1. The Catcher In The Rye Final Unit Essay
American Literature &
Contemporary Composition
Mr. Mendelsohn
VHHS Multimedia Magnet

2. Writing As A Process Prewrite: Generate ideas Plan: Organize ideas
Outline: Order ideas
Draft: Write the paper
Review, Edit, and Revise: Consult the rubric, make changes

3. Prewrite: Read and Understand the Prompt
In JD Salinger’s novel, Catcher In The Rye, Holden Caulfield criticizes most of the adults and his peers for being “phonies,” and he does everything he can to push people away. Paradoxically, Holden attempts to reach out to several other characters, and even exhibits moments of sensitivity and caring. His internal conflicts and desire to “hold on” to the innocence of childhood eventually cause him to break down, with a possible hint at redemption.

4. Connect To Themes Loss of/Holding on to Innocence Search for Identity
Search for Happiness
Rebellion Against Society’s Values

5. Essential Questions Walking paradox? Innocence v. phonies
Values? Morals?
Return to innocence? Alternative?
Redemption? Change? Acceptance?

6. Thesis Statement Thesis= subject + opinion
Use the language from the writing prompt; stay focused
Be brief; do not over-complicate
Avoid clichéd introductions

7. Prewrite: Essay Planner
Gather all materials: notes, charts, journals, text
Find CDs most relevant to your thesis and writing prompt
Transfer these quotes to your essay planner
How do they connect to themes?

8. Organizing Ideas ¶s should follow logical sequence
Organize each body ¶ around a unifying idea:
Chronological change (beginning, middle,end)
By character
By symbol
By thematic idea
Cause and effect

9. Outline Sketch out your essay from beginning to end
Play with order of info; OK to get messy
CM must connect CDs to thesis and themes
Extend CM, do not repeat yourself
“See the essay” in the outline

10. First Draft RD is a FD that needs revision
Aim for at least a Proficient (4) on the VHHS Essay Rubric
Turn each outline section into a ¶
Use the format checklist
Set up 1” margins, 12 pt. Times New Roman Font, double space
Proper MLA heading and title
Indent each ¶
Write! Don’t stop and revise

11. Final Draft Aim for at least a Proficient (4) on the VHHS Essay Rubric
Make any and all suggested edits and revisions
Look at the format checklist again
Final peer edit; make final corrections in black/blue ink