A Raisin in the Sun Essay Assignment
Please write a theme essay (3 pages) on Lorraine Hansberrys A Raisin in the Sun. You may choose from ONE of the following topics:
Essay Choice 1 (Family):
Prompt: Please write an essay (3 full pages typed, Times New Roman, double spaced, 12 point font — MLA) arguing the process by which the Youngers are united as a family through the course of events narrated in Lorraine Hansberrys A Raisin in the Sun. What forces threaten to tear them apart? What ultimately brings them together? What message does the playwright communicate to the audience through this process?
Be sure to use examples from the text, including quotes and paraphrased situations. Your evidence should support your thesis. Your thesis should be the last sentence of your first paragraph.
NO OUTSIDE SOURCES ALLOWED
Tips and Rubric
Do not use the word I. Include the title and author in the first paragraph. Cite lines from A Raisin in the Sun correctly (according to MLA). Make sure your conclusion is complete not rushed. It shouldnt be painful to write. If its painful for you just imagine how I am going to feel.
A thesis statement is usually a single sentence that presents your argument to the reader and makes a claim that others might dispute (argument). The thesis should be integrated. Some aspect will reveal the work as a whole = theme.
A theme is what is being said about a topic. For example, what Hansberry reveals about free will (for example), in a complete clause, is a theme.
Example of an integrated thesis:
Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twains Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, civilization must be abandoned, and nature must be embraced.
You may wish to use a crutch phrase until you get the hang of it:
Through _________what element(s)_____________, the writer reveals (or choice of strong verb) ________theme clause_____________.
(Very stiff, but gives you an integrated thesis for theme!)
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Avoid plot summary in your body paragraphs: any plot description or summary of contents must support a point–not substitute for one. You should ask yourself the question: Why is this important? In other words, what is the significance of this element of the work in relation to the point you wish to make?
Include an EQUAL amount of paraphrasing and quotation to make your point(s) that support your thesis. When citing for this play, please use page numbers (not Act/Scene).
See rubric below. NO OUTSIDE SOURCES ALLOWED IN YOUR ESSAY!
90-100 Essay is a full three pages or more and effectively and insightfully develops the topic into a theme about the novel; demonstrates outstanding critical thinking, using clearly appropriate examples, reasons, and other evidence to support its position. Student uses embedded quotes. Well organized and clearly focused, demonstrating clear coherence and smooth progression of ideas. Exhibits skillful use of language, using a varied, accurate, and apt vocabulary. Demonstrates meaningful variety in sentence structure. Is free of most errors in grammar, usage, MLA and mechanics.
80-89 Essay is 3 pages or almost three pages and develops a theme on the issue; demonstrates strong critical thinking, generally using appropriate examples, reasons, and other evidence to support its position. Organized and focused, demonstrating coherence and progression of ideas. Exhibits facility in the use of language, using appropriate vocabulary. Demonstrates variety in sentence structure. Is generally free of most errors in grammar, usage, MLA and mechanics.
70-79 Essay develops (weakly) the idea of a theme on the issue and demonstrates thinking, using adequate examples, reasons, and other evidence to support its position. Sometimes organized and focused, demonstrating some coherence and progression of ideas. Exhibits adequate but inconsistent facility in the use of language, using generally appropriate vocabulary. Demonstrates some variety in sentence structure. Has some errors in grammar, usage, MLA and mechanics.
60-69 Essay may not develop a point of view on the novel, demonstrating thinking, but may do so inconsistently or use inadequate examples, reasons, or other evidence to support its position. Limited in its organization or focus, or may demonstrate some lapses in coherence or progression of ideas. Displays developing facility in the use of language, but sometimes uses weak vocabulary or inappropriate word choice. Lacks variety or demonstrates problems in sentence structure contains an accumulation of errors in grammar, usage, MLA and mechanics.
59-0 Basically a non-response situation.
