COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
Rodin's Thinker

Plot Analysis Essay

Length:  1 page/300 words MAXIMUM

If plot is a sequence of events which are related to each other through causation, then a meaningful plot must go beyond mere chronology.  Plot very often tells us why something happens, and it especially focuses on conflict or struggle between opposing forces.  Select any one of the stories we have discussed in class and first explain what the man conflict is (identify the opposing forces) and then explain how this conflict produces the crisis and conclusion.  You must be specific, detailed, and pithy!  Do not think that because this paper is short, it can be  vague and/or sketchy.

Remember that every essay--even a short one--has an introduction which includes a thesis and structures its point to convince the reader of the rightness of that thesis.

 

 

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English 1

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Character Essay

Length:  1 page/ 300 Words Maximum

Even after we have forgotten the exact sequence of events in a film TV program, novel or short story, we often remember the characters vividly.  Whether "a lot happens," as in a James Bond film, or there is very little action--or even very little believable action--we enjoy memorable characters.  However, to examine a character is to look not only at what qualities or attributes we finally decide the character possesses but also to discover how we came to this conclusion:  how do we get to know a character?  For this essay, select one of the previously read (but not written about) stories and describe each of the main qualities you see in a character and how you came to discover these qualities.  What was said, done, or implied in the story that brought you to your conclusion?

Again, an introduction, a thesis, persuasive skills, and correct grammar and punctuation  are required.

 

English 4

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English 2

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Humanities 1

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Term Paper

Social Beings

BuiltByNOF

Point of View Analysis

Length:  1 page/300 words MAXIMUM 

Select one of the following topics for your one page point of view paper.  Use our class discussion and the material in the text as a basis for your analysis.

1.  In Bambara's "The Lesson," one of the main characters, Sylvia, tells us the story of the trip to the toy store.  Why/how do we know that she is a reliable narrator?

2.  Hurston's story, "Sweat," uses a third person narrator.  Why don't we see the trials of Delia from her point of view?