SHORT STORY ESSAY
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Write a well-organized, formal, literary essay on one (1) of the following topics.
Use TWO of the short stories we have read in class to respond to the question.
Answer in proper formal essay format on foolscap paper.
Essays should be a minimum of 650-800 words in length. Essays of fewer than 500 words
cannot receive passing marks.
Consistently detailed references and explanations from the text are required for high (K)
knowledge and (T) thinking marks.
Essays must follow paragraphing expectations: topic sentences, development, specific
examples and concluding sentences which tie back into the thesis. Introductory and
concluding paragraphs must include the thesis and three key points that comprise the
argument.
You MUST write in PEN and double-space your answer.
1
Using two of the three short stories we read in class, write a formal essay
showing how symbols helped to develop the plot of each story.
In 2 of the 3 short stories we read, how can symbols be used to help develop the plot?
The symbols in “Saturday Climbing” and “The Broken Globe” develop the plot by
establishing and resolving the conflicts. These symbols play a major role in the
comprehension of the conflicts.
2
Using two of the three short stories we read in class, write a formal essay
determining the importance of landscape on the development of a common
theme.
In 2 of the 3 short stories we read, what is the importance of landscape on a common
theme?
The landscape in both “The Broken Globe” and “Brother Dear” helps to develop a
common theme that isolation creates ignorance and arrogance.
3
Using two of the three short stories we read in class, write a formal essay
showing how a symbol or symbols helped to develop the characters of each
story.
How do 2 of the 3 stories read in class show that symbols help to develop the
characters of each story?
In “Saturday Climbing” and “Brother Dear” the symbols develop character by showing
how the protagonist grows in a relationship with a family member.
Organizational Chart for a formal Essay
•introductory statement - sometimes a theme statement. *Remember the rules of Theme statements!!!!*
___________________________________________________________________________________
•thesis statement – your theme, but reworded so it is specific to the novel or play. *Tells what you will
prove!*
___________________________________________________________________________________
•Directional statement - Your 3 key points Which CLEARLY will help to prove the thesis
(1) __________________________________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________ (3) _____________________________________
First CLEAR topic sentence from
directional statement to help prove
thesis:
Second CLEAR topic sentence
from directional statement to help
prove thesis:
Third CLEAR topic sentence
from directional statement to
help prove thesis:
Tell how it clearly connects and
helps to prove thesis:
Tell how it clearly connects and
helps to prove thesis:
Tell how it clearly connects and
helps to prove thesis:
Prove the connection using
examples from text:
Prove the connection using
examples from text:
Prove the connection using
examples from text:
Explain how the example(s)
further prove this point
Explain how the example(s) further
prove this point
Explain how the example(s)
further prove this point
Explain how the example(s)
further prove the thesis
Explain how the example(s) further
prove the thesis
Explain how the example(s)
further prove the thesis
Transition to next point.
Transition to next point.
Conclusion: (summarize theme/ thesis statement)
Refer to supporting ideas(Remind reader how they proved thesis)
Final insightful statements: