1) structure: brief introductory paragraph focused on textual analysis; linked and unified middle paragraphs developing a clear line of argument; non-repetitive concluding paragraph that adds a further climactic step in the argument.
2) style: conciseness is required; also accurate use of diction; also correct use of all aspects of grammar, including spelling and punctuation.
3) correct use of MLA format throughout the essay
4) an argument that is insightful and uses textual evidence well from both the primary source and research
Keep your introduction focused on your analysis of the text.
You could jump off from any analysis of the text mentioned in class or from some analysis of the text that you have read.
Then move quickly to your thesis.
The Thesis:
The thesis comes at the end of the first paragraph and states what your essay will prove.Your middle paragraphs would then explain and prove the parts of that thesis in the order they are stated.Conclusion:
Avoid repetition in the conclusion also. You do not want to repeat what you have just said. Instead, keep your analysis moving forward by analyzing a detail you have not yet mentioned. With a little finesse, you can also make this analysis a way of concluding your argument.
Textual evidence:
Be careful that your quotation or paraphrase actually proveswhat you say it does: evidence and analysis must line up. You should be careful to explain clearly what your quotation proves.
Alwyas present the analysis before the quotation proving it.