In this task, you will select an interesting topic highlighted in a book or poem and write in a document about it. Use online databases to locate secondary sources related to both the topic and the piece of literature.

Process

When writing a research-based literary interpretation, you'll spend some time gathering evidence to support your thesis. Once you have the evidence, you'll need to develop a coherent essay with well-organized thoughts.

Here are some guidelines to follow.

1. Develop your argument.
2. Read and reread the book or poem you have chosen.
3. Look for themes or ideas that interest you.
4. Write arguable claim that will serve as your thesis statement.
5. Collect evidence from the text that supports your thesis.
6. As you read or reread the piece of literature, take notes about the text that support your thesis.
7. Decide whether you could use the evidence in the essay. Should you use a fragment of a quote or a block quote?
8. Research the topic.
9. Use the links below or a keyword search to find information on your topic.
10. Use online databases. Many schools and local libraries provide access to these databases.
11. Exercise caution when gathering research online. Do not gather information from an unknown blog or Web site.
12. Take notes on your secondary research.
13. Use techniques such as paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting.
14. Make sure that you note all the necessary bibliographical information you'll need if you use those sources.
15. Include the main elements of an interpretive essay in your paper:
16. A thesis statement that is clear and concise
17. Transitions from the introduction, body, and conclusion that are logical and clear
18. Body paragraphs that each support (with evidence) one general idea
19. Evidential support that is thoroughly researched and accurate
20. A conclusion that restates the thesis in light of the evidence presented
21. Sources that are cited using MLA