No big vocabulary used.
English 201
Essay #1: Fiction
Points: 100
Length: 500-750 words/2-3 pages double-spaced (more is always fine)
Due Date: View Schedule on Blackboard
Overview:
Suzy McKee Charnas Boobs is a short story that is a fascinating exploration of female werewolves. It uses the supernatural to talk about a very real situation: a young woman undergoing puberty and feeling powerless in a school system and world that does not value her. Unlike many werewolf stories, the main character, loves the power and freedom her transformation gives her, despite it taking a very dark turn. It is written in first person and although the author was around forty when she wrote it, we never question that that character is a young girl because of the realistic nature.
The Monkeys Paw written by W.W. Jacobs is a classic three wishes story that takes on a horror story with a cautionary message: be careful for what you wish for, or you may receive it! It reminds us that unintended consequences often accompany the best intentions. The story was first published in 1902 and has been adapted into several movies, there was even a Simpsons episode that was adapted! This story is told in third person and uses the trope of a stranger comes to town where a man and his family are having a boring night at home when they are visited by an old friend with the cursed monkeys paw. It uses a lot of tension to build the suspense and leaves us at a cliffhanger, even though we have a good idea of exactly what happened in the end. It is a specific type of horror, sometimes called psychological or existential.
Directions:
The question below is based on these two readings.
Read the questions below carefully and CHOOSE 1-2. Write a thesis-centered essay of 500-750 words in response to the question(s) below. Be sure your essay addresses ALL parts of the question(s) and make sure to answer in essay form. Please view the grading criteria available on blackboard.
Compose, revise, and proofread your work.
As you develop your essay, make sure that you provide sufficient support and explanation by integrating examples from the readings throughout your essay (either direct quotes or paraphrase/indirect quotes). Analyze your examples to show their relevance to your argument. Use your own observations, experiences, or other sources to develop your claims. When you cite directly from the readings, use proper MLA in-text citation (a works cited page is NOT necessary).
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Tip: Use your discussion board entries as a starting point for this essay, as well as notes and vocabulary from our Virtual Class discussions.
Please make sure to view the grading rubric on blackboard for details on how this essay will be graded.
Prompts for Essay (choose 1-2):
1 Both Monkeys Paw and Boobs are very short stories. Jacobs and Charnas have a lot to do in very little time to achieve their goals. How does each writer reveal which characters are trustworthy and reliable, and which ones may not be? How effective are they in achieving this? Use examples from the text and make sure you offer your own analysis (Im not interested in a plot summary).
2 How does each writer use foreshadowing in their stories? Was it effective in building a sense of dread, or did you find it melodramatic and predictable? Based on your reading or viewing experience, what ideas would you offer either/both writers to improve the foreshadowing?
3 How essential is setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?
4 How would this story have been different if it were set in the present day?
SUGGESTED ESSAY STRUCTURE
** Before starting your essay, you should know your thesis.
Introduction:
Provide the necessary background information to setup the thesis:
o Title of text(s) and authors
o Setup the main themes/subject of text relevant to the question being asked.
o Provide NECESSARY background/contextual information to understand the presence of the literary theory chosen within the texts.
o Thesis: should capture the central argument/position being presented. This should be pretty specific.
Body:
Should contain three elements in every paragraph:
o Topic Sentence aka What Is Your Point: setup the point you are making in EACH body paragraph, which should be an expansion of the thesis.
o Support. Vary the type of support in each paragraph. Choose something specific and highly relevant to your point. It can be a short, direct quote, or a paraphrase. Make sure to keep it short, within 1-2 lines. And no more than one quote per paragraph.
o Analysis: Use originality to present your argument, by guiding the reader towards your interpretation. Predict a plausible counter-claim in the last paragraph and refute it.
Conclusion
DO NOT SUMMARIZE. DO NOT COPY AND PASTE
The concluding paragraph should contain two elements:
o Topic sentence should restate the sentiment/idea presented throughout the essay, not repeat it. You can re-assert your position, but do not simply repeat it. Keep the thoughts original.
o Final thoughts on the issues raised. Do not use the phrase, in conclusion. Reflect on how your essay topic relates to the texts as a whole
FEEDBACK
– You will be graded based on the following rubric for Essays 1-3. You will also receive basic written feedback also on blackboard. For more detailed feedback, feel free to email me and setup a time to meet for a one on one zoom session.
Grading Rubric for Essays (1-3): English 201.
A paper that does not respond to the prompt: F
Category
Excellent (A)
Proficient (B)
Adequate (C)
Needs Improvement (D/F)
Pts.
THESIS
Thought provoking; clearly articulated.
A very clear and original thesis answers question fully, while setting up main argument effectively. It engages the reader & creates interest. (10)
Clearly articulated;
While the thesis creates interest, it is not as clear as it could be, or is not especially original, and doesnt answer the question fully. (8)
Identifiable
Thesis adequately answers the question, but is vague and unoriginal. (6)
Attempted
The thesis is an unsupportable premise, an obvious fact, or information that is unclear or not related to topic. (5 or below)
/10
SUPPORT
Concrete examples from various sources.
Insightful, Ample, Accurate, Clearly Relevant (10)
Sufficient examples from various sources. Mostly accurate, Relevant. (8)
Adequate. Some inaccuracies. Mostly relevant. Vague examples. Repetitions. Some contradictions. (6)
Minimal. Logically flawed inaccuracies. (5 or below)
/10
ORGANIZATION
Well designed progression of ideas. Well crafted transitions. Effective introduction, body, and conclusion. (10)
Clear progression of ideas. Clear transitions. Clear introduction, body, and conclusion. (8)
Identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion. Adequate transitions. May be some digressions. (6)
Attempted introduction, body, and conclusion. Few transitions. May be numerous digressions. (5 or below)
/10
CRITICAL REASONING AND THINKING
Sophisticated understanding of reading(s). Addresses complexities. Accurate citation.
(60)
Good understanding of reading(s). Avoids stereotypes. Accurate citation.
(50)
Adequate understanding of reading(s). Relies on generalizations and/or stereotypes. Mostly accurate citations.
(40)
Flawed understanding of reading(s). Oversimplifications. Attempt at citation.
(30)
/60
LANGUAGE, SYNTAX, GRAMMAR
Controlled, precise use of language. Varied sentence structure and vocabulary. Grammar and spelling almost always correct. (10)
Appropriate use of language. Good syntax and vocabulary. Grammar and spelling mostly correct. (8)
Adequate vocabulary. Errors in grammar. Syntax and spelling do not hinder understanding. (6)
Limited vocabulary. Errors in grammar. Syntax and spelling hinder understanding
(5 or below)
/10
LATE POINTS DEDUCTED (20% per day late)
FINAL SCORE
/100
This rubric attempts to make the grading criteria clear to both students and professors. Professors will use common sense when applying the rubric.
