Here's a breakdown of its key features:
1. Clear Argument and Thesis:
* A strong thesis statement is crucial. It clearly outlines the essay's main point or argument.
* The essay then develops and supports this argument using evidence from external sources.
2. Reliable Sources:
* Documented essays rely on credible sources: books, scholarly articles, reputable websites, and interviews.
* The essay clearly cites these sources to avoid plagiarism and give credit where it's due.
3. Integration of Sources:
* Sources are not just dropped in, but seamlessly integrated into the essay.
* Paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting are used strategically to enhance the argument.
4. Proper Citation:
* A consistent citation style is used throughout the essay. This could be MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.
* The essay includes a bibliography or works cited page that lists all sources used.
5. Analysis and Interpretation:
* It's not enough to simply present information from sources.
* The essay must analyze and interpret this information to connect it to the thesis and develop a nuanced argument.
Examples of Documented Essays:
* A history essay about the French Revolution: Uses primary and secondary sources to analyze events and figures, arguing for a specific interpretation.
* A literary analysis essay: Explores a particular theme or character in a novel, drawing evidence from the text and scholarly criticism.
* A persuasive essay on a current social issue: Uses statistics, expert opinions, and research findings to argue for a specific position.
In essence, a documented essay is like a lawyer presenting a case. It uses evidence from reliable sources to build a convincing argument and persuade the reader of its validity.