The Essay 3 Prompts: CHOOSE ONE
In Long Way Down, the main character Will endures an intense psychological journey. Does Will’s mindset change by the end of the novel and what do you think happens next for him?
In the body, name three significant moments or symbols that represent Will’s mindset. End your paper with your own interpretation of what happens next for Will.
Jason Reynolds’ goal was to create empathy and understanding in his audience. What does he want us to empathize with and does he achieve this goal? How?
Point out at least three elements (writing choices, key scenes, and/ or symbols) that created empathy in the audience. As you close your essay, discuss things that this work may make the audience question or think differently about and if it encourages a growth mindset.
Requirements:
–Write at least 6 paragraphs and 1,200 words. Provide context, quotations, detail and explanation for your points to reach this word count.
–Use quotes from the book. Make sure to understand the right way to quote verse/poetry (notes forthcoming)
–Use the definitions of fixed or growth mindset to discuss the story and interviews with the author. Any additional research must be cited appropriately.
–Use your own reader response, your emotional reactions, your interpretation
–Include a works cited page at the end of your essay and in-text citations within your essay
–Refer to yourself as the reader, the audience or even I
–Write about what happens in the story in the present tense
–Practice audience awareness: not just writing to me, those in the class, picture yourself writing to a general audience of readers who already have an interest in the novel.
–Purpose: to interpret meaning (using prompts)
Organization:
–Do not give a play-by-play of the plot. I am not asking for a book report or a summary of the novel. You are writing an analysis (Practically, why is this a valuable skill?)
–If choosing prompt 1, I recommend progressing through the story from beginning to end—this makes sense as we are following the transformation of the character’s mindset.
Breakdown of Prompts:
In Long Way Down, the main character Will endures an intense psychological journey.
Does Will’s mindset change by the end of the novel and what do you think happens next for him?
Name three symbols/symbolic moments that capture how Will’s mindset changes throughout the novel. End your paper with your own interpretation of what happens next for Will.
Intro
–start with a hook, but focus on providing necessary context for audience understanding of your thesis – explore a theme in your thesis.
–Give necessary background information on the novel
–End the intro with a thesis that answers the chosen prompt
Body
Plot summary of the novel (continued in more depth from Intro)
Key symbol or scene from the beginning shows Will’s mindset
Key symbol or scene from the middle
Key symbol or scene from the end
Conclusion: see chosen prompt for concluding remarks idea.
Prompt 2:
Jason Reynolds’ goal was to create empathy and understanding in his audience. What does he want us to empathize with and does he achieve this goal? How?
Point out at least three elements (writing choices, key scenes, and/ or symbols) that created empathy in the audience. As you close your essay, discuss what this work may make the audience question or think differently about. Does it encourage a growth mindset?
Intro
–start with a hook, but focus on providing necessary context for audience understanding of your thesis – explore the theme in your thesis/prompt.
–Give necessary background information on the novel
–End the intro with a thesis that answers the chosen prompt
Body
Plot summary of the novel (continued in more depth from Intro)
Key symbol/ scene or writing element that creates empathy
Key symbol/ scene or writing element that creates empathy
Key symbol/ scene or writing element that creates empathy
*Chronological sequence of ideas might still be logical, but not required for this prompt
Conclusion: see chosen prompt for concluding remarks idea.
Potential secondary sources for Essay 3
The novel, Long Way Down ( you are required to quote and paraphrase from this)
In addition to the novel, consider any of other research material that might provide background, context and depth to your paper. Though not required, remember that you may directly quote, paraphrase or summarize points made in these:
Hero’s Journey video
Jason Reynolds Interviews
Research on problem of gun violence. Here is one local article: “Baton Rouge ‘community street teams’ aim to stop gun violence: ‘you have to be in the trenches.’”
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/article_1e74f778-23d7-11ec-87f3-3fb74b313902.html
Habits of Mind: Strategies for Disciplined Choice-Making
Growth and Fixed Mindsets: Two Basic Mindsets that Shape Our Lives
*Don’t forget to include signal phrases/sentences, in-text citations and a works cited entry when using secondary sources.
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