Argumentative Literary Research Essay

– Argumentative Literary Research Essay on Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla
– This 1,300word MLA essay uses a literary criticism in order to create an analytical thesis statement on Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla. It should utilize at least three reliable outside sources as well as the primary source (Carmilla itself)
– Double check to make sure your sources are reliable.

– Please refer to the rubric/checklist for essays in this course.
1. Organization
Organization Checklist:
– Is the thesis statement the last sentence of the first paragraph? Does it show up again (reworded) as the first sentence of the conclusion?
– Is your evidence always followed by an explanation about its relevance to the argument or interpretation?
– Do the body paragraphs contain topic sentences which let the reader know what each paragraph will be about? These usually appear as the first or second sentence.
– Does the essay contain an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion?
– Does the essay contain proper MLA formatting at the top of the page? If you’re not sure, please check the template, which was uploaded at the beginning of the semester on Blackboard, to make sure everything looks right.
– Does the essay include parenthetical citation and a works cited page if needed?

2. Tone and Audience
Tone and Audience Checklist:
– Does the essay avoid first person (e.g. I, we, our)?
– Does the essay avoid second person language like “you?”
– Does the essay make sure to avoid contractions (e.g. isn’t, don’t, ain’t)?
– Does the writing omit weak words like “stuff,” “things,” and so on?
– Does the essay read confidently by avoiding unsure phrases such as “it seems” and “it appears” unless the language must be used due to the demands of logic?
– Does the title hook the reader’s interest while providing an idea of what the essay will be about?

3. This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting Mechanics
Writing Mechanics Checklist:
– Does the work effectively use commas?
– Does the writing avoid sentence fragments?
– Does the essay correctly separate complete thoughts in order to avoid run-on sentences and comma splices?
– Do the subjects agree with the verbs? (e.g. “My dog like food!” contains a subject-verb? (e.g. “My dog like food!” contains a subject-verb disagreement.)
– Are sentences and words varied and not repetitive? (For example, I went to the bank. I then went to the store. I bought a toy at the store. I like the toy. I like toys.)
– Do the sentences read organically?
– Are in-text citations properly provided and secondary sources quoted?
– Does the essay use active language and limit passive voice?

4. This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Analysis, Argument, and Logic
Analysis, Argument, and Logic Checklist:
– Does the essay present sound and relevant evidence to support the thesis?
– Does the writing explain how the evidence supports the thesis?
– Does the argument avoid logical fallacies?
– Is an opposing viewpoint presented in a fair light and addressed by the essay?
– Does the essay integrate primary and/or secondary sources to successfully support the argument?
– Is the thesis statement assertive and argumentative?
– Do the introduction and conclusion paragraphs successfully bring the reader toward the thesis and then guide him or her back out again at the end of the essay?