Name: ________________________________________
Date:
Block: _______
__________________
English 1 CAS
“The Lottery” or “Everyday Use” Essay Prewriting
Directions:
Write a 4-paragraph essay in response to one of the following prompts:
“The Lottery”
1. Write an essay analyzing the function of irony in
“The Lottery” (consider the story’s outcome).
2. Write an essay analyzing how physical objects in
“The Lottery” contribute to the story’s outcome
and tone.
3. Write an essay examining symbolism and
metaphor in “The Lottery.”
“Everyday Use”
1. Write an essay examining the metaphorical
meaning of the quilt in “Everyday Use.”
2. “Everyday Use” is commonly read as a criticism
of Dee and affirmation of Maggie. In your opinion,
is there anything redeeming about Dee’s views?
Your essay will contain the following parts:
1. An introduction that introduces the struggle and ends with a thesis statement answering the essay
question.
2. A body paragraph that offers one example of support for your thesis
3. A body paragraph that offers another example of support for your thesis
4. A conclusion that describes the outcome of the struggle and any foreshadowing provided by the
imagery throughout the text
1. List the who, what, when, where, and why of “The Lottery” or “Everyday Use” to briefly summarize the story
(You may use this information in your introduction):
WHO:
WHAT:
WHEN:
WHERE:
WHY:
2. What is the central conflict in your story (Person vs. person, self, or society)? Explain who “wins” and “loses.”
3. Respond to the prompt in a complete sentence once using language from the prompt:
4. Respond to the prompt in a complete sentence again using language from the prompt:
5. Use the best parts of one or both answers to write a thesis statement using language from the prompt.
6. Topic sentence 1 (Your first supporting point):
a. Quotation with page number:
b. Quotation with page number:
7. Topic sentence 2 (Your second supporting point):
c. Quotation with page number:
d. Quotation with page number:
8. How is the main conflict in the story resolved? What is the point or lesson in the story?