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ZOOM
Formal Paper #3
Write a clear, focused, and detailed essay (with an intro paragraph, however many body paragraphs you
see t, and a conclusion paragraph) in response to the following prompt:
The two short stories, “The Paper Menagerie” by Ken Liu and “A Brief and Fearful Star” by Carmen
Maria Machado, convey the complexities of human nature and the relationship between mother and
child through the lens of magical realism. Although they take place in vastly diering landscapes, they
share intriguing connections both in their contrasting elements as well as in their shared themes. What
are the core messages presented within the short stories, and how are they portrayed and explored?
Discuss parallels and/or points of contrast in your analysis. Each paragraph must reference both of the
short stories (at least one quote from Liu and one quote from Machado per body paragraph)
Your paper should be 4-5 pages long, typed, double-spaced, and in a standard 12-point font.
Here are crucial points to keep in mind as you begin planning and writing your paper:
● Plan your essay before you begin writing. This will greatly facilitate the organization and
cohesive ow of your paper.
● Keep in mind that your essay should propose a thesis, be framed with topic sentences, and oer
analysis and textual support. Remember that it should be well-organized and grammatically
correct. Be sure to save enough time and energy to proofread your essay.
○ State a topic sentence for each body paragraph, and ensure that each paragraph ows
smoothly into the next.
○ State your thesis and main supporting points in a clear and concise manner in your
introductory paragraph.
● Dig deeper into the referenced texts by using direct quotations and examples from the text (at
least two direct quotes and/or detailed paraphrasings per body paragraph).
● Delve into an analysis of the author’s words.
○ As always, be careful not to simply summarize what the author has to say or use the
question as a springboard for a personal response. Maintain close contact with the
specic prompt question and the specic text, and keep in mind the important
concepts and guidelines we’ve discussed thus far in class.
○ Do not simply state examples and leave them hanging. Do not simply summarize the
text; complete each thought. Ask yourself: Why is this example or quote relevant to an
answering of the prompt?
● Reference the rubrics to ensure your essay meets all listed criteria to the best of your abilities.
● Keep in mind that focus yields more depth of analysis, while too broad of a viewpoint creates
generalizations and shallow points.
● Do not simply restate what was discussed in class. Further analyze what we discussed, and
develop new viewpoints with greater detail.
