Prompt: If you were to have the privilege of meeting any three of the authors whose short stories we have read and discussed, what would you want to ask, and why? Be specific. Avoid questions that you could find answers to on your own. Value each author’s time – and ask questions that only she could answer. The questions you ask should demonstrate a familiarity the author as well as their stories we have read for class.
Suggested structure for the essay (following the classical model):
Opening paragraph (about 100-150 words): Hook to catch the reader’s attention, discussion of why your approach is important, and three-part thesis statement.
Three body paragraphs (each about 250-400 words minimum): Each topic sentence corresponding to one part of the thesis statement along with discussion to prove your claim and supported by textual evidence as well as sound reasoning, concluding with a sentence that ties the paragraph together.
Concluding paragraph (about 150-200 words): Re-statement of your thesis, answer the the question, “So what?” (that is, now that you have proven your case, why should we as readers care?), and recommendations to the reader (what might the reader do with what you have proven?).
Give a title to your essay that connects clearly with your thesis statement and the above prompt. Whenever you quote from a story, be sure to provide the page number in parentheses after the quote (use double quotes [“–“] throughout). Proofread carefully. Listen to your sentences: remember that we write with our ear (reading aloud what you have written in draft helps with this).
