ENG3U: Independent Novel Assignment
January 16, 2013
The (mini) Essay
“A good essay must have this permanent quality about it; it must draw its curtain round us, but it must
be a curtain that shuts us in not out.” – Virginial Woolf
For your final assignment of this unit, you will write a three paragraph (max 500 words) essay comparing
a theme from both your independent novel and The Color Purple. Most of the essay will be written and
workshopped in class over the next week. Please check the website to ensure that you are on track for
meeting deadlines and due dates.
Step 1: Notes
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Use the chart provided to take notes for your essay. You should be able to fill in the first column fairly
easily, as you have already investigated a theme from The Color Purple. Take some time to organize your
ideas.
The second column should contain information on the same theme in your independent novel. Be sure to
pull quotes and specific evidence to support your ideas.
Step 2: Thesis
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We will work on the thesis statement in class.
The theme that you discuss should be a key part of your thesis statement.
Remember to explain the “what” (what you are talking about), AND the “so what” (why the topic is
important to an understanding of the novel). Your thesis statement should contain an observation (theme
statement) and a conclusion (your ideas).
Step 3: Outline
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Outline each of your paragraphs.
Be sure to include specific evidence from the texts that you will use to support your ideas.
Step 4: Drafts
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Write your first draft.
Bring ALL rough work to class with you each day, as we will be working on peer editing and feedback.
You will be expected to use the feedback you get to revise your essay and produce a second draft.
Step 5: Final Draft
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Use the checklist provided to do a final check/proofread of your essay.
Be sure to format the essay according to specifications.
Include a “Works Cited” list for ALL texts used in preparing the essay (websites and other research as well,
if you used them).
Essay Due date: January 24/25, 2013