Part Five: Essay Question (20 pts)
Closely read the essay prompts below and CHOOSE ONE to respond to carefully; this part
of the exam is worth 20% of your grade! You may use the novel Red Scarf Girl to provide
page numbers within your essay. Write this response on your own notebook paper, and be
sure to provide details from your reading to show a clear understanding! An effective
written response will have at least three FULL paragraphs.
Essay Options
1. Ji-li is obviously the focus of Red Scarf Girl, but other characters have important roles to play,
too. In your opinion, which other character in the novel has the greatest effect on the story’s
conflicts and themes? Use at least two examples to support your answer. Be sure to include an
introduction with a thesis statement, textual evidence with page numbers, transition words or
phrases, and an effective conclusion. Follow all the rules for a formal essay.
OR
2. Red Scarf Girl has a connection to Oedipus Rex in that even though written during very
different time periods, both deal with the idea of fate vs. free will. In your essay, discuss how Jili has conflicting thoughts about whether her life is driven by fate or free will. For that discussion
use at least two pieces of textual evidence. In your conclusion discuss whether she chooses to
live her life based on fate or free will. Be sure to include an introduction with a thesis statement,
textual evidence with page numbers, transition words or phrases, and an effective conclusion.
Follow all the rules for a formal essay.
Part Five: Essay Question (20 pts)
Closely read the essay prompts below and CHOOSE ONE to respond to carefully; this part
of the exam is worth 20% of your grade! You may use the novel Red Scarf Girl to provide
page numbers within your essay. Write this response on your own notebook paper, and be
sure to provide details from your reading to show a clear understanding! An effective
written response will have at least three FULL paragraphs.
Essay Options
1. Ji-li is obviously the focus of Red Scarf Girl, but other characters have important roles to play,
too. In your opinion, which other character in the novel has the greatest effect on the story’s
conflicts and themes? Use at least two examples to support your answer. Be sure to include an
introduction with a thesis statement, textual evidence with page numbers, transition words or
phrases, and an effective conclusion. Follow all the rules for a formal essay.
OR
2. Red Scarf Girl has a connection to Oedipus Rex in that even though written during very
different time periods, both deal with the idea of fate vs. free will. In your essay, discuss how Jili has conflicting thoughts about whether her life is driven by fate or free will. For that discussion
use at least two pieces of textual evidence. In your conclusion discuss whether she chooses to
live her life based on fate or free will. Be sure to include an introduction with a thesis statement,
textual evidence with page numbers, transition words or phrases, and an effective conclusion.
Follow all the rules for a formal essay.