The Writing Assignment

455

Write an essay analyzing one or more aspects of a story. Aim to convince readers that your analysis is interesting and contributes to the conversation about the story. Back up your ideas with supporting quotations and examples from the story.

This Guide to Writing is designed to help you write your own analysis of a story and apply what you have learned from reading other students’ essays. This Starting Points chart will help you find answers to questions you might have about analyzing a story. Use the chart to find the guidance you need, when you need it.

STARTING POINTS: ANALYZING STORIES

Click the Starting Points chart to download.

A Clear, Arguable Thesis How can I find a good story to write about?

  • Find a story to write about.

  • Analyze the story.
How do I decide on a main idea and develop a thesis?

  • Determine the writer’s purpose and audience.

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A clear, arguable thesis.

  • A Clear, Arguable Thesis: Getting Beneath the Surface

  • Analyze the story.

  • Formulate a working thesis.

  • A Troubleshooting Guide: A Clear, Arguable Thesis

A Well-Supported Argument How do I support my ideas?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A well-supported argument.

  • A Well-Supported Argument: Pairing Textual Evidence with Analysis

  • Analyze the story.

  • Formulate a working thesis.

  • Provide support for your argument.

  • To build on your support, consider doing outside research.

  • A Troubleshooting Guide: A Well-Supported Argument

456

A Clear, Logical Organization How should I organize my argument so that my audience can follow it easily?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A clear, logical organization.

  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Coordinating Key Words and Topic Sentences

  • Create an outline that will organize your argument effectively.

  • Write the opening sentences.

  • Draft your analysis.

  • A Troubleshooting Guide: A Clear, Logical Organization