SHORT STORY ESSAY
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Write a well-organized, formal, literary essay on one (1) of the following topics.
Use one 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 and MLA 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 1 of the three short stories we read in class, write a formal essay showing how
symbols helped to develop the plot or theme of the story.
In other words: In 1 of the short stories we read, how are symbols used to help develop the
plot or theme?
2
Using one of three short stories we read in class, write a formal essay determining the
importance of landscape on the development of a common theme.
In other words:
one theme?
5
In 1 of the 3 short stories we read, how does the landscape help to develop
Using one 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.
In other words: How does 1 of the 3 stories read in class show that symbols help to
develop the characters?
HINTS:
1 The symbols in BOTH “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 The landscape in both “The Broken Globe” and “Brother Dear” help to develop a common
theme that isolation creates ignorance and arrogance.
3 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: