What do you expect will be the character of the 21st century? Peaceful? War-prone? Chaotic? What authors have you read in
Weeks One to Four of the course who support your view? Which authors’ theoretical approaches seem at odds with your
prediction? Why?
Structure (well-organized using
five-paragraph format; paragraphs about the same size)
Analysis and reflection (evidence is integrated into paragraphs; ideas are creative and thoughtful)
Logic and main points (logical flow; use of counterarguments to show limits of thesis)
Mechanics (sentence structure appropriate for class level; understandable and readable)
Citations (Use of Turabian in-text citations with a References List)
Remember that an analytical essay is highly-structured. That means each paragraph should look like all the others in terms of
style and substance. Make sure that your introduction and conclusion are as substantial as the interior parts of the essay.
One way to think about this is like a hamburger. The top and bottom buns are not as solid as what is inside, but they hold
everything together. Writing to the limit (four pages) is an art and something you need to learn to do. So don’t write fewer
than four pages and don’t write more. You may need to write over a just a little and then edit away the extra parts to bring
the essay to four pages.
I. Introduction – about ½ page
A. Answer question directly with thesis statement, giving three reasons why.
B. Provide background to issue including its importance or relevance in IR today.
II. First main point (or reason why) – about 1 page
A. State first main point as topic sentence then give evidence from the reading – one or two examples, quotes, paraphrases
B. Analysis – what it means ((in terms of your overall answer [thesis statement])
C. Conclusion – why it is important, transition to next main point
III. Second main point (or reason why) – about 1 page
A. State second main point as topic sentence then give evidence from the reading – one or two examples, quotes, paraphrases
B. Analysis – what it means (in terms of your overall answer [thesis statement])
C. Conclusion – why it is important, transition to next main point
IV. Third main point (or reason why) – about 1 page
A. State third main point as topic sentence then give evidence from the reading – one or two examples, quotes, paraphrases
B. Analysis – what it means (in terms of your overall answer [thesis statement])
C. Conclusion – why it is important, transition to next main point
V. Conclusion – about ½ page
A. Summarize three main points
B. Offer concession of weakness in arguments but reaffirm strength of your position.
C. Revisit introduction or tie all ideas together. Give the reader something think about that would encourage him/her to want
to learn more about the topic.
Do not use a cover page. Your name and assignment name, date, page numbers, etc. should be in a header. In Word, go to
“insert” and then “header.” Use the “help” function to learn more about inserting a header in Word. This professionalizes
your work.
2. Prepare a References List (which will be the fifth page of the assignment). For the midterm assignment, you will need to
list the sources you used within the essay in a References List. See the “Writing Resources” in Lessons for more details on
how to cite sources in your assignments.
3. Put your name on the file and the assignment name, too. Use this form: Yourlastname210MT.doc or Yourlastname210MT.docx.
4. Use standard Word settings for the assignment. Double-space, 12 pt. font, 1” margins. Use subheadings to set off the
various sections of the paper, giving the subheadings a catchy title to let the reader know what’s in the section. In your
midterm, there will be five section subheadings.
5. Upload the document to the correct folder in Assignments. To see feedback on the assignment once it is graded, go back to
the Assignment folder and find the uploaded document with comments. You will know the document with comments because it will
have the instructor’s initials at the end of the file name. There also will be a rubric with your score in comments.
