ESSAY 1 ENGL 100 Essay Topics Choose 1 (and only 1) of the works of short fiction below, and analyse it with the Elements of Fiction to show how they create meaning and reveal theme in the work of short fiction

ESSAY 1 ENGL 100

Essay Topics

Choose 1 (and only 1) of the works of short fiction below, and analyse it with the Elements of Fiction to show how they create meaning and reveal theme in the work of short fiction. Focus on 3 (and only 3) Elements of Fiction.

Works of Short Fiction:

James Joyce, “Araby” (SF 54-59)

Alice Munro, “Friend of My Youth” (SF 137-54)

Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, “Big Water” (SF 309-11)

Write based on Paul Headrick’s writing book and keep in mind to pay attention that the audience/reader already knows what the short story(topic) is about so don’t need to go in deep into the plot. Since it is only 1000 words so chose only one angle from the story that interests you. Keep strong thesis statement in intro and concluding paragraph.

The essay is Analytical essay:

•             Introductory paragraph- attention-getting remark, contextualizing information, thesis statement

•             The analytical paragraph- claim, primary evidence (short, long, direct or indirect quotations), analysis (avoid mixing evidence and analysis)

•             Concluding paragraph- thesis statement, contextualization information, attention-getting remark

All Essays must have a clearly defined thesis statement, a logical argument set forth in the body paragraphs with substantial concrete references to the primary source, and a clear conclusion. Essays should focus on students’ own interpretations and close readings of the primary source instead of on other critics’ interpretations in secondary sources. Students must keep within 10% of the 1000-word limit (i.e., all Essays, including quotations, should be between 900 and 1100 words total).

Formatting and Presentation Instructions:

Please adhere to the following special formatting and presentation instructions. Students will lose 2% per violation of these instructions:

•             Please use only the Times New Roman font, size 12.

•             Please use only 1” margins.

•             Please use only Canadian spelling (i.e., not American spelling).

•             Please double-space the entire assignment, including all headings, titles, block quotations, and the list of Works Cited.

•             Rather than a title page, use the first four lines at the top of the assignment to indicate 1) student’s full name, 2) the instructor’s name, 3) the course code, and 4) the date (please see below).

•             Please include a descriptive title for the Essay, centred immediately below the headings (please see below).

•             Please number pages on the top, right-hand corner of the page, with surname (please see below).

•             Please include a list of Works Cited at the end of the assignment, formatted according to Latest MLA style.

Evaluation: Essays will be evaluated according to the following criteria.

?             Thesis Statement: The foundation of an essay is its thesis statement, a specific interpretive argument about the text. Students should articulate a clear and specific argument that can be stated in a single, succinct sentence. Remember, the entire purpose of the essay is to persuade the reader of the validity of the critical, argumentative assertion made in the thesis statement.

?             Introduction: After the thesis statement, the introduction is perhaps the most important part of the essay. In this opening paragraph, students should introduce the topic to be discussed, offer the specific thesis they intend to prove, and indicate how they intend to go about proving it. The introduction thus gives the reader a clear sense of the whole essay—think of it as a “road map” of the essay—although it contains no specific evidence to back up its claims.

?             Body: The bulk of the essay will be taken up with a series of paragraphs that offer evidence from the primary source(s) to support the argument offered in the thesis. Each paragraph should have a topic sentence that clearly defines the aspect of the argument the paragraph will explore, and a number of sentences to present the proof. Remember, it is not sufficient merely to make an assertion about the text; this assertion must also be backed up with solid, specific evidence. Be conscious of making smooth transitions between paragraphs. Show the reader why the shift is being made, and draw the necessary connections to show that the paragraphs together are part of a larger, coherent argument, and not simply independent “mini essays.”

?             Conclusion: The essay should end with a brief conclusion that brings the essay together and leaves the reader satisfied that students have proven what they set out to prove in the thesis statement. The best conclusions both rearticulate the thesis statement (i.e., phrase the thesis in different words) and provide closure for the reader in the form of a memorable final statement.

?             Style: It is not sufficient merely to have intelligent insights about texts; those insights must be communicated to the reader clearly and concisely. Therefore, students will be assessed on technical matters such as spelling, diction, grammatical correctness, and sentence structure.

?             Tone: A formal essay must maintain a professional, mature tone from beginning to end. Address the arguments to the reader in a consistently courteous, confident, and formal manner. Avoid colloquialisms, slang expressions, abbreviations, jokes, puns, coarse language, and anything else that might lower the formal, professional tone of the essay.

?             Additional Instructions: Students will lose 2% per violation of the special formatting and presentation instructions listed above.

?             Lateness: Students will lose 2% per 24-hour period for late assignments not accompanied by appropriate documentation.