Tips for the Open Essay Read the prompt
- Slides: 8
Tips for the Open Essay � Read the prompt carefully. � Underline the words in the task that define what you need to do. � Then number the tasks. � If the topic already suggests addressing the “so what” factor, make sure that’s underlined and numbered. � If not, add the words “so what factor” to the task. � Literally. Write those words beneath the task.
The Prompt � Novels and plays often depict characters caught between colliding cultures -- national, regional, ethnic, religious, institutional. Such collisions can call a character’s sense of identity into question. Select a novel or play (The Handmaid’s Tale) in which a character responds to such a cultural collision. Then write a well-organized essay in which you describe the character’s response and explain its relevance to the work as a whole.
Break IT Down � Novels and plays often depict characters caught between colliding cultures -- national, regional, ethnic, religious, institutional. Such collisions can call a character’s sense of identity into question. (1) Select a novel or play (The Handmaid’s Tale) in which (2) a character (3)responds to such a cultural collision. Then write a well-organized essay in which you (3) describe (give them evidence and analysis. Don’t summarize!) the character’s response and (4)explain its relevance to the work as a whole (this is the ‘so what’. What is Atwood trying to say through this character and their response to this particular cultural collision? THEME!).
Tips for the Open Essay � Outline! � UNDERLINE the title of major works (books and plays). � Present evidence, and ANALYZE! Relate every piece of evidence back to you thesis, and hit on the ‘why’, ‘so what’, or theme.
Your Essay Layout Introduction Thesis Statement Topic Sentence Evidence Analysis Always relate your analysis back to your thesis. Transition Rinse and repeat at least one more time!
Tips for the Open Essay � You need to think critically, be specific (remember that specificity is often the difference between a merely competent essay and an outstanding essay), and periodically glance back to the prompt. � If time permits, craft a concluding paragraph. Don’t sacrifice your body paragraphs for a conclusion. � Write in the present tense, and maintain it throughout the paper. � Proofread!
Example of Analysis � Atwood’s implementation of censorship on the society of Gilead was done to show us the effects a strict government can have on our identities. Without the freedom of speech , we are all alone with thoughts to occupy us. Moira’s lack of rebellion at the end of the book proves this idea that if there is too strict of a government or too much censorship, we will gradually forget who we are.
Example of Analysis � Moira’s sense of identity was jeopardized by the institution that Gilead had created. Her bold and fearless characteristics died out while she was colliding with a new culture. She went from being a badass to a person who was very apathetic. Nothing mattered to her anymore. Gilead was essentially dehumanizing all its citizens so they could turn the out just like Moira, and eventually have them conform to society. If Gilead can change a person like Moira so drastically, then they could brainwash anyone.
