PLEASE READ THIS WHOLE THING NO SOURCES ARE NEEDED
First Assignment: Short Essay
2-page essay on a passage chosen by each student using the 5-Step Literary Analysis Rubric
(20% of final grade, to be submitted via Canvas by the deadline)
All of the writers whom we read in this course uses language in special and
impactful ways. Each of their works deserves, therefore, to be read carefully.
Close reading is one of the skills emphasized in this class, as it is a
valuable professional skill, and these works are worthy of such attention.
For this assignment, please select a single brief passage (not more than 200
words) from one of the works from Gilgamesh through Dante.
This essay should be brief (600-700 words, excluding quotations). It should
express your personal opinions, but it should also be well argued, analytical,
and refer to specific details in the text. If you need a few extra words, we
will be happy to read an extra paragraph, but please do not substantially
exceed the word limit. Many professional documents require concision and
following instructions, so please abide by the suggested length.
You have been introduced to the 5-Step LAD process and have been using it for
your journals. You should also use it to help you design and prepare for
writing your essay. Please remember that the 5 steps are a pre-writing
process, and are separate from the essay itself.
You must submit two things (combined into a single document):
1. Your essay of 600-700 words (on which your score will be based)
2. Your rough notes for the LAD (unscored but they will demonstrate your
process) the LAD is below
1.Paraphrase
2. Observe
3. Contextualize
4. Analyze
5. Argue
All essays will be scored out of 20 points according to the attached rubric
which is based on the LAD. Please remember that 10 of the 20 points will be
assigned for analysis and argument.
Your essay should be typed in a compact 12-point font like Times, have one-
inch margins, and be double-spaced. Since you are sharing your opinions,
please feel free to use the first person I if appropriate, but please
remember to explain the logical basis for your conclusions. Please give your
essay a title. Memorable titles catch your readers attention and they are
great fun to write.
great fun to write.
The use of secondary sources is discouraged. Please tell us what you think
and why. The essay will be evaluated based on your evidence and argument not
on the use of outside sources. The assignment must be entirely your own work.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me and/or your TA
about them. Enjoy yourselves and we look forward to reading your ideas!
