Write an essay focusing on the one word or phrase which you think is the most important word in the story. Offer three points that support your choice; these may be reasons why the word is important, places in the story where the word is important, or ways that the word is used to emphasize the theme in the story.
Do not use outside sources for this paper. Use only your own ideas, experiences, and words.
Your essay should be 500-700 words written in the standard 5-paragraph essay format, including a thesis statement at the end of the introductory paragraph, focused body paragraphs with clear topic sentences, and a conclusion. Any essay less than 500 words will not be graded.
In your introduction, you should establish the name of the story and the author and give a very brief (1-2 sentence) summary of the key points of the story, then state your thesis. Don’t spend any more time “telling the story.” In your body paragraphs, spend time explaining the importance of the word you have chosen in the story.
Giving specific examples and support from the story is always better than being general or vague. Stay focused on the story; don’t use personal experiences as supporting points.
It’s okay to use “I” in your essay, but don’t use “you.”
Use standard format:
- Put your name, course and section number, and assignment title clearly at the top of the document.
- Use 12 font.
- Double space.
Choose from the following:
“The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe
“The Most Dangerous Game” – Richard Connell
“The Yellow Wallpaper” -Charlotte Perkins Gilman
“The Story of an Hour” -Kate Chopin
