Where do you state the controlling idea for each paragraph?
Topic sentence.
Can I use first or second person point of view in my essay?
Yes, but only minimally - perhaps in the introduction and/or conclusion.
What should NOT be included in an essay conclusion?
New ideas or evidence not discussed in the essay.
What is wrong with this sentence from an essay? When Netta asked Eddie how they could make things better for Indigenous people, he said, "Any way we can!" Clearly he was willing to make sacrifices for the greater good....
Is is written in past tense.
What should you 'zoom out' to at the end of your essay?
A 'big picture' summary or reflection on the broader significance of the concept.
What is wrong with this sentence? Rachel Perkin's film 'Mabo' celebrates the life of Eddie Mabo and his quest to improve the quality of life for his fellow Torres Strait Islanders and Indigenous Australians.
The title of the film should be in italics.
Can I use slang in my essay?
Only if quoted from the text or for a specific purpose.
Should I use APA formatting for quotations?
No! Follow the conventions used in your context - Image journal.
Where should my thesis statement go?
Anywhere in the first two paragraphs.
What is wrong with this sentence? Eddie's commitment to the land rights case often means that he can't devote enough time to his own family.
Do not use contractions like "can't" - use the full words - "cannot"
How many body paragraphs should I write?
No set amount but usually 3+
How long should quotations from the texts be?
Keep them short - single words to phrases or one to two lines - 'baby quotes'!
What name do I use to refer to Kathy Jetn̄il-Kijiner?
Jetn̄il-Kijiner
Can I include reference to current events and the world today in my essay?
Yes - briefly, to connect with your 'public audience' readership.
What name do I use to refer to the 'author' of the film 'Mabo'?
Perkins. (Use full name, Rachel Perkins the first time.)
How do I show that my ideas connect throughout my essay?
Use connecting/cohesive words and phrases. E.g. Also...In addition to....Furthermore...
What is wrong with this sentence? In Kathy Jetn̄il-Kijiner's poem "Glass Marbles", she represents the difficulties of losing a traditional language.
The title of the poem should be in single quotation marks.
Who is the audience for my essay?
Readers of Image journal.
Can I end a paragraph with a quotation?
Mostly no - quotes need to be explained! (Rarely, for effect.)
Does my essay need a title?
Yes! (See Image journal for examples!)
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