Literary Essay
Regents Task Session II, Task I
Nellist/11th Grade English
Name: ___________________________________________ Block: _____________
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NYS English Regents Exam
Session II – Part A
Directions: Read the passages on the following pages (a short story and a poem). Write the number
of the answer to each multiple-choice question on your answer sheet. Then write the essay in your
essay booklet as described in Your Task. You may use the margins to take notes as you read and
scrap paper to plan your response.
Your Task:
After you have read the passages and answered the multiple-choice questions,
write a unified essay about _____________________ as revealed in the passages.
In your essay, use ideas from both passages to establish a controlling idea
about a person’s connection with nature. Using evidence from each passage,
develop your controlling idea and show how the author uses specific literary
elements or techniques to convey that idea.
Guidelines:
Be sure to
 Use ideas from both passages to establish a controlling idea about a person’s
identity.
 Use specific and relevant evidence from each passage to develop your controlling
idea.
 Show how each author uses specific literary elements (for example: theme, irony,
figurative language) to convey the controlling idea.
 Organize your ideas in a logical coherent manner.
 Use language that communicates ideas effectively.
 Follow the conventions of standard written English.
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How to write your Literary Essay:
To start:
1. Re-read the task, underlining the “real task.”
2. Read both passages. Take margin notes on both. Write a set of margin notes for each
paragraph or stanza. Do not move on without understanding the two passages.
3. Write at the bottom of each passage how the theme is present in that passage.
4. Answer the multiple choice questions.
5. Determine the controlling idea (thesis).
6. Make the T-Chart:
Text #1:
Text #2:
Theme:
Theme:
Detail #1:
Detail #1:
Detail #2:
Detail #2:
Connection:
Connection:
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Thesis Statements/Controlling Idea
1.
2.
3.
3.
4.
You need to include the topic (theme of nature).
You need to include titles.
You need to include authors.
You need to include an assertion.
Consider writing a 2-sentence thesis (1 sentence for each text).
It’s all a puzzle. Write the pieces above on the puzzle pieces below. When you are done,
cut them out.
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Write your Thesis Statements here
1.
2.
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Introduction:
Should...
1. Be a funnel shape.
2. Start with a hook, give back ground information.
3. Comment on theme briefly without literature.
4. Have a clear thesis (possibly 2 sentences).
Example:
A person's connection with nature can be weak or strong. One
who creates a deep bond with nature will find that survival is almost
instinctual. On the other hand, one who lacks a deep relationship,
or any instinctual understanding of nature, may make detrimental
life-changing decisions. Galway Kinnell explains the theory of a
successful connection in his poem, "The Bear," though his
character whose connection with nature is evident when he puts on
the bear carcass. As well, Jack London presents the theme of a
nature connection in his short story, "To Build a Fire," as his
character lacks the bond necessary to survive in the wild, as seen
in the way he doesn't connect with the dog.
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Body Paragraphs:
Notes:
1. Have more than one body paragraph.
2. Have 2 body paragraphs per text.
3. Make sure that connections have been drawn
between the text and the "real task." Simply
state it in 2-3 sentences at the end of each text
explanation (2nd body paragraph).
4. Use literary terms when possible.
5. Use advanced vocabulary when possible.
6. Include quotations when possible.
7. Use transition phrases between paragraphs,
such as:
- Also,
- In addition,
- This can also be seen in
- On the other hand,
- In contrast,
- Similarly,
- In the same way,
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Successfully Incorporating Quotations in Your Writing
One of the more difficult aspects of writing a paper is the successful incorporation of quoted material. First,
it is important to understand that the bulk of the information in your paper should be paraphrased or
summarized. I would recommend no more than 20% of your information be quoted. Second, it is important
to remember that a quotation should never form a complete sentence in and of itself. Consider the following
examples:
Incorrect:
“The trouble with him was that he was without imagination.”
Correct:
Proving that the man lacked instinct, London states, “The trouble with him was that he was without
imagination.”
Quotations must be integrated smoothly into your own writing and have a clearly established context.
Correct Quotation and Connection in a Paragraph:
What part of the body paragraph am I talking about???
Simple Body Paragraph Outline:
1. Topic Sentence.
2. Background information and furthered explanation.
3. Passage – Where you will add the quote. There needs to be 3 parts to this sentence.
See below.
4. Passage analysis
5. Possibly more information.
6. Connection to your point.
Today, this is all I am talking
about!
Requirements of adding a passage and analysis:
Now that we know how to find a passage and where to put it, we need to practice writing it
correctly. Each passage of analysis should include:
 A lead-in to the passage
One Sentence
 The passage in quotations marks
 Citation (see parenthetical citation).
 Another sentence to connect to your point.
Second Sentence
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Example of Correct Use of a Quotation:
A lead in to the passage
The passage in quotations marks
Citation (see parenthetical
citation)
Another sentence of analysis of
passage
Final product:
Proving that he lacked instinct, London states,
“The trouble with him was that he was without imagination.”
ON THE REGENTS TEST, THERE WON’T BE ANY
ACCURATE PAGE NUMBERS, SO DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT
What London is trying to say is that the man did not have the kind
of connection that is necessary to survive. He worked more on
reason than instinct.
Proving that he lacked instinct, London states, “The trouble with
him was that he was without imagination.” What London is trying
to say is that the man did not have the kind of connection that is
necessary to survive. He worked more on reason than instinct.
Note: This is not a complete paragraph. This is merely 2 sentences
within the body paragraph. Your topic sentences will need to be
developed before a passage is added. There will also need to be several
sentences afterward.
Practice:
A lead in to the passage
The passage in
quotations marks
Citation (see
parenthetical citation)
Page _____ - Write correctly please
________________________________
Another sentence to
connect to your point
Final product:
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Conclusion:
1. Funnel your paragraph out (right-side up
triangle).
2. Have at least 3-4 sentences.
2. Hit on thesis again (reworded).
3. Include titles and authors.
4. Leave the reader on a comment/new way of
looking at information (like a backwards hook).
Example:
The characters of London and Kinnell’s works embody very
different approaches to nature. While London’s character
represents a lack of connection with nature, Kinnell’s character
has embraced it. Nonetheless, the choices one makes in the wild
may have a drastic and possibly deadly affect on his/her survival in
the wild.
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Commas
Usage Rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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