228 / Types of Writing
STEP 5: Prewriting—Choosing a Method of
Development
A literary analysis can be developed by a variety of methods, including comparison
and contrast, cause and effect, and opinion. [See chapters for each in Part II.] Parts
of the paper may also include definition, description, and analogy. [See chapters for
each in Part II.] Think about the possible ways by which you can develop your topic
or thesis sentence.
For instance, if you plan to show how events in an author’s life influenced her to
write certain novels, then a cause-and-effect development may be the most useful. If
you plan to explain your admiration for an author’s style, then an opinion paper may
best serve your purpose.
Select the method that seems best for your purpose.
STEP 6: Prewriting—Organizing the Paper
Next, develop a plan for the paragraph or paper by organizing the list of details
developed in Step 3. Use chronological order or some order of importance. [See
chronological order and order of importance in the Glossary.]
If you are developing a longer paper, list two, three, or four supporting ideas under
each of the main ideas. Once finished, for all practical purposes, you will have devel-
oped a scratch outline. [See Chapter 31, Outlines.] Your outline should give a minia-
ture view of your completed paper.
STEP 7: Writing—Following the Plan
The careful planning you have done in Steps 1–6 will pay off now with relative ease
in writing. Begin with your introductory statement and topic or thesis sentence.
Develop your ideas in accord with your outline, changing the outline as needed if the
order seems faulty.
As you write, try to include the following:
• specific supporting details from the work itself, either quoted and enclosed in
quotation marks or paraphrased
• transitions to bridge ideas and paragraphs [see transitions in the Glossary]As you write, be sure to avoid the following:
• giving a mere summary of the plot rather than a discussion of your ideas
• quoting the author’s works without accurate use of quotation marks
• using glittering generalities—words, phrases, or whole sentences—without the
support of examples or details