"Cell One" Writing Assignment

Write a detailed, full paragraph on the following:

How and why has Nnamabia, the sister, OR the parents changed by the end of the story?

*** Focus only on the transformation in the character you have selected--in other words, what is the character like after s/he, they have changed?

*** Imagine you have already written a paragraph on what your character (Nnamabia, the sister or the parents) was like before Nnamabia enters prison. In other words, in your paragraph, you do not need to tell the reader (me) what the character was like at the beginning of the story.

Make sure your paragraph:

  • starts with an analytical topic sentence (presents an idea or opinion about the story).

  • focuses on a single, thought-provoking reason for the change in your character (don’t give many different reasons).

  • uses at least THREE brief, embedded quotations to illustrate, support, and/or develop the reason you give.

  • analyzes the quotations (does not summarize them). Remember that these quotations should support a reason that is implied in the story but not directly stated.

  • has smooth transitions from one point to another.

Also, be sure your paragraph:

  • does not use “I” (first person).

  • is double-spaced.

  • uses the present tense (e.g. “He runs,” not “he ran”).

  • does not summarize the plot; assume your reader already knows it.

Word Count:

  • Approximately 250 words (but 300 or so is likely fine for this assignment b/c it's a stand-alone paragraph)

Please bring your paragraph on a Google or Word doc

Note: Remember that if you're not sure about how to embed quotations or use quotations, you can consult the handouts under writing tips: