Topic Self-Realization and Empowerment Work:
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Examine the journey through
which Jamie Crawford ultimately realizes and articulates her voice.
Novel: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Assignment Details
–
As you move forward with your culminating research essay, your next step is to draft
the introduction paragraph, which includes a clear and compelling thesis
statement. This introduction
will set the tone for your entire essay, providing an overview of your topic, engaging your reader, and presenting your central argument. A strong introduction is essential for guiding your reader through your
analysis and establishing the significance of your literary interpretation.
The purpose
of this assignment is to help you refine your thesis statement and ensure that your essay begins with a focused,
insightful introduction. By drafting the introduction early in the process, you
will clarify your argument and set a clear direction for your essay. This draft
will also provide an opportunity to receive feedback
on your thesis and introductory strategies before you
proceed with writing the body of your essay.
Assignment Requirements
Your draft of the introduction paragraph must include the following components:
·
Contextual Background – Begin your introduction by providing brief context about the
novel or play you are analyzing. This might include information about the
author, the historical or cultural background of the text, or an overview of
the text’s main themes. Avoid overly broad generalizations or unnecessary plot summary. Focus on information
that is directly relevant to your thesis.
Ensure that your opening leads naturally into your
thesis statement and establishes the significance of your analysis.
· Thesis Statement with Argument – Clearly state
your thesis at the end of the
introduction paragraph. Your thesis should be an original, arguable
claim that offers
a substantial literary interpretation of the text. Make sure that your
thesis is specific, focused, and sets up the argument you will develop
in the body of your essay. It should
go beyond a simple observation and present a unique perspective on the text.
Briefly outline the key points or areas of analysis that you will explore in your essay. This can help
guide the reader
and provide a roadmap for your argument.
Your thesis/argument does not
have to be only one sentence. It can be a series of two or three sentences.
Formatting Guidelines
·
Your introduction paragraph should be typed, double-spaced, and formatted according to MLA style guidelines.
· Use Times
New Roman, 12-point size.
· Include a properly
formatted header/page number and heading.
·
You do not need a works
cited page, but if you include sourced
material, in-text citations should be present.
Your document must have the following:
1. Last name and
page number in the upper right header of the page.
2. Properly
formatted MLA heading.
3. Working paper
title (not the assignment name or the book name)
4. In-text
citations (if needed)
5. Works Cited
page (if citations are included)
Grading Criteria
Your introduction paragraph will be assessed based
on the following criteria:
35
pts
Clarity and Focus of Thesis Statement: The originality, specificity, and arguability of your thesis, and its alignment with your
essay’s focus.
25
pts
Coherence and Organization: The logical flow of ideas leading to the thesis,
and the overall structure of the paragraph.
15
pts
Contextual Background:
The relevance and conciseness of the background information provided.
15
pts
Engagement with the Reader: The effectiveness of your hook and the overall
engagement of your introduction.
10
pts
Writing Quality: Clarity, grammar, syntax,
and adherence to MLA style
Rubric:
MLA Formatting (15 points – 3
points per element)
Book/Author Within First 3 Sentences (25 points – all or nothing)
Background Context for Topic (10 points – sufficient or
insufficient/all or nothing)
Thesis Statement (Argument)
—Arguable or Not
Arguable
(35 points)
—Viable Claim w/Reasons
(15 points)
Total:
100 points
Additional Deductions:
Misspelled Words
5 points each
Misplaced Punctuation
3 points each
Grammar/Syntax Errors
3
points each