ESSAY 1: Fiction Explication

Due Date: 1st Complete Draft Due: 2/9 (20 points)

2nd Complete Draft due 2/16 (20 points)
Final due: 2/23 @ 7:00 p.m. in class
Submission: Typed & Printed
Points: Final Draft 100
Word Count: 750

ESSAY GUIDELINES
FORMAT
This essay needs to be typed, written in complete sentences, and organized logically. I expect
there to be at least paragraphs (Introduction, Body, Conclusion), but more will likely be
necessary. Follow traditional grammar and style conventions. I will be grading your grammar,
but specifically focusing on the topics we have covered in class so far (fragments, run-ons, and
punctuation). This essay needs to be double-spaced in 12-point font (Arial or Times New
Roman) with 1 margins. For the heading, include your NAME, DATE, and the ASSIGNMENT
TITLE. Make sure there is 1 staple in the upper left-hand corner of the paper.

ESSAY 2: Compare and Contrast Essay

Due Date: 1st Complete Draft Due: 3/9 (20 points)
2nd Complete Draft due 3/23 (20 points)
Final due: 3/30 @ 7:00 p.m. in class
Submission: Typed & Printed
Points: Final Draft 100
Word Count: 1200

ESSAY GUIDELINES
In this essay you will write an essay comparing and contrasting two subjects or concepts in one
or more works of literature.
The essay must have a specific focus (limited subject). You will choose two subjects, concepts,
etc. and organize your essay around it, so make sure it is clear before you begin. A few
examples of an appropriate focus are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Comparison of two characters in a work of fiction or

Two characters in two different works of short fiction by the same author
Comparison of two works of short fiction by the same author
Comparison of two works of short fiction with the same theme but by different authors
Stylistic choices made by the same author in different works
Stylistic choices made by two authors during a similar time period
Use of two critical strategies to analyze the same work of literature

FORMAT
This essay needs to be typed, written in complete sentences, and organized logically. Follow
traditional grammar and style conventions. I will be grading your grammar, but specifically
focusing on the topics we have covered in class so far (fragments, run-ons, and punctuation).
This essay needs to be double-spaced in 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman) with 1
margins. For the heading, include your NAME, DATE, and the ASSIGNMENT TITLE. Make
sure there is 1 staple in the upper left-hand corner of the paper.

ESSAY 3: Historical Context Research Paper

First Draft Due: Wednesday 4/20
Second Draft: Due: Wednesday 4/27
Final Due Date: Wednesday 5/4 @ 7:00 p.m. in class
Submission: Typed & Printed
Points: 200
Word Count: 1500

ESSAY GUIDELINES
PROMPT
In this essay you will write an essay analyzing a literary work while also synthesizing research of
the historical time period in which the piece of literature was written. You will develop a thesis
that argues a specific focus about the text and the historical context, and then support the
argument with researched evidence.
In order to do this successfully you will need to practice evaluative skills of what is reliable and
relevant evidence. You will also need to take notes, write multiple drafts, and avoid plagiarism
by citing sources correctly.
The essay must have a specific focus (limited subject). You may choose any work of fiction or
poem to write the essay about. A few examples of an appropriate focus are:
1.

How does post traumatic stress disorder from the Vietnam War alter the relationship
between the two brothers in Louise Erdrichs short story The Red Convertible?
2. How do past U.S. immigration policies shape Pat Moras dual tone of mockery and
sincerity in her poem Immigrants?
3. What was the attitude of the majority of people living in the U.S. about gays and lesbians
in the mid-twentieth century and how does that influence the voice of the speaker in
Frank OHaras poem Homosexuality?
FORMAT
This essay needs to be typed, written in complete sentences, and organized logically. Follow
traditional grammar and style conventions to the best of your ability. This essay needs to be
double-spaced in 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman) with 1 margins. For the heading,
include your NAME, DATE, and the ASSIGNMENT TITLE. Make sure there is 1 staple in the
upper left-hand corner of the paper.
You need to cite your research in MLA format. You must have at least five sources and at least
two must be from Pima Community Colleges library database. You must also have a work
cited page that is in correct MLA format.

ESSAY 4: Poetry Analysis

Due Date: Wednesday, 5/11 @ 7:00 p.m. in class
Submission: Typed & Printed
Points: 100
Word Count: 750

ESSAY GUIDELINES
For the last essay, you are going to write a literary analysis about a poem of your choosing.
Your job is to analyze the poem by using the poem as a source for interpretation of its meaning.
This means you must include direct quotes from the poem in your essay in order to provide
evidence for your interpretation.
If you need help in finding a poem, contact me, look in your text book, look online at such
websites as poets.org, poems.com, and poetryfoundation.org.
FORMAT
This essay needs to be typed, written in complete sentences, and organized logically. I expect
there to be at least 5 paragraphs (Introduction, Body, Conclusion), but more will likely be
necessary. Follow traditional grammar and style conventions. I will be grading your grammar,
but specifically focusing on the topics we have covered in class so far (fragments, run-ons, and
punctuation). This essay needs to be double-spaced in 12-point font (Arial or Times New
Roman) with 1 margins. For the heading, include your NAME, DATE, and the ASSIGNMENT
TITLE. Make sure there is 1 staple in the upper left-hand corner of the paper.
To receive full credit, you must turn in a copy of your rough draft (with accompanying
comments), final draft, scholarship criteria, & grading rubric.