Common Problems on the "I Have a Dream" Paragraphs

Using Brackets and Punctuating Quotations Correctly

• When embedding a quotation into your essay, you often need adjustments for grammatical consistency.

• Square brackets [ ] are used to achieve this but come with strict rules:

  • Use [ ] to Replace Pronouns: Replace first- or second-person pronouns (I, we, you) with the speaker's name or relevant noun for a third-person perspective. Additionally, necessary words for grammatical integrity can be added.

  • Never Start a Quote with [ ]: The opening of a quotation must reflect the actual words spoken by the author (in this case, Martin Luther King Jr.). If restructuring is needed, modify the lead-in instead of using a bracket.

Placing MLA Citations Correctly

• Regardless of the quote's location in the sentence, parenthetical citations always appear at the end of the sentence—after the closing quotation mark and before the period.

• For the essay in focus, citation must include the paragraph number since "I Have a Dream" does not have page numbers.

• Incorrect Example:

  • "King declares, 'Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.' (para. 8) He uses urgency to motivate his audience."

  • Rating

  • Citation incorrectly placed mid-sentence and the period is missing after the citation.

• Correct Example:

  • "King declares, 'Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy' (para. 8)."

  • Examination

  • In this instance, the citation is placed correctly after the closing quotation, before the period, and at the end of the complete sentence, adhering to MLA standards.

• MLA Format Reminder:

  • For speeches lacking page numbers, cite by paragraph as (para. #).

  • Avoid positioning citations within quotation marks.

  • Do not place a period before the citation.

Punctuating Introductory Clauses Correctly

• Introductory clauses and phrases give context for the main sentence. To maintain clarity and coherence, always separate introductory elements from the following independent clause using a comma.

• Examples:

  • Dependent Clauses: "Although King speaks to a large crowd, his message feels personal."

  • Infinitive Phrases: "In order to inspire his audience, King draws on biblical imagery."

  • Participial Phrases: "By using repetition throughout the speech, King reinforces his central message."

  • Prepositional Phrases: A single short prepositional phrase typically does not require a comma; however, longer phrases (four or more words) or those indicating pauses typically do.

• Final Important Note: Commas are essential for distinguishing thoughts and ensuring ease of understanding for the reader.

Transitions vs. Context: Know the Difference

• Distinct purposes of transitions and context within a paragraph are frequently misidentified—both are crucial to the structure of your essay.

• Context: Provides necessary background about the speech at the time of quoting, helping orient the reader on the situation leading up to the quotation.

• Transition: A transition moves the reader from one idea to another, indicating logical relationships such as addition, contrast, or consequences between essay sections.

• Where to Implement Transitions:

  • CD Sentences: At the beginning of sentences detailing concrete evidence.

  • Second CM: At the start of the second commentary for indicating additional analysis.

  • CS Sentences: At the beginning of the concluding sentence to effectively wrap up the paragraph.

• Second Transitions Should Always Indicate Additional Information.

• Strong Example:

  • "In addition to using allusions to form pathos, King also includes charged language."

  • "Not only does King use metaphors to bring his ideas to life, but he also uses alliteration to…"

Review Exemplary Essays & Apply What You've Learned

• To internalize corrections, analyze strong student essays on "I Have a Dream" showcasing ideal bracket usage, insightful commentary, and smooth transitions.

• Example Essay 1:

  • Incorporates quotations seamlessly and offers specific analytical commentary following the evidence provided.

• Example Essay 2:

  • Observes the use of transitions effectively guiding the reader from one rhetorical strategy to another without losing narrative momentum.

• Example Essay 3:

  • Demonstrates how context and transitions collaborate to formulate paragraphs that appear cohesive and well-structured.

• Submission Checklist:

  • ✔ Ensure correct bracket usage (never initiating a quote).

  • ✔ Verify comma use following introductory phrases.

  • ✔ Distinguish clearly between transitions and context.

  • ✔ Confirm citations are placed effectively at the end of sentences.