1. The Literary Essay There are many types of stories an author may choose to tell and which we can analyze and categorize as Kurt Vonnegut points out in, ‘The Shapes of Stories.’ http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=oP3c1h8v2ZQhttp://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=oP3c1h8v2ZQ

2. A Bit of Inspiration… “A Lecture on Creativity” John Cleese (b.1939) British actor-comedian script-writer and public speaker, gave a lecture on creativity which is thought- provoking and might inspire you!

3. John’s Lecture on Creativity “Because, as we all know, it’s easier to do trivial things that are urgent than it is to do important things that are not urgent, like thinking. And it’s also easier to do little things we know we can do, than to start on big things that we’re not so sure about.” -John Cleese, A Lecture on Creativity. Link to John’s Lecture: (13 minutes) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijtQP9nwrQA#t=249 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijtQP9nwrQA#t=249

4. Now to embark with confidence, on a big thing we’re not so sure about…

5. Writing The Literary Essay How do we write the essay? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v3uiCB UZfEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v3uiCB UZfE How do we write the body paragraphs? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjIbu7e a53ghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjIbu7e a53g

6. 5 Tips to Improve Your Writing Every year you are used to hearing your English teacher tell you how you can improve your writing. Just in case you forgot a few tips along the way, let’s refresh our memory of how to go about writing a strong paper. Here are some helpful rules for good writing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgkRoYPLhts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgkRoYPLhts

7. The Extended Thesis Statement An extended thesis statement is a two-part statement. It is the most effective formula to help you focus your essay Using the extended thesis statement will help you avoid major problems in your essay by identifying the direction of your paper at the outset, in the introduction. You must use the extended thesis statement and place it in the introduction of your paper.

8. How to Write an Extended Thesis Remember the following formula : Statement of Subject + Body Paragraph Topics Example: there are only three effects of urban overcrowding: traffic jams, too much air pollution, and a high rate of homelessness. What is the subject?  The Effects of Urban Overcrowding What are the body paragraph topics? Body Paragraph 1  A) traffic jams Body Paragraph 2  B) air pollution Body Paragraph 3  C) homelessness

9. In groups, practice writing basic thesis statements Convert the following basic thesis statements into extended thesis statements: 1. Young girls are becoming dangerously preoccupied with their weight. 2. These days, parents are over-programming their children. 3. It’s easy to recognize the student who is at college just to have a good time. 4. The ideal roommate has several characteristics. 5. Losing your job can be a positive experience.

10. Good Luck Writing your Essay! While writing a large paper seems daunting, give yourself time to work at a reasonable pace to: Select a topic Use your topic to create an argument. Craft your thesis statement Seek teacher feedback on your thesis statement. Plan / Brainstorm Use the organizer/create an outline Write the essay (Draft 1) Edit your essay (Draft 2) Peer Edit the essay (4 people) Make changes based on this edit (Draft 3) and produce the Good Copy Include a Works Cited or Consulted