EWRT 1A, FYE
J. Quigley, Winter 2015
Essay #1 Literary Analysis: Woman’s Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros
Develop a cohesive critical analysis of one central question or observation in Sandra
Cisneros’ Woman Hollering Creek. A critical essay requires focusing on a specific idea
about the text and carefully building an argument (THESIS) to prove this idea with the
identification and analysis of textual elements. Your analysis must use textual evidence
(minimum of 4 quotes) to support your thinking. You will apply the analytical tools and
literary/critical terms employed in class discussion to establish, structure, develop, and
prove your argument. Remember, your THESIS should be specific and focused, and all
of your thinking and evidence will work to support it in a unified and well-developed
fashion. Use your voice and own style. Please be original and creative. Think deeply
about the text(s) and your ideas to avoid general observations or claims.
Topics:
1. Focus on the literary details of one or more of Cisneros stories to develop one
central literary observation. Consider: characterization (mirroring: dopplegangger
or foil), conflict, metaphor, theme, point of view, tone, voice, irony.
2. Focus on both the literary details of Cisneros’ banned text and the politics
surrounding banning her book. Consider critical terms such as doubleconsciousness, (internalized and systemic) oppression, exoticism, the other. If you
chose this option, I recommend you watch the documentary Precious Knowledge
and do some research.
Requirements:
1. 4 typed, size 12 font, double-spaced, stapled pages with minimum of 6 paragraphs
(INTRODUCTION, CONCLUSION, and at least 4 PIEs)
2. THESIS makes an analytical or critical argument about the text(s) that
demonstrates cause and effect.
3. ORGANIZATION (relationship between the thesis and the analysis, relationship
between evidence and thinking, and paragraph cohesion). Consider both macro
organization (overall essay movement to prove thesis) and micro organization
(sentence to sentence flow and paragraph focus).
4. DEVELOPMENT (detailed analytical thinking in response to quotes and ideas
about and within the text; at least 4 quotes following MLA format) Follow
QUOTE SANDWICH MODEL
5. WRITING (consider voice, style, sentence variety and construction)
Writing Process Due Dates:
1. Outline: Working Thesis / 3 Points / 3 Quotes Due Monday 1/12/15 Class: Peer
Review: failure to participate in the writing process—either class peer review or
WRC or SSRS tutor—results in 10 points subtracted from your final essay.
2. Essay #1 Final Due: Wednesday 1/14
Essay Evaluation and Revision:
The essay is worth 100 points and will be graded based on the following scale:
EWRT 1A / J. Quigley / Essay Peer Evaluation
Essay Format: follows essay requirements. Review assignment sheet.
Excellent / Good / Needs Revision
Comments:
Introduction Paragraph and Title: both are engaging, interesting, and creative. Hook. Introduction
paragraph builds toward the thesis effectively (general to specific) with thesis at the end.
Excellent / Good / Needs Revision
Comments:
Thesis: clear, specific, makes an analytical observation/argument about the play that demonstrates
cause and effect.
Excellent / Good / Needs Revision
Comments:
Organization: body paragraphs have 1 main idea (expressed in the Point/topic sentence) that
connects directly back to the thesis. Paragraphs maintain focus. Transitions between paragraphs,
ideas, and sentences are clear. Consider both Macro and Micro organization.
Excellent / Good / Needs Revision
Comments:
Paragraph Development/Critical Thinking: PIE format, specific I in PIE
(information/evidence/examples), developed E in PIE (all examples are explained fully and
connect to the Point). 4 Quote Sandwiches. Paragraphs demonstrate critical thinking about the
text and themes. Ideas are original and creative; writing avoids general observation or summary.
Excellent / Good / Needs Revision
Comments:
Conclusion Paragraph: answers “so what?” to thesis instead of restating it or summarizing ideas
in the essay. Ends with emotional impact.
Excellent / Good / Needs Revision
Comments:
Writing: grammatical fluency and control of sentence construction. Uses voice, style, sentence
variety.
Excellent / Good / Needs Revision
Comments: