EG O9 Developmental Writing

Dr. David B. Axelrod, SCCC

All material Copyright (c) 2005, 2006 David B. Axelrod

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EG 09             DR. AXELROD                    

 Here is a sample of a First Essay. (Come back again for final version of your fist essay. This may not apply for fall semester, 2006!)

WRITE A PROPERLY STRUCTURED ESSAY OF 400 WORDS, FOLLOWING THE FORM SPECIFIED BELOW AND IN CLASS FOR CRITICAL ANALYSIS.

 ANALYZE THE THEME OF A POEM FROM Another Way  TO ARGUE THAT THE POEM TEACHES US A CERTAIN POINT.

 NOTE: Papers will be judged on how well you can structure and support your thematic analysis.  The heart of an argument—a persuasive paper-- is the evidence.  Here, the evidence will be the quotes you chose to prove your point and your ability to discuss them.  You will not lose credit for a “wrong interpretation,” but you will not do well if you only deal with plot!

 (For help with how to read and analyze poems (explication) go to: http://www.poetrydoctor.org/poetrylesson.htm and follow links.)

The outline is the central lesson in organization for this course. You should try to come as close to following it as you can. The essay is not "free writing." It is designed to teach you a very specific form which can be used many ways after you learn it.

Required  outline:

I.        A. Thesis Statement: The poem { “Title” }

                        teaches us {something indicating the theme}

          B. Brief discussion of what “Title/poem” is about.

          C. Brief discussion of what the theme is.

          D. Transition.

II.    A. If we look at {some specific moment, event, action in the poem} we can see                            {the theme}.

1st     B. Set the scene for, introduce a quote from the poem.

E        C. Quote briefly from the poem.

X.       D. Paraphrase {put quote in your own words}.

          E. Relate the quote to your thesis {discuss theme}.

2nd EX.  III. {Find another place in the poem and follow the outline above.}

3rd Ex.  IV.  Optional.           {Ditto.}

V.   A. We have looked at {summarize, categorize your examples} to see {the theme}.         

C       B. Summarize first example.

O       C. Summarize second example {minimum of two examples for essay}.

N       D. Summarize third example.

C       E. Conclusion {the theme of the poem is…}.          

L.

NOTE: Although you aren’t using research resources to write this paper, in order to practice proper use of sources, you will be asked to use MLA form for all quotes in the paper and also to write one correct entry noting the “SOURCE CONSULTED” for your poem.