The HONORS STANDARDS: Information and thoughts on writing (especially in-class writing) in regards to English II Honors.

Your Thoughts on In-Class Essay Writing How do you feel about essay writing (and in particular in-class essay writing)? Do you fear it? Do you struggle with it? How much in-class writing have you done in the past? Full essays or partial? What were the “rules”/ “guidelines”?

Sophomore Year Clarifications No, you will not get the essay prompt beforehand. Why do think we don’t give it to you?

Sophomore Year Clarifications No, you will not be typing your essay. You’ll actually be handwriting it. Why do you think we do this?

Sophomore Year Clarifications No, you may not use pages upon pages of notes that you prepare the night before. Why do you think we don’t let you do that?

Sophomore Year Clarifications Yes, you may use annotations that you’ve written in your novel as you read it (and therefore, yes, you may use your novel for the essay). Why do you think we allow this?

Sophomore Year Clarifications Yes, you are required to write a complete essay (including a conclusion). Why do you think we don’t just do a paragraph or two?

Your Goal/Process Answer the question bearing in mind a holistic interpretation while taking into account the complexity of the work and highlighting your personal mastery of language.

As Your Are Writing, Ask Yourself, Does My Essay… 1) answer the question? 2) consider a holistic interpretation? 3) recognize the complexity of the work? 4) demonstrate mastery of language?

1) Answer the question… Be explicit, but not formulaic Every work of literature has a purpose or idea Essentially, most prompts this year will ask you to investigate a thematic message and what the author is conveying about this issue. Be explicit, but not formulaic DO conclude every paragraph by revisiting your thesis

2) …bearing in mind a holistic interpretation… A narrow focus will not elicit a complex interpretation Don’t limit yourself to the beginning of the work address only the easiest elements limit yourself to merely to ideas that were discussed in class write everything you know (instead, DO write what you know in regards to the specifics of the question)

2) …taking into account the complexity of the work… Avoid the obvious Observation does NOT equal analysis Think of a story as a vehicle “Observation” describes the vehicle “Analysis”… explores where the author is taking the audience and why (what is the “purpose”)? examines how does the author uses the vehicle to arrive at the destination

3) …taking into account the complexity of the work… Showcase your ability to read and think critically. Look for subtleties that might elude careless readers Write “outside the text”

4) …highlighting personal mastery of language Does your writing have rhythm and flow? Is your writing free of awkward word patterns? Do your sentences vary in length & style? Is your writing style rich, colorful, and precise? Does your use of language clarify and expand upon ideas?

4) …highlighting personal mastery of language Do you use common words uncommonly? Do you understand your audience? Is your text lively, expressive, and engaging? Are you personally engaged in the topic?