Red Convertible Mini-Essay
Due Thurs 10/3 or Fri 10/4: Mini-essay on “The Red Convertible.”
Length: Thesis sentence followed by two paragraphs
Question: Why does Lyman release the red convertible into the river at the conclusion of the story?
The thesis sentence will preface the two paragraphs
In other words, it will come before the two paragraphs; it will look like a separate, floating sentence at the top of your essay.
Remember that your thesis sentence should focus on a single, thought-provoking reason
Click here for more info on thesis sentences
Each paragraph needs a topic sentence
Your first para should probably look at what the red convertible represents in the story
Your second para must look at the final paragraphs of the story (and possibly the first few sentences of the story).
Your second para can (but doesn't have to) draw all its textual evidence from the last passage of the story.
Really dig into words like “plow,” “searching,” “going and running,” etc.
You must use at least 3 quotations per body paragraph
Place the parentheses and punctuation marks correctly.
In each paragraph, be sure to examine one word or phrase in careful detail.
Other guidelines for your paragraphs:
Your paragraphs should not use “I” (first person).
Your paragraphs must use the present tense.
Do not use extra breaks between paragraphs.
Paragraphs must be no shorter than ½ a page and no longer than 2/3 a page double-spaced.
Pay attention to mechanics in your final draft (spelling, punctuation, grammar, quotation use, etc.)
Read your mini-essay out loud before submitting the final draft