Writing and Textual Evidence Essays

Writing and Textual Evidence Essays Writing and Textual Evidence Essay Writing and Textual Evidence Essay English 101 Writing Assignment 3 Assignment Topic: Platos Allegory of the Cave By definition, an allegory is a symbolic narrative, typically about abstract theories and ideas using highly symbolic representations to teach a lesson or share a concept in a subtle but effective way. In an essay of no less than 750 words create an argument about what you believe to be the point of Platos Allegory of the Cave. Consider the setting, objects, characters, and conflicts. Think about what lesson(s) seem to be revealed through this story. Focus on one of these key lessons or ideas for development in your essay. That is, the topic for this essay is somewhat open, so long as it stems from the ideas in Platos allegory. Be sure to create an arguable thesis, one which asserts your analysis and interpretation, and attempts to make some connection to the larger work as a whole. This essay should focus on the text as its primary source and should employ plenty of textual evidence from the text to support your ideas. While not the focus nor equired, secondary sources may be consulted for this paper; however, the ideas and writing should be original, and the textual evidence should be from the allegory. Be sure, however, to include proper Works Consulted or pages as necessary. Audience: Classmates and Instructor: SCHOLARS and ACADEMICS. This assignment asks you to contemplate a major classical piece of literature. Planning: DUE 10/23 In a one-page document in MLA format (using both prose free writing and lists), you will need to propose your essay topic ahead of time with a brief essay proposal. This proposal should include a basic overview of what you believe you will be exploring in the essay and why you think this topic is valid or legitimate. Your proposal should provide a list of 5-7 possible thesis statements you may use to structure the essay as well as at least 3 quoted passages from the text for potential use in the essay. In order to move forward on your essay, you must first receive approval on your proposal. This essay will be evaluated with the standards outlined in The Student Guide to Learning. Special attention should be paid to a carefully constructed thesis, plenty of developed support, use and integration of textual evidence, logic and reasoning. The delivery should be clean and clear, employing the proper tone for an academic essay. Tips: Avoid too much summary: Write as though your reader is already familiar with the story. It is your Job to convince the reader ofa particular take on the story. Some summary is acceptable, as long as it is given in a purposeful manner. Be sure, too, to use summary for setting the context of certain passages, scenes, or action. Use the text: It is not enough to simply state your take on certain aspects of the text, or on the text as a whole. Instead you must present arguments, and then use significant selections from the text to illustrate your points. Discuss: Too often, students have excellent ideas with regards to stories, but then fail to follow through on their ideas. Be sure you clearly, thoroughly, and purposefully discuss your points. This includes explicating your selections from the stories so as to directly relate the material to your argument points, as well as the overall thesis. Draw conclusions: After youVe discussed all the significant points, passages, and ideas with regards to your thesis, be sure you work yourself to a conclusion. Be able to step back from your observations and answer, So what does all this mean? How is this significant? Minimal Requirements: MLA style format 1 margins 10-12 pt. font (clear font Times / New Roman, Courier, etc. double spaced name, instructor, class, and date on left side of 1st pg title centered and double-spaced down last name pg # in upper right-hand corner (1/2 down) of subsequent pages MLA tyle documentation (parenthetical references w/ accurate citation information) Adherence to the assignment prompt Original work (WARNING: plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment and may additionally result in failure of the course and further Student Code of Conduct violation charges) An appropriate voice and tone relative to the assignment, purpose, and audience Textual evidence or support, when appropriate (includes quotes and paraphrases with accurate documentation) Adherence to length requirements (as stipulated)