Paper Assignment
Topic for Paper 1: How is a literary theme represented in a short story? You will develop a paper that answers this question and demonstrates the following outcomes for writing and literature.
On a separate paper:
1. Alphanumeric outline: There are various ways of outlining, but I am requiring an alphanumeric outline
2. Thesis Statement: Post a working thesis statement that should include the story and the theme, outline and an introductory paragraph.
3. Development. The development or body of the paper will focus on finding evidence in the story that supports the theme and then explaining in your paper how it does so. You will workshop strategies for developing body paragraphs in the discussion. Except for the stories themselves, you will be developing this material through your own observations; you are not to use outside sources for this material.
4. Sentence Level and MLA. Your writing should be carefully proofed for sentence-level concerns. Your final paper should be formatted and documented according to MLA documentation style in the form of parenthetical citations and a Works Cited page. During Week 4, you will study resources for these areas. In the discussion, you will continue to workshop these areas. You will submit the final paper at the end of Week 4, along with your Reflection on your writing process (see below).
Word Count: 600-750 words
Analyze literature for a purpose
Distinguish digital or print materials through annotation to demonstrate reading and summary skills
Identify a theme in a short story
Identify one to three examples in the story that support the theme
Write a thesis statement that clearly identifies the title of a story, its author, the theme, and what the paper will discuss about the story and the theme
Write clear topic sentences for paragraphs that let the reader know what the paragraph will discuss
Write paragraphs that explain how the examples from the story support the theme
Arrange a paper by presenting paragraphs in a logical and interesting fashion
Write sentences in standard American English that clearly express ideas
Demonstrate the MLA style of formatting in the layout of a paper
Demonstrate the MLA style of formatting by documenting material from the story within the paper and on a Works Cited page
Explain in a clear and logical fashion what you have learned about your writing
Overview of the Workshop Format for Paper 1
Writing this paper will follow a process that allows you to practice and develop your writing skills in the discussions.