Sophomore Honors English

1. Sophomore Honors English The First Essay: Supporting Paragraphs

2. Selecting Your Topic • Any topic that relates to the theories we have discussed in class (Archetypal, Feminist, Marxist, Psychoanalytic) is appropriate • Make sure that you create an argument about that topic

3. Essay Topics • You may create an argument that focuses on whether all three stages (thesis, antithesis, and synthesis) of Marx’s concept of historical change are shown in the text. • You may focus on how concepts of materialism, Capitalism, and or Class Consciousness are presented in the text. • You may analyze how the portrayal of gender “reinforces or undermines” sexual stereotypes. • You may analyze how Freud’s theories are applied to the text. ANSWER THE QUESTION “WHY” IN ORDER TO CREATE A SPECIFIC ARGUMENT. WHY ARE MARX’S IDEAS APPLIED TO THE TEXT? WHY DOES THE TEXT UNDERMINE SEXUAL STEREOTYPES

4. Each supporting paragraph should follow this pattern: Topic Sentence which presents your argument for the paragraph Transition into your first quote Quote Analysis Transition into your second quote Quote Analysis Transition into your last quote Quote Analysis Conclusion which revisits the argument you made in your topic sentence. Structure

5. Transitions into Quotes • As we have been practicing in the literary criticism reflections, your transition needs to be an independent clause that gives the speaker, brief context, and connects to your argument.

6. Sample Feminist Transition • The society depicts the mother as repulsive and desperate: “My baby. My baby!...The madness is infectious…Mother, monogamy, romance. High spurts the fountain; fierce and foamy the wild jet” (Miller 41). • Note– the transition is an independent clause (a whole sentence) • A colon is used between the transition and the quote. • Note there is no “pg” or “page” used—just the author and page number.

7. Short vs. Long Quotes • Short quotes (4 lines or less in the text) are presented as the quote on the previous slide • Long quotes (longer than 4 lines in the text) are indented, presented without quotations, and place the period in a different place.

8. Example of a Long Quote The society depicts the mother as repulsive and desperate: My baby. My baby!...The madness is infectious…Mother, monogamy, romance. High spurts the fountain; fierce and foamy the wild jet. The urge has a single outlet. My love, my baby. No wonder these poor pre-moderns were made and wicked and miserable. (41) The diction in the passage —wicked, miserable —depicts the societal depiction of mothers as repulsive.

9. Analysis • After you present your quote, you should spend at least 4 sentences considering how the quote connects to your thesis. You should focus on how literary devices such as diction, syntax, and figurative language prove your point. You should “quote-the-quote,” or point to specific aspects of the quote that support your argument.

10. Remember a Creative Title • Remember to validate your essay with a creative title • Not Creative: Brave New World Essay • Intellectual Title: The Assembly Line: A Marxist Examination of Mass Production in Brave New World

11. Edit the Essay Molding the best essay possible

12. Two Common Grammar Errors • There is no comma when an adverbial phrase occurs in the middle of the sentence • Incorrect: Mrs. Kipp stopped at the store, because she wanted ice cream. • Correct: Mrs. Kipp stopped at the store because she wanted ice cream. • Correct: Because she wanted ice cream, Mrs. Kipp stopped at the store.

13. Grammatical Error 2 • The correct usage of however. • Incorrect: Mrs. Kipp wanted ice cream. However, she did not have time to stop at the store. • Correct: Mrs. Kipp wanted ice cream; however, she did not have time to stop at the store. • Correct: Mrs. Kipp wanted ice cream, but she did not have time to stop at the store.

14. Page Length • Make sure that your essay is between 5-7 pages • Use standard formatting: 12 point, times new roman font, double-spaced • Is your essay too long? Examine each piece of evidence to determine if you need each quote. Is anything redundant? Is anything off-topic? • Is your essay too short? Add quotes or extend anlysis!

15. Title • Add a cover page: • Include your name, the period, the date • Include a creative title! • A Mother No More: An Examination of Gender Identity in Brave New World

16. Edit Each Paragraph • Look at your topic sentence. Ask yourself what the point of this specific paragraph is—then, check each quote to ensure that it furthers your argument • Ensure that each point is clear and specific. • Don’t be afraid to edit points out that don’t further your argument!

17. Check the grammar & syntax • In addition to basic spelling, punctuation, and grammar, please edit your essay using the following guidelines: • Go through each paragraph and add in all of the “fancy punctuation” you know in order to create variety in your syntax. • Use at least one semi-colon per paragraph • Use at least one dash per paragraph • Use at least one colon per paragraph • Use one of the FANBOYS • Make sure there is variety in word usage: make sure that each sentence starts with a different word/phrase • Check each paragraph for sentence fragments, comma splices, and run-ons • Check that you have used strong, active verbs (consult your handout!) • Check that each citation is correct