Essential Structures for Academic Writing and Text Analysis

Academic Writing Structures

For and Against Essay Structure

Presents the advantages and disadvantages of a topic.

Structure
  • Introduction: Presents the topic.
  • Paragraph 1: Arguments in favor.
  • Paragraph 2: Arguments against.
  • Conclusion: Summary or personal opinion (optional).
Useful Phrases
  • On the one hand… / On the other hand…
  • Some people think… / However… / In conclusion…

Opinion Essay Format

Expresses your personal opinion clearly.

Structure
  • Introduction: Topic plus clear opinion.
  • Paragraphs 1-2: Arguments
Read More

Literary Theory, Communication Modes, and Dramatic Forms

Convergence and Divergence in Literary Interpretation

A coincidence in interpretations is called **convergence**; the discrepancy is **divergence**. This phenomenon occurs when characters, themes, or situations are treated by a number of authors in a similar, common way. Divergence occurs in the recreation and modification that the author makes regarding the location, character, and so on.

Media Convergence and Divergence (MCM)

Convergence or divergence is often treated as a fact or a situational function

Read More

Modern Drama: Themes, Movements, and Masterpieces

Susan Glaspell’s “Trifles”: A Feminist Perspective

In Trifles, a woman is taken into custody under suspicion of her husband’s murder. The play focuses on two women who enter her house with the sheriff and an attorney, who are searching for evidence. While the men are searching, the women discuss the case. During this play, the women end up finding more evidence than the men do, but because they are women, they aren’t taken seriously. Glaspell shows that women aren’t viewed as equal when Hale says,

Read More

Foundational Concepts in American History and Literature

Early American Figures and Literary Pioneers

Notable Colonial Personalities

William Bradford was elected Governor of Plymouth 30 times, playing a crucial role in the colony’s early development. Anne Bradstreet was the first woman to publish a book of poetry in America.

Pilgrim Fathers vs. Founding Fathers

The Pilgrim Fathers were Puritans who journeyed to the New World during the Colonial Period (17th century). In contrast, the Founding Fathers were American politicians and philosophers who spearheaded

Read More

William Shakespeare’s Literary Legacy: Sonnets and Plays

William Shakespeare’s Literary Works: Poetry and Drama

William Shakespeare is renowned for his profound contributions to poetry and drama, establishing himself as the most significant poet to have written in English.

Shakespeare’s Poetry

Shakespeare’s poetic output can be broadly classified into four non-dramatic short poems and his celebrated Sonnets.

The Sonnets

The English, or Shakespearean, sonnet form was first developed in England by Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey. Shakespeare’s sonnets, once a source

Read More

British & European Cultural Journeys: Traditions & Encounters

London & European Cultural Encounters

Madrid Meetings & British Brews

Antonio’s Madrid Rendezvous: Antonio met his British friends at a cafĂ© in Madrid.

Afternoon Refreshments: For afternoon tea, Antonio and Pablo enjoyed a couple of pints of beer.

The Globe Theatre: Past & Present

Fate of the Original Globe Theatre: The original Globe Theatre burned down in the mid-17th century and was destroyed again 30 years later.

Globe Theatre Performances: Then & Now: Significant differences exist

Read More