For this target, you will write a literary analysis over one or two short stories of your choice. A literary analysis really works the critical thinking areas of the brain.
Whenever you are analyzing a text, you must remember these three elements:
WHAT - what is the author telling the reader both literally and figuratively
HOW - how is the author relaying this message (anecdote, sarcasm, pathos, etc.)
WHY - what is going on in the world at the time of the writing; why does the author feel his or her message is important
TO WHOM - who is the intended audience of the piece; who may have the power to make a change if he or she read this piece
-- Strong, clear thesis that presents an argument and explains why it matters.
-- Much textual evidence. The quotes develop the argument and go beyond the most obvious; quotes offer text that reveals a very close reading.
-- Each quote includes interesting and thought-provoking analysis that relates the quote to the thesis.
-- The essay opens with a clear topic and thesis that relates to a larger cultural issue. It is clear how thesis will be argued.
-- Essay is formatted properly using MLA style formatting.
-- Literary present tense is used appropriately throughout.
-- Varied, sophisticated, and accurate vocabulary; no major grammar errors.
A thesis statement that states an argument or interpretation of a theme or two from the text.
-- Textual evidence is provided and appropriate; it develops the idea of the essay. It is clear where the quotes come from and analysis is given after each quote relating the quote back to the thesis.
-- Interesting analysis of most quotes, relating quotes to thesis.
-- The essay focuses on specific elements of the text but may not clearly relate the essay to a larger cultural topic or argument.
-- Essay is formatted properly using MLA style formatting.
-- Literary present tense is used appropriately throughout.
-- Clear and correct vocabulary; very few grammar errors.