What makes Romeo and Juliet a good couple? Use two proofs from the play itself to support your argument. Each body paragraph should focus on a different proof.

Choose to answer just one of the following 3 questions directly, with an essay of 4 paragraphs. Read the question you have chosen and the rules below with great care, as your grade depends on you satisfying them.
Why does the play Romeo and Juliet begin by giving away its tragic ending? Give two reasons and focus on one reason per body paragraph.

What makes Romeo and Juliet a good couple? Use two proofs from the play itself to support your argument. Each body paragraph should focus on a different proof.

What two specific lessons do Shakespeare’s sonnets teach us about love? Each body paragraph should focus on proving how a specific lesson about love is taught in a different sonnet. Use specific details from the sonnets to support your argument.

RULES FOR WRITING THIS ESSAY:
 Answer your chosen question & prove your answer directly in NO LESS 4 paragraphs and NO MORE than 4 paragraphs. Don’t use “I, me, or my” in your essay. Also don’t use any outside sources aside from the plays and poems we covered.

Your first paragraph should begin with an attention device, followed by a thesis that directly responds to the question. It is a good idea to transition into your thesis in some way. Regardless, your thesis must be the last statement of your introduction and it can be no longer than 2 sentences. The works of Shakespeare you have chosen should be mentioned in your thesis. (Don’t be afraid to turn the question into part of your answer.) Don’t forget that your introduction paragraph must be at least 4 sentences.

Each of your body paragraphs MUST start with a strong topic sentence. A topic sentence states what the specific body paragraph is going to prove. After you state your topic sentence, supply the proof for it from the play or sonnet and make sure you explain your proof directly. REMEMBER clear explanation is a key part of each body paragraph. Each body paragraph must be AT LEAST 5 sentences and must contain specific details from the play or the sonnets.

Make sure the quoted material from the sonnets or the play is smoothly integrated into the body paragraph. Quotes should only be used as proof. Don’t use them to just take up space. Guidelines to quoting are on the back of the document. You don’t have to quote directly. You can use your own words to sum up what was said.

 Make sure you have a conclusion paragraph that sums up your essay in general and leaves the reader with an interesting or memorable statement. However, DON’T INTRODUCE NEW PROOF OR NEW EXPLANATION OF PROOF in your last paragraph. Proofs and explanations should ONLY be found in body the paragraphs. The conclusion paragraph should be no shorter than 4 sentences.