Purpose:
To show that you base your opinion on the close reading of a text and can cite the source correctly.
Skills:
This assignment uses skills required for both your academic and professional careers. In this assignment, you will:
Analyze one of the short stories read and discussed this term.
Determine a claim about the short story.
Select details from the text that support the claim.
Compose a well-organized, clear, concise, and mechanically correct essay.
Craft a clear thesis that does not begin with “In this essay…” or something similar.
Cite the story in the essay and on a Works Cited page using MLA formatting.
Step 1: Choose a text
Choose one of the short stories assigned for reading in Module 1-4.
Re-read the chosen short story to ensure you have a solid understanding of the elements used.
**** The story I have chosen is “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates
Step 2: Make a claim
Determine which literary element or elements you will write about.
.Create a thesis that presents the article, author, and claim
Example:
Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” used symbolism to help present the protagonist’s despair and conditions to the audience.
Step 3: Create the essay
Do not do any outside research on the story. Instead, look at the story closely and the elements used within.
Write an essay in which you thoroughly explain your claim. Word count: about 500 words
Use cited material (quotes, paraphrases, and/or summaries) from the story in the essay and on the Works Cited page to support your claim.
Consider what makes you think the claim is true.
Reference sections, details, or lines from the story to show the reader the information that helped you determine your claim.
Use MLA formatting (double spaced, 1-inch margins, 12 point font) and citation to cite the article and story in the essay and on the Works Cited page.
Consider reading through sample essays in A Writer’s Reference Section L.
Step 4: Format according to MLA
MLA formatting asks for specific margins, fonts, font sizing, and spacing.
Please see the MLA Citation Resources or specifics and step-by-step guidance for formatting.
Step 5: Submit assignment
Upload your file to the correct dropbox for submission. Be sure you are only uploading a pdf, doc, or docx file. Other files types will be rejected.
