Hatchet/ Conclusions/
Research/ Paper Topics
MONDAY NOV. 16, 2015
Homework
 Hatchet chapters 16-19
 Summary/ Reflection 10 (with vocabulary portion). For this week
no summary is necessary. Rather, I want you to discuss one of the
following literary devices in the week’s reading of Hatchet: Theme,
setting, an investigation of connotative v denotative meanings, or
any of the other literary elements you were tested on. You must
have a model introduction, a model paragraph, and a model
conclusion. Number the “writing moves” that you are completing for
the intro and conclusion. This should be a minimum of two pages in
length. You must still include the required amount of vocabulary
words and discussion questions.
 6 entries into dialectical journal.
 In lieu of grammar homework this week, you have to
write a short proposal of what you are planning to
investigate in your final paper. Your paper proposal must
be at least 250 words long. It must contain the following:
(1) A description of the theme you plan to investigate, and
moreover, what book you are planning to investigate.
(2) A defense of why it is important to investigate this
theme
(3) A working title
(4) Links to two sources that you are thinking of using in
your paper.
Crafting Ideal Conclusions
Crafting a Conclusion
 The function of a conclusion: “When your readers
realize they have arrived at the conclusion, they will
start paying closer attention because they know you
are going to state your main points.”
Five Moves in a Conclusion
 The following are five possible moves that can made
in a conclusion:
(1) Signal clearly that you are concluding
(2) Restate your main point or thesis statement with
added emphasis.
(3) Stress the importance of your topic again.
(4) Call your readers to action (if needed).
(5) Look to the future.
Some Phrases that Signal a Conclusion
In conclusion,
To sum up,
In summary,
In closing,
Put briefly,
In brief,
Finally,
To finish up,
Ultimately,
Overall,
As a whole,
On the whole,
Tips for a Successful Conclusion
 Your conclusion should be very similar to your
introduction in content and in tone.
 “In your conclusion, you need to bring your readers
back around to the beginning of your argument,
showing them you have accomplished your purpose.”
Nonfiction Example
“In the end, street racing isn’t worth it
(1). A few seconds of thrill can cause a lifetime
of suffering or even get someone killed (2).
Davey Yeoman found that out the hard way,
and he wants his wrecked life to be an example
to others. He’s paralyzed and eats through a
straw. The Accord he once loves is a mangled
heap that is towed around local highs schools
to warn others.
The laws against street racing are already
on the books (3). We don’t need more laws.
What we need is more education and tougher
enforcement to stop street racing (4). Only
then will we be able to end this dangerous
craze that leaves so many lives destroyed. Only
then will our streets be safe (5).
My Example from TKAM
Thus (1), it is clear from Scout’s satirical commentary
in chapter four of this text that Lee is highlighting a selfdirected education as being superior to the education the
children receive in the Maycomb County school system (2).
This dichotomy between self directed education in an open
environment, versus a narrow-minded education in a
constrained environment is major theme in this novel (3).
The reader is able to see that the most enriching learning
environment is the one created within the Finch home; Jem
and Scout are allowed to explore and investigate whatever
interests them without restrictions. In the future, this
investigation of educational themes could be expanded to
include other novels from the same historical period. For
example, do many children’s novels from the sixties also call
for a return to self-directed education, as is clearly
demonstrated in To Kill a Mockingbird (4).
Research
 For your final paper you must conduct outside research
to support the assertions that you are making in your
paper.
 You cannot use faulty research. This would include
research that is linked to “Spark Notes,” “Cliff Notes,”
and Wikipedia. You must you credible academic sources.
 I recommend that you start searching for articles related
to theme that you seek to investigate. You can start by
searching on Google and Google Scholar. (Shmoop might
be a beneficial place to start but you cannot use
summaries from these site.)
Research (continued)
 Free site where you can find scholarly articles are
becoming increasingly difficult to find. You most
definitely do not have to pay for information, but for
future reference, a great resource to use is JSTOR.
 You can also use books and interviews if they are
related to your topic and reputable.
 You can also use sources that discuss an aspect that
your are investigating such are archetype, historical
context, etc.
 Example: The following is a link to an article that
could be used for a dystopian investigation of The
Giver:
http://blog.independent.org/2014/09/18/thegivers-dystopia-total-equality-and-no-humanity/
Literary Lenses
 “Literary theory is an attempt to understand
the various ways that different people read
texts. Yes, we all know that not everyone
‘interprets’ a book, poem, or even a song the
same way. Theory gives readers a chance to
view a text with a so-called different set of
lenses.”
 http://comosr.spps.org/lit_theory
Historical Criticism/Post-Colonial
 “Views text as a closely related to the time during
which an author wrote. Focused on the social,
political, economic, cultural, and/or intellectual
climate of the time. Examines how other cultures are
viewed in terms of an overpowering Western
literature base.”
 “ Looks at issues of colonization and imperialism”
 “Rejects the idea of marginalized people as “others”
 “Celebrates ‘hybridity’ (existing in two cultures at
once)”
Possible Paper Topics: The Giver
 “The Giver” as wise man archetype
 The importance of questioning rules
 Emotion v. Efficiency
 How one responds to the unknown or foreign
 The painful nature of acquiring knowledge (the nature of
acquiring knowledge)
 The portrayal of true teaching
***In addition you must each bring at least one alternative
thematic lens to discuss. Have evidence prepared to back up
your assertions.
Hatchet