Short Story CRT

For this critical response, you will respond to one of two prompts and may write on any of the three short stories we've studied.

Choose from ONE of the following prompts/topics:

1. What does the author suggest about the the role adversity plays in shaping an individual's identity?
2. What does the author suggest about the impact of an individual's ambition on self and others?

Thesis + 3 Claims

1. Choose a prompt from the options above and the short story you feel most confident writing about.
2. Consider characters who are most clearly involved with the prompt/topic you chose.
3. Review your data sheet notes.
4. Come up with at least 3 examples and phrase these as statements that answer the question in the prompt/topic. Be sure to address all key words in the prompt/topic. These are your 3 claims.
5. Look for patterns and relationships between the ideas and support to help you answer the original prompt/topic question.
6. Create a tentative thesis. Refer to the Write a Thesis guide.

First Draft

1. Make a copy of the CRT Outline Template for yourself. Essays (CRTs) are very structured documents, and it's important that you have all components in this order for your essay to make sense and provide a compelling interpretation.
2. In the Introduction, complete the Connection filling in the [info] appropriately. Then put your 3 claims (from above) into the Overview. Put your thesis in the Thesis.
3. Make 2 more copies of the Body Paragraph section. These will be your 3 body paragraphs.
4. Copy and paste your first claim from your "3 Claims" into the Claim section on your first body paragraph. Do the same for the other two claims (second point for second Claim, third point for third claim).
5. Search the text to find a quote (Evidence) for your first claim. Follow the instructions for Evidence, using the MLA Citation Quick Guide to help you.
6. Now complete the eXplanation and Clincher for each body paragraph.
7. Go back to your introduction and write your Hook.
8. Complete your Conclusion following the instructions.
9. Ensure you have done all in-text citations properly and included a Works Cited, referring to the MLA Citation Quick Guide.
10. Upload/add your file to the Google Classroom assignment if it's not already there.

Final Draft

1. Find your previous writing assignments and identify areas of trouble for matters of style and correctness (e.g., wordiness, capitalization). Examine your paper for these things.
2. Read your essay aloud backwards, sentence by sentence to catch additional issues.
3. Go over everything on the CRT Style & Mechanics Checklist. Additionally:
   1. Run your paper through Grammarly (copy + paste) for any spelling or grammar issues you might have missed. Note: The free version isn't going to catch everything for you.
   2. Change any references of the text from past tense to present tense (unless within a quote).
   3. Indent the first line of each paragraph.
   4. Double-space everything without adding extra spaces.
   5. Ensure that all text is in regular font, all the same size, including your title.
   6. Ensure your Works Cited list is complete and properly formatted.
4. Review the CRT rubric's areas for improvement as a final check.
5. Upload your final draft to Classroom and submit.