Assignment 2
Write an essay in which you analyze and evaluate the development of a fiction story from the Part 1
readings. Poetry or nonfiction will not work for this assignment. The essay should contain an
introduction, body, and conclusion, be 1-2 pages in length, typed, double spaced, using Times New
Roman font, size 12. Please save as a Word document and submit as an attachment to be graded.
• Analysis is NOT summary. Focus on themes in the story. Analysis is the practice of looking
closely at small parts to see how they affect the whole. Literary analysis focuses on how plot,
character, setting, and many other techniques are used by the author to create meaning.
• Identify key choices the author made in writing the story. For example, consider where the story is
set, how the action is ordered, or how the characters are introduced and developed.
• Analyze the impact of the author’s choices, discussing how these decisions affect both the story’s
meaning and the reader’s experience.
• Organize your ideas so that each new idea builds on the one it follows to create a unified whole.
Read the story several times. Take notes on its themes, characters, setting, plot, and so on. Be
sure the notes include looking beyond the surface to the deeper meaning the author is trying to
relay. Include how the author’s message and the story’s themes then impact setting, characters,
plot, and so on. Analysis also looks at why the meaning is important.
Introduction (a full paragraph)
Engage your audience with a hook
Include a preview of the main points
Place the thesis statement as your last sentence
Body (each section in full paragraph form)
Balance the general with the specific. Every time you make a claim, follow it up with an example or
illustration, an explanation of the specific elements within that claim, or a concrete point of evidence
that supports that claim.
Conclusion (a full paragraph)
Summarize your main points
End memorably with a thought that will continue to echo
In the audience’s mind long after reading the essay.
Get Essay Writing Help by clicking here.
Grading Rubric
| Category | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1-0 |
| Introduction | The introduction contains a solid thesis statement, a hook, and a preview of the main points. | The introduction is sufficient with a thesis statement, a hook, and a preview of the main points, but may need additional development, specificity, and/or avoidance of announcements. | The introduction is present but may be missing a thesis statement, a hook, a preview of the main points, or is less than a paragraph in length. | There is a sense of an opening, but elements are missing or underdeveloped. |
| Body | Each body paragraph is fully developed with examples and details. Organization is logical and transitioning is smooth. | Each body paragraph is fully developed with examples and details. Organization is logical, but smooth transitioning is needed. | There are areas that need further development through details, examples, or explanation. | Much more explanation is needed and/or body sections are not fully formed. |
| Conclusion | The conclusion restates the thesis, summarizes the main points, and ends memorably. | The conclusion restates the thesis, summarizes the main points, but the ending lacks strength. | The ending is present and a full paragraph but neglects to fully tie up the main ideas. | The ending is less than a full paragraph and neglects to fully tie up the main ideas. |
| Voice & Style | Fully engages the reader, uses colorful language, strong tone, voice, point of view. | Engages the reader, uses colorful language, appropriate tone, voice, point of view. | Somewhat engages the reader, sometimes uses colorful language, inconsistent tone, voice, point of view. | Rarely engages the reader, rarely uses colorful language, weak tone, voice, point of view. |
| Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation, and Academic Integrity | The contains 0-2 errors. If any sources are used, they are credible, and cited and referenced in proper format. | The essay contains 3-4 errors. If any sources are used, they are credible, and cited and referenced in proper format. | The essay contains 5-6 errors. Any sources used are credible, and cited and referenced, but format is incorrect. | The essay contains more than 6 errors. Any sources used are not cited and referenced, or are not credible. |
Get Essay Writing Help by clicking here.