English Paper

Directions: Present a literary argument from one or more stories we have covered and provide adequate supports and details.

Papers must be 3-5 pages, double spaced. The Works Cited page must be included but is not counted as a page of writing. The Works Cited page must include the short story or stories you are writing about and any research material you use. The paper must follow spelling and grammar rules and conventions, MLA formatting, in-text citation, and works cited rules. Do not use first or second person pronouns (I/you).

Research requirement - Use 1-2 resources from the school’s library databases to integrate support for 1-2 points. It can be a direct quote, paraphrased quote, or summary. It must have an in-text parenthetical citation and a matching entry in the Works Cited list. Try not to use more than one direct quote per paragraph unless it is necessary for your argument.

Having an outline is essential to creating a clear paper with an arguable and demonstrable point.

If there is no outline, the essay might not be well-constructed or fulfill all criteria.

Having a rough draft which is peer reviewed is also essential to the writing process.

Submit both outline and rough draft to discussion board for peer review and review two peers by the dates listed at the top of the page.

Preparation:

Option 1: Create your own thesis. Your thesis for this essay will be a literary argument. Revisit the questions we have answered in class. Would your answers to any of them be considered an argument? Present your stance and defend it with support in the form of details and examples.

Option 2: Examine how a story uses any three literary elements we have learned so far in chapter readings to communicate, teach, or critique. Use the following thesis template:

Through [Literary Element #1], [Literary Element #2], [Literary Element #3], [name of story] [what you assert it does].

Example: Through character, point of view, and language, “A & P” shows readers the contradictions of one’s reality and one’s perceived self-image.

Literary Elements:

Ch. 7: Plot (pp. 123-155)

Ch. 8: Character (pp. 156-194)

Ch. 9: Setting (pp. 195-225)

Ch. 10: Point of View (pp. 226-280)

Ch. 11: Style, Tone, and Language

GUIDANCE:

Your thesis must be an argument.

You should first create an outline to organize your ideas and then use the outline as a guide to write your rough draft.

Sometimes in writing, you will write something better in a rough draft or find better evidence. Go back to revise your outline and thesis to ensure that you are supporting your argument and maintaining the structure of your essay.

Your outline and rough draft must be posted to Discussion Board for peer review.

Your final draft must be submitted to Course Content > Essay #1 Directions > Submission Link Essay #1.

· If you have trouble with crafting a thesis and outline, make an appointment with the Writing Center by following the instructions at https://pgcc.libguides.com/twc/wc.

· Watch this video for help writing a thesis statement: https://youtu.be/8kaRzCBCI-0

· For a better idea of what and how to write, read these Literary Analysis Example Essays: http://web.cocc.edu/cagatucci/classes/eng104/midtermexamples.htm 

· Read the example student essays in your book. 

· All work should be in MLA format with MLA in-text citation.

· MLA Sample Paper : https://owl.english.purdue.edu/media/pdf/20170627162500_747.pdf

· MLA in-text citations - https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/02/