DISCUSSION ESSAY

Step 1: Literary Analysis

For the first task of this final project, you will write a literary analysis of 750 words minimum. You will focus on presenting a theme and using guiding questions from each literary lens to illustrate the theme. You are required to perform research for this assignment (at least three scholarly resources); if you use outside sources for biographical information on a text’s author, historical information regarding a text’s publication, or other similar sources, ensure they are properly cited.

Below is a sample outline for your literary analysis:

Introduction

Introduce your topic and what you will write about in this paper. Include the name of the novel and the author. Include the thesis and an outline of main points, and end on a transition.

Body Paragraphs

Depending on your topic, the length will vary, but there are some items you may include:

  • Plot point(s) that further your analysis
  • Discussion of the author (only if chosen criticism requires this)
  • Discussion of social or cultural issues related to your topic
  • Discussion of chosen criticism, examples from the novel, support from resources

Conclusion

  • Restate your thesis.
  • Summarize the main points in your essay.
  • Leave your reader with final ideas to consider and end on a positive note.

The grammar and vocabulary should communicate meaning to the reader with clarity. Double-check for grammar or spelling errors.  Ensure you have three or more scholarly sources cited in the essay, the correct in-text citations, and a properly cited work-cited page. For MLA writing formatting, please refer to the MLA lesson in the Orientation module using the link below:
https://library.tel-courses.org/courses/copy-ori-1100-tel-orientation-1/ori-1100-v5/expectations-in-college-work-module-2/mla-formatting

Helpful Hints for Task 1

  • Review your paper multiple times before submitting it. You should not submit your final paper without a complete review. Write a rough draft and look it over; have friends and family review it and solicit feedback to make any necessary changes.
  • After you have feedback and made changes, read it once more and ask friends or family to do a final review.

 

Step 2: Length and Formatting

The paper should contain a hook, thesis statement, relevancy, transition sentence, introduction of the problem or issue, explanation of the topic’s significance, and a debatable claim. There should be 3 to 5 paragraphs and a conclusion. The paragraphs in the body should contain approximately 3-5 sentences and express your ideas clearly with transition sentences that link one idea to the next. This essay should not be written in first-person (I, we, us) or second-person (you) perspective. Each paragraph should remain focused on the topic. The conclusion should include a restatement of the thesis, final thoughts, summary of the main ideas, theme or lesson of the experience, and a closing statement. The paper should be a minimum of 750 words, not counting the quotes, cover page, notes, footnotes, end notes, or the works cited page.

Note: While the directions say the paper should be 750 words, this means 750 of your own original words. The quotes used in this paper will not count towards the word limit.  Use quotes that are no longer than 20 words.  Direct quotes that exceed four lines of prose or three lines of verse (poetry) should be in block quote format.  Please note: the use of block quotations should be rare, if at all.  It is highly encouraged to exceed the minimum word count to analyze the thesis fully; meeting minimum requirements often means earning the minimum grade.

Word limitations help you think through your writing to communicate concisely and coherently, as well as to help you learn how to synthesize what you’ve learned throughout the course. A lot of words does not mean you have demonstrated understanding. Choose your words wisely and make every one of them count! Writing concisely demonstrates a high level of critical thinking and understanding.