Oedipus Grade Code Sheet

a. A compound sentence needs to have a comma before

the FANBOYS
b. A compound sentence needs an independent clause on
both sides. Be sure to double check that this is true or it
is probably not a compound sentence.

The citation at the end should contain the authors last

name; it does not need to have the character who spoke
the line...that would be better just ICEd in before the
quote. If you give the speakers name in the text, you
will still need to give the authors name in the
parenthetical reference.

Be sure to proofread before turning in your assignment.

A quick glance over it can make all the difference; you
will easily find the simple mistakes that can cause the
reader to get off track.

Double spacing should be consistent throughout the

essay. Double check that extra space is not being added
to the heading or between paragraphs. The title should
also be done with normal double spacing on either side
of it.

The thesis statement is best placed as the very last

sentence of your introduction. This will be the guiding
idea the reader enters into the body paragraphs with and
add to the clarity of your supporting
points.

Be sure your last name and the page number is always in

the upper right-hand corner. The easiest way to add it is
by going to insert, page number, move the cursor, and
add your last name. It only has to be your last name, not
your full name.

The strongest way to begin a literary analysis essay is

with a strong hook to grab your reader. Easing your
reader into the topic will have a stronger impact than if
they dive right into the topic.

The last sentence of the introduction should be a clear,

guiding thesis statement. This one sentence does not
have to be fancy; all it has to do is tell exactly what the
essay will be about and answer the prompt. With a little
revision, a thesis statement could easily be added to the
essay.

When adding a quote to the text, be sure the final period

goes on the outside of the parenthetical reference. EX:

Oh how she wept, mourning the marriage-bed where let
loose that double brood--monsters-- husband by her
husband, children by her child (lines 1379-1381). The
period goes here, not at the end of the quote.
10

Be sure the complex sentence has both the dependent

clause (the AAAWWUBBIS part) and the independent
clause that holds it together. EX: When I was little
(dependent clause), I used to swim naked. (independent
clause). The two are divided by the comma.

11

A sentence must have a subject, a verb, and it must be a

completed thought. This is also true for the shortest
simple sentence, the two-word sentence. Always check
for your subject first and see what action it is doing. This
will help you recognize if it is a strong sentence. HINT:
With a two-word sentence the subject almost always
comes first.

12

The authors name only needs to be given in one

place...either ICEd in at the beginning of the quote or
given at the end in a parenthetical reference. EX:
Stephanie Ericcson clearly states that blah, blah, blah
(24). OR Blah, blah, blah (Ericcson 24). It does not
have to be in both places.

13

Be sure to write the date out formally when using MLA

format. It can be done one of two ways: 20 November
2016 OR November 20, 2016 If you use the first option,
you will not need a comma in it.

14

Love that you used the page number; however, you do

not have to put pg in the parenthetical reference. Just
putting the page number is fine. EX: (25).

15

In a complex sentence, when the AAAWWUBBIS clause

comes at the end of the sentence, you do not need a
comma.

16

Be sure to add a page number if there is one. Oedipus

should have a line number associated with it, and The
Ways We Lie is from anthology which should have page
numbers with it.

17

Be sure that a true MLA formatted paper is in Times New

Romans and is size 12 font.

18

Your last name and page number are in the upper righthand corner exactly as they should be; however, they
need a space added to separate them. Then they will be
perfect.

19

You used both the authors last name and page number
which is exactly right; however, you do not need a
comma between the two. EX: (Ericcson 25).

20

Be sure to have a clear conclusion that wraps up the

essay. It might be missing completely, or it might be
there but not designated its own paragraph. We will be
working on this skill in class.

21

Love that you used text evidence to strengthen your

point. Be sure to cite both the authors last name and
the page number for any text evidence you use.

22

Be sure to add a title to your essay. Because it is a timed

writing, I did not expect it to be creative. :)