Name :_______________________________________________
Period: ____________
Unit Four Embedded Assessment One
Writing an Analytical Essay
Assignment: You will write an analytical essay in which you discuss how a key theme in Their Eyes Were
Watching God is expressed through Zora Neale Hurston’s use of symbolism.
Below is a list of several themes and symbols that are present in the novel. This is not an exhaustive list.
Multiple symbols may be used to develop one theme, but not all symbols express each theme.
(Pick One)
Themes
(Pick 1-3)
Symbols
If you only look toward the future, you won’t enjoy
the present.
One should not look to another as the only source
of happiness.
Unrealistic expectations lead to heartache and
hardship.
Marrying for any reason other than love will result
in unhappiness.
Selfish and impulsive decisions may be enjoyable
immediately, but they often cause pain to others
and have lasting consequences.
Outward beauty does not determine inward
beauty.
Pear Tree
Horizon
Janie’s Hair
The Mule
The Road
The Lamppost
Step One: Pre-writing
1. Determine which theme you would like to analyze. You may choose a theme from the above list,
select one from the options we discussed in class, or construct your own.
2. Determine how that theme is conveyed through the symbolism in the novel. Remember, more
than one symbol may be used to express the theme.
3. Construct a thesis statement that connects the symbols to the theme.
ex. In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston uses the pear tree,
the mule, and Janie’s hair as symbols to express the theme that unrealistic
expectations of love will lead to heartache.
4. Determine which quotes from the text best support your thesis statement. Refer to your symbol
tracker worksheet for ideas.
5. Construct an organizational plan for your essay using the graphic organizer on the back of this
sheet.
Page 1
Pre-Writing Graphic Organizer
Introduction
Hook (attention grabber):
Essential Background Information:
Thesis Statement:
Body Paragraphs
Body Paragraph One
Body Paragraph Two
Body Paragraph Three
Transition/Topic Sentence:
Transition/Topic Sentence:
Transition/Topic Sentence:
Lead-in:
Lead-in:
Lead-in:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Citation:
Citation:
Citation:
Explanation:
Explanation:
Explanation:
Concluding Statement:
Concluding Statement:
Concluding Statement:
Conclusion
Restate thesis (in new words):
Wrap up your arguments:
End on a memorable point:
Page 2
Step Two: Drafting
1. Convert the information from your graphic organizer into a well-organized, five-paragraph essay
in a word document.
2. Follow proper MLA format.
3. Make your document technically sound.
4. Refer to these instructions regularly
5. Use your research paper guide to help with formatting questions
Checklist
Before you hand in your paper, check through this list to make sure you haven’t forgotten any of the following
requirements. Make sure that you have spell-checked, proofread, and made this paper a high-quality work.
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Running header
MLA Heading (Student name; instructor name; class name; period) top left justified
Title: Something simple in plain text, centered
Format: 1 inch margins, double spaced, 12-point, Times New Roman font
Double spaced with no extra spaces before or after the title or paragraphs
Book titles are always in italics
Introduction: Start with an attention grabber and transition to your thesis
Thesis Statement: Include the point that you want to prove and your premise points in one sentence (the
thesis is the last sentence of the introduction)
All research has documentation (or else it is plagiarism)
In-text citations with the first word of citation
Each main point has supporting evidence in the form of a direct or indirect quote
No first or second person pronouns, unless you are quoting
No contractions, unless you are quoting
Do not use the words: things, stuff, a lot, very, well, so
No slang (ex. kid instead of child)
Prove each point in the same order as listed in your thesis statement
Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence
Use transitions between ideas
Use a lead-in for each quote (introduces how the quote proves your point)
Use quotation marks to indicate that you have copied the information word-for-word from the text
Use an in-text citation after each quote
Punctuation is after the quote
Your analysis should be two sentences per every sentence quoted and should indicate how the quote
proves your thesis statement
The last sentence of each paragraph is a concluding point or evaluation statement- not a sentence that
transitions into the next paragraph
The first sentence of your conclusion is a restated thesis statement
Finish your essay with a memorable point so the reader has a lasting impression of your essay
Make sure everything you write proves your thesis statement and topic sentences
Check “Mrs. F.’s Grammar Rules and Reminders” before you submit
Page 3
Step Three: Revision
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read your essay carefully, several times, in various formats, to catch any errors.
Make sure that you offer a clear analysis of how Hurston advances a theme through symbolism.
Use the peer revision chart below and have a peer/adult review your work.
Edit your essay several times to prepare your work for publication. Make corrections in spelling,
punctuation, and grammar. Consult the resources I have provided to you this year for help.
Peer Editing Checklist
Paragraph 1:
Paragraph 2:
ADD
What should be added to
make this essay more clear
or make its argument(s)
stronger?
Paragraph 3:
Paragraph 4:
Paragraph 5:
Paragraph 1:
Paragraph 2:
DELETE
What should be deleted to
make this essay more
focused and coherent?
Paragraph 3:
Paragraph 4:
Paragraph 5:
Paragraph 1:
Paragraph 2:
MOVE
What words or phrases
should be rearranged in this
essay to improve its sentence
structure and clarity?
Paragraph 3:
Paragraph 4:
Paragraph 5:
Paragraph 1:
Paragraph 2:
OTHER
What other suggestions can
you provide to make this
essay more coherent,
organized, convincing,
and/or technically sound?
Paragraph 3:
Paragraph 4:
Paragraph 5:
Page 4
Page 5