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?
- Although
in many ways Gimpel is a fool, much of his demeanor suggests
otherwise. Write an essay which argues that Gimpel is not a fool.
Remember to give your definition of what a fool is and contrast that
with Gimpel.
Consider
who Singer is criticizing, Gimpel, or the townspeople. Look,
especially, at the final section of the story. Be sure to explain
how each of your examples make him "not a fool,” perhaps by contrasting
him with a “real” fool.
- 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
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