Instructions+for+Essay+Writing+TWTWB

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING LITERARY ESSAYS NOVEL

A Literary essay is similar to a formal or expository essay. However, the evidence or examples you use are from your text: novel, short story or poems.

What connections can you make with the novel to: society today?
 * __Question:__ Describe a character in a novel you have studied and explain how they were important in the novel.**
 * 1) Planning**
 * You might need to discuss these in your group.**
 * What are the novels themes/messages/ideas
 * What __techniques__does the author use to tell us about the characters
 * What are the important events in the novel?
 * Does your character have a role in this event?
 * What does it show us as readers about this character
 * Does this link to the themes? Explain how
 * Other texts/events/subjects

What is your personal response to this novel and the ideas in it? What is the author’s purpose in writing this novel?

In your introduction you are going to make it clear to your reader what your argument is going to be. Then you will develop that argument in the main body of the essay.
 * 2) Introduction**
 * First you need to write a sentence that makes it clear that you know what the essay is about. Do not just repeat the words of the essay topic. In the box below is the beginning of a possible opening sentence. Add to this or make up your own from scratch.
 * In the novel //Tomorrow when the war Began// written by John Marsden and interesting (choose your own adjective) character is (insert name). The novel deals with a group of teenagers caught in the middle of an invasion by a foreign army into Australia. (Name) is one of those teenagers. The novel forces the reader to think about the issues associated with war and the effects of war on the people involved. ||

Three paragraphs should form the body of the essay each one dealing with a different aspect of the topic. Begin each paragraph with a __topic sentence__ that makes it clear what you are going to be writing about in that paragraph. (Point) Use SEXY LEER PEER
 * 1) **The body of the essay**
 * Develop the topic sentence by __explanation__ Why is this point important/significant/relevant
 * Add __examples/evidence__ and/or __quotations__.
 * Always comment on the quotations that you use. What does this show? How does it relate to the theme?
 * Avoid just making a list of points.
 * One paragraph needs to be linked to the previous one to show that your argument is logical. For example, you might begin a new paragraph like this: //Another way that the reader finds out about (insert character’s name) is when…//
 * //This is important because…//
 * 100 words, 5-6 sentences. Keep sentences short 20 words

Links from the novel to society, other events other texts and can make a comment you’re your perspective. What is the Author’s purpose? Why did he write the book? I’ll give a sticker for the first person/people who can find this out and email me the link. Then everyone can use it.
 * 1) **Body Paragraph One:** Answer the first part of the question
 * 2) **Body Paragraph Two**: Answer the second part of the question
 * 3) **Body Paragraph Three**: This paragraph shows you have engaged with the text and can make

The conclusion of the essay must sum up your main points but avoid using the same words that you used in the introduction.
 * 1) **The conclusion of the essay**


 * 1) **Style**
 * Write in formal language.
 * Do not use contracted verbs (//is not// not //isn’t//) or any other abbreviations.
 * Use quotations but keep them short.
 * Make sure that the quotations are relevant.

Literary Response Marking Criteria – Year 10

Achieved
 * Shows a clear understanding of the text
 * Makes a response to the specified aspect of the text
 * Uses appropriate supporting detail

Achieving well Shows a developed understanding Makes developed response to specified aspect Uses developed supporting detail

Excelling That shows perception Makes a full response to the specified aspects of the text Gives full supporting detail with good use of quotation
 * Shows an understanding of the text with some comments

**Literary Essay ** **Transactional Writing - Write a First Draft **

>> //"Another important theme is........."// >> //however, despite, therefore, as well as, consequently, in addition, but// Prove that you have answered the entire question
 * Introduction ** - Your opening sentence should
 * state what your essay is going to be about
 * relate clearly to the question
 * Be snappy and lively, not long and boring. You want to get the reader's attention.
 * //"In the novel "The God Boy", Ian Cross deals with the psychological and social effects of dysfunctional families." //
 * Main Body ** - Refer back to your plan. Check that you've kept to it.
 * Each paragraph should focus on one main point.
 * Refer to specific details, characters, incidents from the text.
 * Try to link your paragraphs so that the ideas seem to flow on smoothly and logically. You can do this by
 * Referring back to something in the previous paragraph
 * using linking words or phrases
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Conclusion **<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Your final paragraph should
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">round off and sum up the points you have been making

<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> //"It is clear, therefore, that Ian Cross deals with a number of important issues in "The God Boy".//

Written about war at this time, the novel forces the reader to think about the issues associated with war and the effects of war. (Ah! - you can use this same phrase).