Open Topic Essay (Engl 106-1H)

Length: 5-6 pages + work(s) cited page (If you are comparing and contrasting two stories or writing on TIM, your essay can be longer.  We can discuss this.)

Due Date: Near the end of the semester - TBD

For your course essay, you will choose one story we've studies this semester.  You can focus on plot, characterization, point of view, and theme.  You can also use historical or social background information and/or author information that you research.  (In this case, you will cite your sources.  All essays require a works cited page.  At the very least, you will cite the story you write about.  If you decide to conduct some research, feel free to consult me and/or reference librarians (see eFictions, pp 30-44).  Note:  Our edition of eFictions does not use the 8th edition of MLA Handbook, so for in-text citations and works cited page, use the current edition of the MLA Handbook.

You can choose to write about The Invisible Man.  It is also possible to compare and contrast two stories.

eFictions has helpful advice and strategies for the writing process: pp 14-45.  You might begin with the note on page 43.

You will submit a prospectus (10pts) that will indicate your essay's working thesis and some supporting ideas/examples.  Due Date: See syllabus

You will work out these various possibilities with me as part of the planning process.  You should also create a scratch outline (10pts) of your essay before you begin drafting (see syllabus), which you will turn in before and with your essay. 

Audience: Assume you are writing this essay for English majors who would want to better understand your story.  But also consider all undergraduates who are currently enrolled at a university.  What would you expect from this essay? How could it best help -as a student in literature course - better understand the story you are writing about?  What can you assume readers know and don't know? What audience values and beliefs are relevant for your reading of the story?  What writing style and tone should you use? 

Think and plan carefully before drafting and revising (see eFictions, pp 25-30) .  Your will need to articulate a clear thesis (see eFictions, pp 22-23) and support it with reasons, examples, analysis (see eFictions, pp 23-24).  You should use key direct quotations to support your ideas, but be careful not to use too many or quotations that are not relevant.  Alaso, be careful about using long block quotations.  Of course, your essay should be reviewed for grammatical correctness and style.

Format: TNR, 12pt, double spaced, one-inch margins.  Heading: Name, Course, Date (single spaced). Then double space and add your title (not "Course Essay").  Double space again and begin your essay.  You can print on the front and back of a page to save paper if you wish.  Please paper clip pages, don't staple.  You will turn in a print copy of the essay; the outline can be handwritten or typed, your choice.

For in-text citations and works cited page, see the MLA Handbook, 8th ed.  The library has copies if needed. The MLA Handbook also has helpful information on integrating quotations.