During today's class, we started our first free response essay. How is free response different from other essays? A free response requires you to select a text (novel, play) of literary merit and use its literary elements, characterization, and themes to answer the given prompt. There are no quotations in this essay (unless you remember a significant quote). Your analysis and selection of related details show your understanding of the text and act as evidence.
Here is the prompt: Choose
a character from a novel or play of recognized literary merit and write an
essay in which you (a) briefly describe the standards of the fictional society
in which the character exists and (b) show how the character is affected by and
responds to those standards. In your essay do not merely summarize the plot.
We will complete this free response essay on a step-by-step basis. Thus far, we have followed these steps:
1. Break down the prompt - circle/underline key words and phrases that focus your essay writing.
2. Brainstorm a list of texts that you could use for the prompt and select the one that you will use.
3. Write a thesis statement and brief plan/outline for the body paragraphs.
4. Write 2 possible hooks for this essay -- analogy, allusion, phrasing, etc. No personal anecdotes -- literature is all about the text.
When you walk into class on Tuesday, have these 2 hooks ready to go. We will work more on the actual writing Tuesday/possibly Wednesday.
And lastly, September 9 marks Queen Elizabeth II overtaking Queen Victoria as the longest reigning monarch in England's history. I think we should have a little British party to celebrate. Thoughts? I can bring the scones!
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