The Giver, Fahrenheit 451 & Pleasantville Writing Task What is the common theme of these three stories? What is the common message of these stories? What is the universal theme present in these works? (These authors believe that…)

Introduction Remember an introduction paragraph introduces your idea, which is your universal theme statement An introduction includes: an interesting start (hook), information on your topic (the stories), and the thesis statement (the shared theme) The interesting start is a way to make your reader curious about what you are going to say. The information introduces the book(s) and movie you are referring to. In one or two sentences each, summarize the plot with a focus on the theme. Then transition to the theme statement.

Transition within paragraphs Advanced writers transition from idea to idea. Here are some transitions you might use in an intro: after although as as if as long as because before in order that provided that now that once rather than since so that than though unless until what when where whether which while who whom

Body Paragraphs Remember each body paragraph must include the following: Topic sentences explain what part of the theme the paragraph is about Context introduces the evidence What was happening at the time the evidence happens Who was talking to whom 2-3 pieces of evidence (quotes from the novel or specific textual references to events in Pleasantville) Analysis (explains how the evidence helps develop the theme)

Body Paragraphs start with Topic Sentences Topic sentences are mini thesis statements. They state the topic of the paragraph. Every paragraph of your paper is about the theme, so every topic sentence should relate back to the theme. Answer the question, ”What part of the theme is this paragraph about? It should not have facts or evidence in it. TURN YOUR THEME STATEMENT AND TOPIC SENTENCES BLACK AND SUBMIT.

Evidence explains how the theme is developed Properly cited From the novel: “He killed it! My father killed it! Jonas said to himself, stunned at what he was realizing” (Lowry 141). Note the period after the citation! If the quote includes a question or exclamation point, put it inside the quotation marks. From the film: The citizens of Pleasantville had books with empty pages until David explains what happens in the novel of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Instantly, the pages of the book fill up with the words from the novel” (Pleasantville).

Analyzing/Explaining the Quote  After a quote, always explain what the quote says in your own words– summarize it.  Then explain what you think that evidence proves and explain your reasoning.  Try reading the quote to yourself and ask, “So what? What does this have to do with the theme?  Be sure the quote and your explanation talks about your thematic idea, and that you have explained how the evidence relates to the theme.  Words or phrases in the analysis should connect to the theme statement.

Transition within paragraphs Advanced writers transition between pieces of evidence. Here are some transitions that show time: sooner or later at the same time until now as soon as in the meantime without delay all of a sudden at this instant immediately quickly finally after later last since then hence since when once suddenly shortly whenever meanwhile during first, second instantly

Transition between paragraphs Advanced writers try to transition from paragraph to paragraph. This might be in the topic sentence or in the last sentence of the paragraph before it. These transitions show agreement: not only... but also in addition in the same way first, second, third in light of to say nothing of equally important also then equally like as well as together with likewise similarly furthermore additionally another

Conclusion Restate your thesis Look at your original thesis statement and reword it! Explain how the thematic idea is present in the world outside the text Guiding questions: Why is this idea so important that people keep writing about it? Why do you think this is a universal theme? Why is it a story that is told over and over? Make a connection to other books or movies that have a similar theme and note what is similar about them. Are these stories a reminder of what's important? A warning not to forget what's important? A prediction of the way the world is going?

Important Reminders!!! No use of the words I, me, my, you, we, us, our, your in literary analysis No use of the words essay, paragraph, quote, evidence Italicize the titles Spell names correctly Double space all including the heading No extra space between paragraphs