The first essay asks writers to choose one relationship from one short story that the class has read and explain its significance to the story, the writer, the reader, or the context. This may be a relationship that was mentioned in the Discussions, or it may be one that you discovered after a second reading of the story. You could argue that the relationship provides clues to the outcome of the story, or that the relationship reveals something about a characters psychological makeup, or even that this relationship is a product of the storys setting of time or place. This essay should be at least 500 words (two pages in length) and contain quotes, paraphrases, or summaries from the story.
Formatting and Organizing
Include the following:
Introduction
-Lead
-Thesis
Narration
-This is where you provide a little background information for your audience. Consider how much your readers know about your topic and which terms need further explanation. If you are focusing on a historical aspect or psychological condition, for example, consider explaining the event or definitions.
Confirmation
-This is the largest section of your essay. You will support your thesis by explaining your points and providing evidence in the form of quotes, paraphrases, or summaries.
Refutation
-This is where you talk to your opposition audience. The ancient Greeks thought it very important to understand those who disagree with you. In fact, the ability to say back criticisms (such as, Okay, you are saying that my mother wears army boots . . .) is a very crucial step in conflict negotiation. Stating the other side allows a way for your opposition to listen to you, and it makes you look smarter. Unlike your essays in English 101 that may have focused on volatile topics, essays in English 102 focus on literaturenot something that would cause a fight at the family supper table; however, you will note in the Discussions that there are many ways to read literature, so in this section of your essay, explain another way to interpret your topic.
Conclusion
-This is your wrap-up session. Note that unlike formal essays in other disciplines, literature essays require that you leave the reader with something to consider.
Yes, there are five sections in this argument format, but, no, this does not mean that you must write a five-paragraph essay. Consider that you will need separate paragraphs for each point in the Confirmation, so the number of paragraphs depends on you the writer as well as the needs of your readers. Also consider that you can mix and match these sections; for example, sometimes it is best to place the Refutation before the Confirmation. After all, you want to make sure that all of your readers are paying attention. In other writing situations where you are taking readers into unfamiliar territory, you may need to combine your Narration with your Confirmation.
Including Evidence from Sources:
Three Options with Four Steps
There are three ways to include someone elses words into your own ideas:
Quote (when you cannot say it any better)
He inquires, Do you like green eggs and ham? (Seuss 95).
Paraphrase (when you are not sure if your readers understand)
He asks if the character would prefer a green breakfast (Seuss 95).
Summary (when you know that your readers understand)
This book provides a hilarious dialogue between two odd characters, one of
whom offers green eggs and ham (Seuss 95).
Four Steps for Including Information
1. Introduce speaker or passage
2. Quote, Paraphrase, or Summarize
3. (Parenthetical citation) i.e. page number, author, portion of title
4. Explain how the source is important for your point
Sample of Incorporating Sources into Your Own Writing:
In the humorous Dr. Seuss book, Green Eggs and Ham, one character
continues to pester another with the question, Do you like green eggs and
ham? (95), reminding child and adult reader, alike, that if we simply try
something new, we just might enjoy it.
