The Structure of an Essay
Using Harrison Bergeron and 2081
Introduction
 A strong introductory paragraph sets the stage for the
essay by providing:
• an assertion to capture the reader’s interest and set the
groundwork for the thesis
• context to explain what scene (s), detail (s), theme (s) will be
used to further discuss this topic
• and a thesis to make your argument
Assertion
 The assertion is like a pre-thesis, in that it provides an initial claim
that will feed into your main argument.
 It shouldn’t be too broad or too specific
 Examples:
 Too Broad- Dystopian literature often holds a mirror up to present
day society.
 Too Specific- In Harrison Bergeron, the main character tries to
inspire change but fails and dies.
 Good: In Vonnegut’s dystopian story Harrison Bergeron, figurative
language is used to establish mood in the same way that Harrison
uses dance to instill hope in his audience.
 An appropriate assertion will lead into context.
Context
 Context guides the discussion by situating us within
particular scenes, plot points, and/or moments of
characterization that are necessary to understanding the
thesis.
 Context is the next step up from summary. You know how
to summarize plot (you learned how to do this in previous
years), now let’s work on your ability to concisely discuss
only the most significant scenes from a text to thoroughly
develop your paper’s argument.
 Also, this is where you can outline the scenes/details you
will discuss further in your body paragraphs aiding in the
organizational structure of your paper.
Context
(Assertion): In Vonnegut’s dystopian story Harrison Bergeron, figurative
language is used to establish mood in the same way that Harrison uses
dance to instill hope in his audience. (Context): During the dance scene,
Vonnegut breaks out of his dim, matter-of-fact writing style into
energetic, descriptive language that lightens the mood and inspires
hope. Similarly, Harrison chooses to use music and dance to awaken his
audience to the possibilities that exist within themselves, underneath the
oppressive weights that burden them. However, just as Harrison’s anthem
of change is silenced, so too is Vonnegut’s use of descriptive language
when the Handicapper General exerts her force once more, returning
the mood of the text to its previous darkness.
 Notice the three references to specific scenes and language (three
shades of green). These three lines will outline the body paragraphs of
this paper. Also, the transitions used here will make the flow of my
argument and organization of the paper clear to the reader.
Thesis
 The thesis makes an arguable claim about your topic and explain its
significance to the larger work.
 Do: Be specific!
of
Ex: Ultimately, Vonnegut mirrors moments of descriptive writing
with Harrison’s moving performance in order to remind us
the power of human emotion in the face of stark uniformity and
emptiness.
 Do Not: Leave the reader with vague fluff.
Ex: Ultimately, Vonnegut’s language sets the mood of the
situation at the end of the story.
(What language? What mood? What situation?!)
Introductory Paragraph
In Vonnegut’s dystopian story Harrison Bergeron, figurative
language is used to establish mood in the same way that Harrison uses
dance to instill hope in his audience. During the dance scene, Vonnegut
breaks out of his dim, matter-of-fact writing style into energetic, descriptive
language that lightens the mood and inspires hope. Similarly, Harrison
chooses to use music and dance to awaken his audience to the
possibilities that exist within themselves, underneath the oppressive weights
that burden them. However, just as Harrison’s anthem of change is
silenced, so too is Vonnegut’s use of descriptive language when the
Handicapper General exerts her force once more, returning the mood of
the text to its previous darkness. Ultimately, Vonnegut mirrors moments of
descriptive writing with Harrison’s moving performance in order to remind us
of the power of human emotion in the face of stark uniformity and
emptiness.
Revise
In Kurt Vonnegut’s short story Harrison Bergeron, repetition is
used in the last piece of dialogue to get across a point. The
repeated dialogue between Hazel and George was to show the
repeating theme of the story. It is to show that although Harrison
stood up against the oppression, it just came back again after he
died. The repeating dialogue of the story is meant to resemble how
the plot travels in a circle.
Now you try…
 You have two options:
1) Rewrite your paragraph from last week using this format
2) Choose a different question from the selection of
analytical prompts
 No matter which option you choose, you should pre-write and
plan out your response. Make sure your response/understanding
of the text and question is accurate or else your thesis will be flat
out wrong. Check with me if you’re unsure. Then, select the
three scenes that are most significant to your argument
(context). Once these steps have been taken, you will be ready
to write your Intro.
Grading
 Please type up your paragraph and have it ready for tomorrow. You will
be graded as follows:
- Assertion includes the name and author of the text and a clear, base
argument.
- Context includes an outline of significant scenes and/or details that relate to
the development of the paper’s argument. The individual contextual pieces
include transitions that provide organization and a logical flow of ideas.
- Thesis shows evidence that you understand the text, and it is clear and
specific.
- Grammar, presentation, and style: be sure to read over the writing reference
sheets to properly format your paper and avoid common mistakes.