Essay Techniques Review

For Huck Finn Themes Essay

Thesis

• Precise statement of what will be said about the topic

• State thesis in a single declarative sentence• Ideally: Thesis reveals the point you will make

about the topic and the central arguments you will use to make that point.

The Safe Thesis

• Point to be made + three general examples that will prove the point.

• Example: Schools should require uniforms because of their positive effects on discipline, self-esteem, and socioeconomic equality.

Body Paragraphs• State Your Topic: “Mark Twain conveys his

ideas about friendship is his depiction of the relationship between Huck and his cat.”

• Give examples from the text: “In chapter 13…”• Explain your example: “This shows friendship

is magic, because…”• Tie back to your thesis. “This human-feline

bond shows aspects of friendship Twain considered important.”

Quoting the Book

• Huck says in the novel, “Bacon is like meat candy” (54).

• Huck is an all-American boy who, “spends all of his time singing and dancing” (76).

Transition Sentences

• Previous topic + new topic + relationship between them.

• “Unlike his relationship with Becky Thatcher, Huck’s friendship with Ben Rogers helps him develop high self esteem.”

• Keep in mind my advice regarding adverbs. Topic sentences should just delve into what the paragraph is going to be about.