How to write an essay

Step one: Write your topic sentences

 Title
 Author
 Interference / synthesis you will be talking about

E.g. In the story “____________” by, ______________ many inferences about

_______________ can be made.

E.g. In the story “House Taken Over” by Juilio Cortazar, many inferences about its setting can be
made.

Step 2: state your first textual evidence

 Direct quote OR a paraphrase - Remember this is NOT your idea or opinion.

E.g. “We liked the house….Old and Spacious….it kept the memories of great-
grandparent…..whole of childhood”

Step 3: explain your analysis

 This is your inference based on the evidence.

E.g. This suggests… This implies… This could mean… This shows…

E.g. This personification of the house implies that although the house was larger than the
brother and sister needed, their deep rooted connection to the house through heritage and
childhood shows the solidarity of family. Paradoxically, solidarity through family yet Isolation of
being spouseless are key themes in Cortazar’s story.

Step 4: tell why the synthesis supports your idea

 This is your background knowledge

E.g The description of the setting is classical to Magical realism, where realistic settings and
details are portrayed to give a sense of ordinary life. The adjectives “old” and “spacious
(house)” that the brother and sister inherited gives the details that are necessary.