Instructions:
Step 1: Your Essay Topic
Exploring the theme of war and loss in the opening chapters of the things they carried” Tim O’Brien
Essay Prompt: In your essay, you will analyze the first five chapters of “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien. you will incorporate at least three outside research articles that relate to the chosen novel and the concepts discussed in “They Say/I Say” and “How to Read Literature Like a Professor.”
Instructions:
Select Your Novel: Choose “The Things They Carried” (chapters 1-5) as the primary text for your analysis.
Literary Analysis: Utilize the principles outlined in “How to Read Literature Like a Professor” to explore and dissect the literary techniques used in your chosen chapters. Analyze elements such as symbolism, character development, setting, and narrative style.
Incorporate “They Say/I Say” Concepts: Apply concepts from “They Say/I Say” to strengthen your argument and use persuasive strategies. Discuss how your analysis relates to the broader conversation about the novel and its themes.
Outside Research: Incorporate a minimum of three scholarly articles or essays that are relevant to your chosen novel and its themes. These articles should enhance and support your analysis. Ensure you properly cite and integrate these sources into your essay.
Thematic Exploration: Explore and discuss the major themes present in your chosen chapters and how they contribute to the overall narrative of the novel. Consider how these themes connect to broader literary and societal contexts.
Conclusion: Summarize your analysis, highlighting the key points you’ve discussed and the insights you’ve gained from applying the concepts from “They Say/I Say” and “How to Read Literature Like a Professor.” Conclude by emphasizing the significance of your findings and the importance of the selected chapters in the context of the entire novel.
Step 2: Create an Outline
Develop a detailed outline for your essay. Your outline should include the following elements:
Introduction:
- Hook or attention-grabber.
- Clear thesis statement that states your main argument or purpose.
- Brief overview of the main points you will discuss.
Body Paragraphs (usually 3-5):
- Each paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence that relates to your thesis.
- Supporting details, evidence, or examples for each topic sentence.
- Transitions between paragraphs to ensure a smooth flow of ideas.
Conclusion:
- Restate your thesis.
- Summarize the key points you’ve discussed.
- Offer a concluding thought or insight.
Step 3: Draft Your Essay
Using the outline you’ve created, begin drafting your essay. Write your essay in a separate document, focusing on expanding each point from your outline into coherent paragraphs. Don’t worry about perfect grammar or punctuation at this stage; the goal is to get your ideas down on paper.
Step 4: Review and Revise Your Rough Draft
After completing your rough draft, take some time to review and revise it. Pay attention to:
- Clarity and coherence of your ideas and arguments.
- The flow of your essay from one paragraph to the next.
- Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
- Proper citation of sources, if applicable.
You should have an outline and final essay.
