Essay 2 common errors

MLA issues

Please see the PowerPoint on the website titled “how to format your essay.” This will be under the tab labeled “writing.”

http://www.bixbyenglish9.com/writing-unit.html

Comma rules

- introductory clause or phrase: comma after- Essential clause: no commas- Non-essential clause: surrounded by commas- Cd sentence: comma before conjunction (must

connect two COMPLETE sentences)- Dependent clause at end: no comma!

-10 points for 1 error on every essay!

Topic sentences

Do not use the definition of the figurative language as what the device does

Ex: The author uses similes to compare two unlike things.

The author uses imagery to vividly describe using one of the five senses.

The author uses personification to give a non-human human-like qualities.

This simile…

Avoid saying the simile, personification, etc. does something. The figurative language is not capable of an action; the author is the one who is doing something by using the figurative language.

Words words, I know wordsSome of you seemed to just say words for the sake of taking up space. In fact you successfully use a ton of words to say absolutely nothing. Often, it was clear that you did not even know what the word you were using meant.Ex: - The similes create an invigorating tone…- The splendiforous use of similes…- The visualization of the imagery….- The imagery added profoundness to the tone…- The simile added to the dangerousness…

First and second person

you= second person (do not use this)

I, me , we, us= first person (do not use this)

This quote…

When you say “this quote shows…” you are addressing the fact that you are writing an essay. Quote is a flat word and cannot be used; therefore, “this quote…” is not to be used either.

Cm not opinion based

Ex: Because Harrison was strong, he had to wear weights. This is not your opinion on the quote; it is literally what happens in the story. Your commentary is opinion based and must explain how your quote proves your topic sentence and ultimately, your thesis.

Quotes not embedded

You must provide context for your quote:Ex:- When Harrison burst into the ballet, he was “covered in

Halloween and hardware”- After the Harrison asked for a volunteer, “A ballerina

arose…”- As George is watching tv, his handicap went off and it

sounded like “burglars fleeing from a burglar alarm”- While Rainsford is standing on the boat, he thinks the night

feels “like moist black velvet”

Capitalization

• Do not capitalize imagery or simile… not sure why you are doing this, but many of you did

• Do not capitalize the first letter of your quote if it is in the middle of a sentence and not a proper noun.

Passive Voice

The affect created by the author = passive voice

The author created this affect = active voice

Passive voice = bad active voice=good

PERSON DOING ACTION GOES BEFORE ACTION!