A. The Comparative Essay
We'll break the essay unit into five (5) steps, three of which will be marked.
1. Notes: Complete two sets of notes (minimum one page each) on "If Hitler Asked..." and "I Have A Dream". I will mark for detail, accuracy and on what and how. That is, focus on what is being argued
(i.e. thesis, theme, main points, key evidence) and how it's being said (e.g. style, literary
devices). /10 marks each
2. Choose one of the two following topics:
3. Create a full page T-chart or a Venn diagram for your compare and contrast essay. The T-chart will have two columns (similarities vs. differences) while the Venn diagram will have two difference sections and one similarities section in the middle. /10 marks
4. Examine the handout on comparative essays.
5. Write the essay!
- 1st topic:
- A) Compare and contrast “Tyranny of the Clock” and “If Hitler Asked…”
- 2nd topic:
- B) Compare and contrast “I Have A Dream” and “Death and Justice”
- Again, focus on what is said and also how it is said.
- Remember, the focus of a compare and contrast essay is the similarities between the two texts (in terms message and style) and the differences. The thesis is determined by which one is more significant or obvious.
3. Create a full page T-chart or a Venn diagram for your compare and contrast essay. The T-chart will have two columns (similarities vs. differences) while the Venn diagram will have two difference sections and one similarities section in the middle. /10 marks
4. Examine the handout on comparative essays.
- Comparison essays are a type of complex writing.
- Note the transitions used to start the first and second body paragraphs. BP1 starts with a concession; BP2 starts with a contrast.
- Each body paragraph requires you to examine both essays.
5. Write the essay!
- Type an essay and email me a copy when you're finished.
- Please follow the standard formatting rules:
- out of /60 marks marked on the six point scale
- 12 or 14 font size
- standard font type
- 1.5 spacing
- Place an extra space between paragraphs.
- Indent each paragraph.
- Create a title and place it at the top of your essay along with your full name.
- Include at least two properly blended and cited quotations, at least one from each essay.
- For a review of how to blend quotations, watch here.
- For a review of how to cite quotations, watch here.
- Here are two good introductions to quotations: Quotations 1 and Quotations 2.
Please complete all three marked sections (1,3,5) by Friday, May 15!
B. Novel Unit
You can read the book in a browser or, better yet, download the book, open it in a free epub reader, and get a head start for Term 4:
- You can read the book in a browser or, better yet, download the book, open it in a free epub reader:
How do I get the file onto my phone or tablet, Mr. Welch?
1. Most phones and tablets have built-in pdf reader apps. Both iPhone and Android stores offer free epub and mobi reader apps; install one before you head to step 2 below. I recommend epub or mobi, because both will allow you to modify the text size, which is important if you're reading on a phone!
2. Email the file to yourself as an attachment and open up the file on your phone or tablet. Then, save it to your device. Alternatively, navigate to this website with your phone, tablet or computer and click on one of the files above. Once the file is open, save it to your device.
By June 10, finish reading the novel.
- Make sure you watch this introduction to The Great Gatsby beforehand! It starts about 10 minutes in.
How do I get the file onto my phone or tablet, Mr. Welch?
2. Email the file to yourself as an attachment and open up the file on your phone or tablet. Then, save it to your device. Alternatively, navigate to this website with your phone, tablet or computer and click on one of the files above. Once the file is open, save it to your device.
By June 10, finish reading the novel.
- Make sure you watch this introduction to The Great Gatsby beforehand! It starts about 10 minutes in.
Make sure to review the following online classes:
- The Great Gatsby Chps. 1-3: Characters, Events and Setting
- The Great Gatsby Chps. 4-6: The American Dream//Characters, Events and Setting
- The Great Gatsby: Chps. 7-9: Characters, Events and Themes
- These files may not work on Mac OS laptops. If they don't, try your phone or tablet. These links apparently work on iOS or Android, as well as Windows.
The Great Gatsby Essay
- Choose one (1) of the topics below.
- Type the essay and email me a copy when you're finished.
- Please follow the standard formatting rules:
- out of /60 marks marked on the six point scale
- 12 or 14 font size
- standard font type
- 1.5 spacing
- Place an extra space between paragraphs.
- Indent each paragraph.
- Create a title and place it at the top of your essay along with your full name.
- Re-read the handout on the Six Types of Essays.
Essay options:
- 1. To what extent does Gatsby embody (or represent) the
American Dream?
- This topic requires a complex response. (i.e. Essay #2)
- The thesis sentence should be something similar to "Gatsby embodies the American Dream to a large extent" or "Gatsby embodies the American Dream only to a small extent".
- BP1 is the anti-thesis position and starts with a concession.
- BP2 is the pro-thesis position and starts with a contrast.
- BP3 is optional if there are enough pro-thesis examples.
OR
- 2. Assess which character, Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby or Sandor Hunyadi/Alex Hunter in Under The Ribs of Death, displays a greater level of ambition and motivation. You must refer to both novels in your essay. (i.e. Essay #3 or #5)
- This topic could be answered using a compare and contrast structure.
- You could also use a simple comparison: BP1 is about Sandor and his ambitions; BP2 is about Gatsby and his ambitions; the conclusion explain which character is more ambitious and why.
OR
- 3. Who is most responsible for Gatsby’s death? Consider three different possibilities and provide a conclusion. [Hint: One character must be George Wilson!] (i.e. Essay #1)
- This topic should be answered using a standard essay structure. Each BP discusses a character's culpability, and BP# would feature the character most responsible.
- The Gatsby essay is due no later than Monday, June 22. If you can send it in earlier, that would be great.
DO YOUR OWN WORK! I'LL BE CHECKING!
- These files may not work on Mac OS laptops. If they don't, try your phone or tablet. These links apparently work on iOS or Android, as well as Windows.
- Choose one (1) of the topics below.
- Type the essay and email me a copy when you're finished.
- Please follow the standard formatting rules:
- out of /60 marks marked on the six point scale
- 12 or 14 font size
- standard font type
- 1.5 spacing
- Place an extra space between paragraphs.
- Indent each paragraph.
- Create a title and place it at the top of your essay along with your full name.
- Re-read the handout on the Six Types of Essays.
Essay options:
- 1. To what extent does Gatsby embody (or represent) the American Dream?
- This topic requires a complex response. (i.e. Essay #2)
- The thesis sentence should be something similar to "Gatsby embodies the American Dream to a large extent" or "Gatsby embodies the American Dream only to a small extent".
- BP1 is the anti-thesis position and starts with a concession.
- BP2 is the pro-thesis position and starts with a contrast.
- BP3 is optional if there are enough pro-thesis examples.
OR - 2. Assess which character, Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby or Sandor Hunyadi/Alex Hunter in Under The Ribs of Death, displays a greater level of ambition and motivation. You must refer to both novels in your essay. (i.e. Essay #3 or #5)
- This topic could be answered using a compare and contrast structure.
- You could also use a simple comparison: BP1 is about Sandor and his ambitions; BP2 is about Gatsby and his ambitions; the conclusion explain which character is more ambitious and why.
OR - 3. Who is most responsible for Gatsby’s death? Consider three different possibilities and provide a conclusion. [Hint: One character must be George Wilson!] (i.e. Essay #1)
- This topic should be answered using a standard essay structure. Each BP discusses a character's culpability, and BP# would feature the character most responsible.
- The Gatsby essay is due no later than Monday, June 22. If you can send it in earlier, that would be great.
DO YOUR OWN WORK! I'LL BE CHECKING!
