To Kill A Mockingbird Name ______In-Class Essay
The Directions:
Now that you have finished reading the novel, you will prepare for and write an in-class essay. This essay will focus on characterization and theme.
In preparation for writing the in-class essay you will complete the following: 1) Character & Key moments sheets
2) Choose 3 possible thesis statements - either write your own using the format on the following page, or choose one that is already written
3) An outline- you may use this on the day you write the in-class essay
You must carefully follow this 4 paragraph structure when writing the in-class essay: 1) Introduction paragraph (at least 5 sentences)
2) 2 Body paragraphs (at least 8 sentences each) Body paragraph #1 will address Part I Body Paragraph #2 will address Part II
3) Concluding paragraph (at least 3 sentences)
The Assignment:
In a well-written 4 paragraph essay, explain how one of the following themes is apparent in To Kill A Mockingbird. You will relate one of these themes to at least one of the characters in the novel. Choose ONE of the following themes on which to focus: Coming of Age/ Maturation Courage Cruelty Honor Ignorance Justice Kindness Prejudice Tolerance The Thesis:
Your introduction should END with a sentence that explains what your paper will be about (aka- thesis). It should look something like this:
Proposed formats:
If you focus on ONE character—
In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee characterizes ______(character name) as a man/woman/child who ______(theme goes here).
In To Kill A Mockingbird, ______(character name) represents ______(theme).
NOTE: You would then find 3 quotes involving that ONE character in attempt to prove your theme.
If you focus on MORE than one character—
In her novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee shows how adults/children/the mob (choose a collective noun for this part) ______(theme).
NOTE: You would then find 3 quotes from that scene/those characters in attempt to prove your theme.
OR you may choose one of the sample thesis statements.
Sample thesis statements:
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee characterizes Atticus as a man who stands for justice above all else.
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch represents courage in almost every aspect of his life.
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee characterizes Jem as a child who matures from a young fun-loving boy to a thoughtful young man.
In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee believes children lose their innocence when they are confronted with the unpleasant issues of life, but that it helps them grow into balanced adults. The preparation:
Brainstorming: So, let’s start to plan your essay. First, choose the theme that you would like to explore in your essay. Circle one.
Kindness Cruelty Honor Tolerance
Prejudice Courage Maturation Loss of Innocence
Now, you need to play connect the dots. List the characters you associate with the theme that you circled.
Character one: ______is a shining example grows in this area (circle one)
Character two: ______is a shining example grows in this area (circle one) Character three: ______is a shining example grows in this area (circle one)
Next, look over the three choices above and decide which is the BEST one for you to write about. Choose one that makes you WANT to say something interesting.
Your Choice: ______
Briefly list some of the conflicts that involve your character with your chosen theme as well as why/how your character is a “shining example” of your theme or grows in the area of your theme. Notes are super fine: Webbing and Note-Taking:
1. Choose a character- write his/her name in the box below.
2. List 3-5 words that DESCRIBE the character (character traits)- write one word on each line below. Do NOT use words simply describing his/her physical appearance.
Character: 3. List 4 key moments for your character in the novel. Please include page numbers and chapter numbers.
4. Write at least one sentence explaining WHY the scene/situation was important or enlightening for your character. What did he/she learn, participate in, realize or understand during or after EACH key moment you have listed.
Part I
Key Moment #1 (Context): ______
______
______
Chapter: ______Page #: ______
WHY was it significant (Explanation): ______
______
______
Key Moment #2 (Context): ______
______
______
Chapter: ______Page #: ______WHY was it significant (Explanation): ______
______
______
Part II
Key Moment #1 (Context): ______
______
______
Chapter: ______Page #: ______
WHY was it significant (Explanation): ______
______
______
Key Moment #2 (Context): ______
______
______
Chapter: ______Page #: ______
WHY was it significant (Explanation): ______
______
______Intro and Conclusion for Final Essay To Kill A Mockingbird
Introduction: at least 5 sentences Sentences 1-2: Begin with a discussion of your theme idea—do not mention the book in the first two sentences. Comment on the ideas behind your theme.
Sentence 3-4: give a big plot overview that summarizes the novel.
Sentence 5: thesis statement
Sample: When one has innocence in her life, she has happiness and peace. In youth, people have yet to experience enough of life to see the world’s harsh realities, and to realize that such pain exists is often difficult. In her novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee shows an unfair trial of an innocent man to demonstrate the prejudiced ways of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression. The young narrator, Scout, and her older brother, Jem, experience growth and trauma when the trial highlights their community’s racism and violence. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee shows that children lose their innocence when they are confronted with the unpleasant issues of life.
Body Paragraph 1: at least 8 sentences—follow the TCQE format Topic sentence In Part I, Harper Lee shows that children lose their innocence when they are confronted with the unpleasant issues of life. Context (plot) statements that tell the reader what is going on in the quoted situation Quote that supports your theme and page number Explanation that justifies your theme (Repeat Context, Quote and Explanation two more times) Clincher
Body Paragraph 2: at least 8 sentences—follow the TCQE format Topic sentence In Part II, Harper Lee continues to show that children lose their innocence when they are confronted with the unpleasant issues of life. Context (plot) statements that tell the reader what is going on in the quoted situation Quote that supports your theme and page number Explanation that justifies your theme (Repeat Context, Quote and Explanation two more times) Clincher Conclusion: at least three sentences Sentence 1: reword your thesis statement
Sentence 2-3: Review your main points in your paper. Use your most persuasive commentary.
Sentence 4: Return to your initial idea from you introduction sentence#1. Comment on your theme idea as it pertains to the world, then add insight based on what the book shows.
Sample: Harper Lee’s novel shows that losing innocence is a difficult process because it occurs by witnessing and experiencing painful situations in life. Through the trial, Jem, Scout and Dill see an ugly side of humanity that forces them out of their comfortable state of childhood. Although the final verdict confuses them, they end their experience with more awareness of life’s difficulties, and as a result, they are more capable of facing challenges that lie ahead. Essay Outline
Thesis: ______
Topic Sentence:
Context:
Quote:
Explanation:
Context:
Quote:
Explanation:
Context: Quote:
Explanation:
Clincher:
Topic Sentence:
Context:
Quote:
Explanation: Context:
Quote:
Explanation:
Context:
Quote:
Explanation:
Clincher:
Restatement of Thesis (first sentence of conclusion):