the academic essay
DESCRIPTION
The Academic Essay. Lord of the Flies. Choose one of the main symbols in Lord of the Flies and, by tracing the symbol throughout the novel, analyze how Golding uses it to develop one of the central themes. 1. The introduction. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The Academic Essay
Lord of the Flies
Choose one of the main symbols in Lord of the Flies and, by tracing the symbol throughout the novel, analyze how Golding uses it to develop one of the central themes
1. The introduction Open with background or
reflection on the larger themes raised by the question
The opening sentence should mention the names of the novel, the writer and, possibly, key characters
The intro provides a summary of the essay
Do not use the intro to merely ASK THE QUESTION
It should ANSWER THE QUESTION
Opening sentence
QUESTION: “Jack is the main problem facing the boys in Lord of the Flies.”
Discuss
Opening line: William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, places dozens of British school boys on an island that, on first appearances, looks to be a paradise.
The Thesis Statement
The final sentence (or two) of the intro should answer the question with a general statement of opinion
This is the THESIS STATEMENT – the argument of the essay
Aim to construct a complex thesis
The thesis should be multi-faceted
For example
QUESTION: The main problem facing the boys in Lord of the Flies is Jack.
THESIS
Your turn to write
“Piggy has the brains, Simon the vision and Ralph the leadership.” So why do things break up?
Make a statement that includes “but”, “although” or “however”
Include the words ”In Golding’s novel…”
Include the word “allegory” You have 3 minutes
Share and comment
Write a comment on your colleague’s thesis
Does it answer all parts of the question?
Is it complex? Is the language formal/academic? Is it convincing – reasonable?
Symbols in Lord of the Flies
Essay Outline (Plan)
First brainstorm ideas Two structures – for
organizing ideasNarrative/
chronological – one para on different stages in the development of the symbol
Thematic – 3 different aspects of the symbol
Quotations
Keep them short Explain their relevance to your ideas Choose thematic or character quotes Don’t use plot/narrative quotes – use
paraphrase to explain what happened
How to include quotationsAttribution According to Piggy, “Blah blah.” After Simon’s death, Ralph says,
“Blah blah.” Explain significance of the
information provided by the quotation
But don’t simply repeat the information
The significance sentence – before or after the quotation
Relevance and the Topic Sentence TS Each paragraph should respond to
one aspect of the question The opening sentence of each
paragraph announces the subject of the paragraph
The WHOLE paragraph must connect with the TS!!
Substantiation
This means – providing evidence (substance) to illustrate or support your ideas
Commentary without substantiations is assertion
Use examples from the story/plot – events
+ quotations
Write a topic sentence
Write a topic sentence for a body paragraph
And add a second sentence that provides supporting evidence
NEVER open a sentence with “For example…”
You have 5 minutes!
Review: Paragraphs in the body
8 to 10 lines in length Open with a topic
sentence (TS) that addresses one aspect of your thesis
TS announces the main idea of the paragraph
The rest of the paragraph? Fully develops, explains and
discusses this topic Provides Evidence to support the
discussion – quotations, events, characters
Your homework
Introduction Three topic sentences for the body
paragraphs Evidence
Share and comment with a new classmate
1. Does the intro include a complex and clear thesis statement?
2. Do the 3 topic sentences deal with one aspect of the thesis statement?
3. Is the evidence relevant to the point made by the topic sentence?
WRITE A COMMENT THAT ANSWERS ALL THREE QUESTIONS
Part 3 The Conclusion - do
Restate the main ideas in the essay
Connect the ideas and then..
Draw a final conclusion that answers the essay question
The Conclusion – don’t
Don’t add new material or ideas Don’t be specific – make general
statements Don’t write “In conclusion”!!