Doc Yoder's Notes
Tips for Writers

1. You need a thesis that suggests authorial intention: "In 'Nuns fret not' Wordsworth uses
   images of confinement to . . . ." Continue to use this approach throughout the paper. Do NOT
   say, "In the poem it says . . . ." Instead refer to the poet, or better yet, the speaker of the poem.


2. Have a system of organization. You might choose to organize your discussion according to
   the logic of your point, or to highlight certain images or the development of structural units.
   Whatever the system of organization, have one.


3. After your introduction but before launching into your argument, it is often a good idea to
   summarize the poem or scene briefly (perhaps a paragraph). This establishes for the reader
   your "version" of the passage, so try to crystallize or "concretize" it as much as you can.
   What is the dominant theme or image pattern? How is the poem organized? What is the situation?
   Who is the speaker and to whom (if anyone) is he or she speaking? Your summary should lay
   the groundwork for your more specific discussion by introducing or highlighting a particular
   vocabulary for the important aspects of the poem.


4. Now, how is your point a useful way of understanding the poem you just introduced?


5. Be sure to make your point. That is, you have to quote the specific words with a specific
   explanation. Unless you are commenting on the density or the movement of a certain passage,
   block quotations will not be much help. If you must use block quotations (more than 2 lines of
   poetry), be sure in your discussion to point out exactly which words or images you want the
   reader to notice in the block and what exactly you want the reader to notice about them.


6. Make the transitions between your paragraphs do work. At the very least say "My second
   point" rather than "My next point" (Just how many points do you have?). Or try something like,
   "Blake pushes these questions even further when Thel addresses the cloud."


7. Do NOT write, "In line 2-4, Coleridge says, '[quote].'" That is a wasted sentence. Line
   numbers go in parenthesis after the quotation. Instead of saying, "In line 2-4," get to the point.
   Why are you telling us that Coleridge says that? What do you want us to see?


8. Do NOT try to sweep under the rug any inconsistencies in your reading. Not everything
   always fits together perfectly, and you are much better off admitting the problems yourself.
   Indeed, it is the discussion of the problems of onešs own reading that often provides the most
   interesting and insightful parts of the paper. Having said that, be sure to include some remarks
   on how these inconsistencies affect your reading.

For examples of how to format quotations and titles in your paper see Format for Quotations and Titles.

See also Strunk's Elements of Style at Bartleby.com; it could be the best thing you can do for your writing.

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