideas in the first paragraph. Give the reader a definite sense of where the paper is going. If your opening paragraph could introduce any paper on the subject you have chosen to write about it has failed to introduce your paper.

 Finally, if you are bored by the paper you are writing you can be sure that your reader will be. Choose an idea which interests you and show your reader why it is interesting and how it leads to an enriched understanding of the text. The effectiveness of any piece of writing can be judged by various standards, but one very business-like standard always applies: is it worth the reader's time?

 Go to Professor Morey's General rules for the presentation and attribution of quotations.