Paper 1 Draft
First draft of a 4-5 page paper that demonstrates your ability to make an argument, supported by observations taken from a close reading.
Resources that you may find helpful:
- Note that "There is symbolism in this poem" is just an observation. You might do a wonderful job analyzing the symbolism and describing its components, but a list of observations does not amount to a debatable argument.
- "The flower symbolism in this work contrasts sharply with the protagonist's uncharitable actions, leaving the reader to question the narrator's reliability, which in turn makes it harder for the reader to empathize with the protagonist's sufferings."
- Remember to make a claim about the literary work, not about "people" or "love" or "nature."
- You may, of course, make a claim about how this particular work or author represents people, love, or nature; the key is to anchor your observations in the specific words that cause to think one way or the other on the topic you chose.
Resources that you may find helpful:
- Roberts (chapters we have already read)
- Thesis Statements
- Blueprinting and Thesis Reminders
- Shape of an Academic Paper.pptx
Shape of an Academic Paper.pptx(slideshow -- I tried to make this with visual learners in mind)
Dr. Jerz,
Did you say it would be okay if we revised and expanded on our first close reading papers, or should we start a new one with a different thesis?
Thanks,
Karyssa
You are welcome to expand on your first close reading paper.