Book Report

Response Essay for Hummingbird Daughter. You can write your response essays on anything from a character analysis to analyzing a key concept in the novel. Everything that we discussed in class is certainly ok to continue to write about. You can also discuss concepts of magical realism.

500-700 word, double spaced, thesis driven papers:

· A thesis means that you are taking a position, and that you are setting up a particular reading of the text

· Avoid summarizing the text. You will need to include details from the text that support your analysis, but you don’t need general summary.

· Focus on a particular scene, moment or trace an image, symbol, narrative technique through the reading for the day AND take a position on its significance.

· Make sure that your thesis and topic sentences are argumentative.

· Before turning in your final essay you should have read the entire novel because the idea/theme/character you’re focusing on may change at the end of the text and, thus, your essay will need to show that you’ve paid attention to that shift.

Introduction:

· Introduce your approach to the text, should lead logically toward your thesis (i.e. set up your thesis)

· Final sentence of introduction: thesis

Body Paragraphs:

· Topic Sentences should begin each paragraph (arguments that support your thesis)

· Support from the text (quotes or specific details, should include page numbers)

· Analyze the quotes you are using, explain how you are reading them. Do not assume your reader will be reading the quote in the same way you are

· Concluding analysis

· Repeat for each body paragraph

Conclusion:

· Restate thesis (don’t copy and paste)

· Significance

Works Cited Page

· Cite the novel

Grading:

A= original interpretation and analysis of the novel. Thesis and topic sentences logically connected and argumentative. Few if any grammar, syntax problems

B= (partially) original, but may rely on summary instead of original analysis in some places, may have a few grammar/syntax problems

C= summarizes the reading with little or no original analysis or may have significant grammar/syntax issues

D= summarizes with grammar/syntax problems