Topic:
Analyze one of the following texts by first determining the message of the story or the message the author is trying to convey, and then formulating a thesis about that message using the text as evidence. Please follow the structure of an essay… Don’t just summarize the story without having a point to support.
Readings:
|“Everyday use for your Grandmama” |“Doors” (short story from the novel Arranged |“This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, |
| |Marriages |Arizona” |
|“My Mother’s English” |“Notes from a Son to his Father” |
( You must focus primarily on the text you have selected… “What” does the author say or appear to say about the topic (message)? “How” does the author present his or her ideas? What evidence did you find in the text that leads you to think what you do about the topic?
( Requirements: A more complete Grading Scale is in your reader on page 17 of your reader. This essay should have (and I will be looking for)
1. An introduction that builds to a thesis statement. a. Give a clear idea of how your topic and the text you have chosen led you to your thesis. (Don’t forget to give the Full Text Title and Author’s name in your intro.) b. Take a stance with your thesis. (It should not contain “I”.)
2. Topic sentences with transitions for your body paragraphs.
3. Quotes from the text to support your ideas (quote sandwiches) in your body paragraphs.
4. Explanations of your quotes
5. A conclusion that is related to and ties back to your introduction and thesis in some way.
6. A Creative Title for your essay.
