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Because…
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In 11 th Grade you will take the English Regents Exam (a really important test).
70% of your grade is based off of four essays
The Critical Lens is, perhaps, the most difficult of the four essays.
This essay is very similar to an essay format they give on the SAT.
It will count as two test grades in this class.
I said so.

Your Task : Write a critical essay in which you discuss The Odyssey from the particular perspective of the statement that is provided for you in the Critical Lens:
“To whom much is given much is tested” (Kanye West).
In your essay, be sure to include:
1.
A clear thesis statement that you intend to prove.
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At least 4 specific examples from the text to support your thesis statement.
3.
References to at least TWO literary devices or elements of an epic
(epic similes, epithets, characteristics of an epic hero, etc).
4.
A strong conclusion.
You will be assessed on the formatting, syntax and grammar of your paper.
Make sure your paper is:
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Typed
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Double-spaced
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12 point, Times New Roman font
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Without excess spacing between paragraphs
9.
Between 2-3 pages long.
NO SHORTER THAN TWO COMPLETE PAGES.
By golly, it’s a checklist of what
I must include in my essay!
FOLLOW IT.

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P araphrase – rephrase the quote in your own words.
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A gree/Disagree – decide whether you agree with the quote or disagree with the quote.
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L iterature – think of books, plays, or stories you have read that can support your belief or disbelief of the quote.
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NOTE: For our purposes, we will ONLY be using The
Odyssey, by Homer.

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According to Author of quote “Quote.” This means your interpretation of the quote which is your thesis . Two works that prove/disprove this quote are title of work by author of work and title of second work by author of second work.

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C OPY THE QUOTE.
According to Author of quote “Quote.”
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U SE YOUR WORDS
This means your interpretation of the quote which is your thesis
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T WO WORKS ARE (Title, Author, Genre)
Two works that prove/disprove this quote are title of work by author of work and title of second work by author of second work.

+
+ = A+

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Each body paragraph should supply ONE reason to support your thesis.
Each reason should be supported by specific examples.
Each paragraph should also mention a literary element
(usually theme, simile, metaphor, symbols, etc)
For OUR purposes you may use:
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Epic similes
Epithets
**Characteristics of an Epic Poem **
**The definition of an Epic Hero & Tragic Flaw**
**The parts of the hero’s journey (initiation, departure, return)**
NOTE: * * these terms should be defined in your study guides

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 god-like man of many resources man of many turns much-enduring great-hearted sacker of cities loved of Zeus great glory of the Achaeans master mariner mastermind of war man of action the great teller of tales man of pain

“To whom much is given much is tested.”
What is Odysseus GIVEN?
How is Odysseus tested?
THESE DETAILS SHOULD FORM THE REASONS/EXAMPLES IN
YOUR BODY PARAGRAPHS!

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Always …
 ask yourself: how does this paragraph support to my thesis statement?
 connect all of your examples back to your thesis!
 use transition words/phrases between body paragraphs!