Topic: “The Story of an Hour,” written by the American woman writer, Kate Chopin (1850-1904). Analyze the message Chopin sends her readers in this short story.
Paper details:
Your paper should include:
♦ an introductory paragraph with a topic statement that presents an argument for the reader
♦ supporting paragraphs that offer evidence to back your argument
♦ transitions that connect your ideas smoothly and logically
♦ a conclusion that sums up your argument and indicates why it is important
Instructions;
1. Make sure your topic presents an argument, not a statement of fact.
2. Construct an interpretive argument. This may be motivated by your opinion, but goes well beyond a mere statement of your tastes, likes, or dislikes. An argument makes a claim and backs that claim up with carefully considered evidence.
3. Avoid the use of the second person “you.”
4. Use present tense when analyzing a text, picture, or film.
5. Use signal phrases to introduce quotations. Use quotations to support your argument, but be selective. Do not just drop large block quotes in the middle of your paragraph without explanation.
6. Avoid plot summary. Assume your reader has read the work, but not with your eyes, experience, and background.
7. Be sure to proofread your essays carefully, and consider giving your paper to a friend or classmate for proofreading.
Also read your paper out loud to yourself before completing a final draft—make sure it sounds like spoken English and not like paper-ese.
Try for an easy, graceful, but not overly casual writing style; assume a reader who knows the texcgot, but has not memorized every detail.
