Overview

You have taken many notes on your novel. Now you will have the chance to explain what you think the story's message is and what it means to you. Here are some guidelines for the timed-write.

Timed-Write Essay Topics - CHOOSE ONE

- 1. What is the author's message?
  - Include key symbols and supporting themes to support your answer

- 2. Should future classes read/not read this book? Why or why not?
  - Include clear reasons that relate to the novel's themes and message

- 3. Why should I include (or not include) this book as an option for lit circles next year?
  - Include clear reasons that relate to the novel's themes and message
- 4. Your Choice
  - Pitch and idea to me

Timed-Write Essay Formats - CHOOSE ONE

Argumentative Essay - This is a standard expository 6-paragraph essay - Include a counterclaim
Letter to me (You may write in the first person using "I")
Your choice (pitch an idea to me)

Structure - Regardless of which essay option (see below) you choose, all options must include the following 5-6 paragraphs (Introduction, three body paragraphs, counterclaim(s) and a conclusion):

1) Introduction: Write one introductory paragraph. If you are comfortable writing formally, do so. If that gets in the way of your thinking, write informally. Either way, it should include the following topics covered in 5-6 sentences:

an engaging hook that draws in the reader
a brief summary of the story, which gives the reader some context
a clear thesis that states the author’s main message by connecting theme(s) to the story.
hint of a counterclaim that indicates what people would argue against you.
a roadmap of your three pieces of evidence in the order they would appear in the essay.

2) Three Body Paragraphs: Use the table below to write notes for your three body paragraphs. You may write informally. I am much more interested in your thinking and logic than your writing skills. The order of these paragraphs should follow the roadmap from the introduction. Each paragraph should have its own distinct idea/claim that support your thesis along with the literary evidence, reasons and analysis, must support your thesis.

3) A Counterclaim Paragraph: This is what someone would argue to counter your point?

- What evidence would they use?
- In spite of their evidence, why is their argument weaker than yours?

4) A Conclusion: Note that a conclusion is more than the restating of the introduction. The best conclusions reach beyond a restatement and explain a bigger, more compelling reason that supports the thesis. It should include your “so what,” such as why the book is important for future generations! If you have a personal connection, this is a good place to add it.

Why did the publisher print this book (as it relates to the theme you’ve defended)
Is there a more compelling or universal reason that is beyond your thesis?
Do you have a personal connection to the theme?

Thinking Process

The key is tackling a timed-write is to step back and think the big picture - FOR YOU. Remember that there is no wrong answer. When crafting your argument, it is important to anticipate the counterclaim. In order to do that it is essential to know your audience and their position.

Expectations

Standard W.10.01: Part A (Introduction and Organizing) + Part B (Developing Reasoning)
Max Score is 3.0 because it's only part of the standard.
This is formative.
What you write is more important than how you write.
RELAX
Minimally, write your introduction and outline everything else.
Do NOT try to make this perfect. You will be too invested in your draft to make changes.
TURN it in by the due date.
Lastly, if I suspect you have used Chat GBT or any other AI support, expect to have a conversation; and, if you can not speak to your ideas authentically, you will automatically receive no credit, or "F" for this assignment.