|
Assignment Sheet: Essay #1 (Short Story)
Assignment
Choose one of the topics below and, after pre-writing (see "Planning and Drafting an
Essay") and writing a thesis statement (see "Thesis
and Topic Sentences") write an essay (title, intro, body
paragraphs, conclusion: min. 1150 words) which answers it.
Remember: your purpose is to argue that your view is correct.
Essay must include at least one secondary source.
As noted in class, we'll be working on this essay in stages:
thesis statement, drafting, revision, and proofreading.
Due dates for each step are listed in the syllabus.
Getting Feedback
To help guide your revision, you will make an appointment with me
to review your rough draft. This needs to be done at least one day
before the final draft is due. Sign in on the sheet posted on my
office door (R211). If the times do not work for you, check with
me as soon as possible so we can make other arrangements. You
should also make an appointment in the Writing Center (R124 or
call 732.255.0400 x2083) and have one of the tutors review your
essay.
Research Requirements
Your essay must include at least one secondary source (see "Glossary")
from
one of the college's databases or a print source. A secondary
source should be nonfiction and essay length. DO NOT USE THE
OPEN WEB FOR A SOURCE. IF YOU DO, THE HIGHEST GRADE YOU CAN
RECEIVE IS A "D." You must correctly cite your story and the
secondary source within the essay and include a works cited page.
|
To make it clear, do not use quotes from the open
web (as in sources found through an open web search via
Google, Bing, etc.). Wikipedia is not
considered a scholarly source nor are general
encyclopedias (Britannica, etc.) and dictionaries. If
you choose to use these sources, the highest grade you
can receive is a D. If you choose to not include a
secondary source, the highest grade you can receive is a
F.
|
Note: Your rough draft does not need to include
your secondary sources.
Topics
- What is Walker saying about heritage in "Everyday Use?" How
does she prove her point? Remember to first clearly state what
you think Walker's definition of heritage is. One hint is to
look at whose view of heritage she seems to approve.
- "Shiloh" portrays a relationship on the rocks. Through the
actions (or inaction) of the characters, what is Mason
suggesting about modern-day relationships? What, given the lives
of these characters, is the problem? After first determining
what this X factor is, show how the story illustrates it.
Instead of just one factor, you can also argue that there are
several factors.
- In "A Rose for Emily," what is Faulkner saying about the
aristocracy in the South? Is it flourishing? Withering on the
vine? How can you tell? Be sure to clearly state what you think
Faulkner is saying about the aristocracy.
- One critic has brilliantly noted of Carver's later work that
"the characters in these stories often come to grips with their
situations and achieve, if not a state of grace, an enlightened
acceptance of their lives." Your mission, should you choose to
accept it, is to explain what Carver suggests is necessary to
achieve this redemption. (quote from Encyclopedia of
American Literature, Raymond
Carver entry which is available at our library)
Alternately, you can prove that this statement is true: that the
characters do, indeed, achieve redemption.
- How could Updike's "A&P" be read as a critique of American
society? What is he criticizing?
- How does Kochai's "Playing Metal" explore the idea of
alternate realities? What does it suggest about them?
Example thesis: Zoya uses alternate realities to escape ____.
This is shown by ___, ____, and ____.
Alternative topic: What holds Zoya back? Why is his
maturity/growth stunted?
- A question of your own that you run by me at least a day
before the essay is due.
Directions
Be sure you have read and understood the definitions of an essay,
thesis and division statement, topic sentences, introduction, and
conclusion included in "Dr.
Bordelon's Glossary."
Follow the suggestions on the "Thesis
and Topic Sentences," "Planning
and Drafting an Essay," and the many revision pages on the
course site. . Remember to check with me if you have any questions
or concerns. Also check chapters and pages on writing in the
textbook.
Submitting Final Draft
Click on the Assignments link from our Canvas page and then follow
the instructions for Final Draft of Essay 1.
Grading Criteria
To receive a passing grade, you must successfully complete the
following:
Organization: Have a clear thesis statement,
which suggests how a particular question is valid. You must also
include a clear division statement which is then developed in
separate paragraphs with clear topic sentences.
Content: Paragraphs that use specific quotes and
examples from the story to prove your point --AND a full and
complete discussion on why and how that particular quote or word
proves your point. REMEMBER: examples do not speak for themselves
-- the core of a good literary essay is in your commentary and
explanations of the examples.
Proofreading: Sentences that are clear and no
more than 4 major errors.
Major errors: Sentence fragments, run-on
sentences, verb-tense error, subject-verb agreement error, unclear
phrasing/tangled wording, words that I cannot decipher, and
spelling/wrong word error.
© David Bordelon
|