Tips for writing the in-class essay Reminders for the Anglo-Saxon essay test 1

Pagan conversion prompt… What skills did you need to use in order to be successful? You’ll use the same ones on the exam. 2

You should to be able to… 1.Read an unfamiliar document in a focused manner. 2.Analyze the writing prompt to discover what exactly was being asked. 3.Synthesize information from several readings to answer the prompt 4.Use apt and specific quotations and summary citations from both readings to support your ideas. 5.Craft a thesis that answers the question. 6.Fully develop your ideas in multiple paragraphs. 3

For in-class essays in English 12 4

Answer the prompt in the introduction PromptIntroduction/thesis Based on the historical information you read (from The Faith of Kings), as well as the more literary account of the conversion of the pagans (from Bede’s History), what in your opinion are the reasons why the Anglo-Saxons were drawn to the Christian faith? Remember to support your opinion with specific, concrete information and details from the two texts. There seems to be a number of reasons why the Pagans converted to Christianity in England, and most of them are rooted in their early warrior culture, which according to Hugh Bibbs, was “a cult of warfare and ancestor worship” (1). The early Anglo- Saxons were a warrior people who lived brutal lives, full of warfare and uncertainty. Bede tells the story of Edwin, for example, who spent many years running from powerful enemies…(Bede 48) 5

Using “apt” direct quotations Original text “Faith of Kings”Quoted text in response “The Benedictine monks came to England preaching a powerful religious message of redemption and afterlife, as well as emphasizing the holy virtues of honesty and courage, straight-forwardness in dealing with strangers, resect for superiors, and team loyalty, all of which reflected exactly virtues found in the Anglo-Saxon ideal of how men should live well and gain honor in their warrior culture.” The Anglo-Saxon valued “loyalty, honesty and courage” and were not likely to follow any teachings that did not address those core values (Bibb 2). 6

The summary notation PurposeExample Not every reference needs to be a direct quote. We want to add variety to our prose. One way to do so is with the quick summarization of a key point. Bede tells the story of Edwin, for example, a young man who spent many years running from his powerful enemies who wanted him dead before he could replace them in power (Bede 48). 7