Many English faculty give essay examinations, some to be written in class and some at home. You may also be assigned to work on a collaborative project or given the option of substituting a short piece of fiction for an analytical paper. Always be sure you understand the kind of work your professors expect you to do in these papers. Some professors may insist that you research and use outside critical sources while others will ask you not to. The prized quality most often cited by faculty in the survey was clarity .
Instructors value strong thesis statements and clear organization.
Mechanical correctness, well-developed claims, and a sharp focus are essential. In literature classes , most professors are looking for interpretations that you support with clear reasoning based on textual evidence. Tell your reader what is at stake in your paper. Effective papers will offer an introduction that establishes the significance of your thesis and explains how you will approach the topic. The answers to this question vary greatly depending upon the assignment and the subject matter of the course.