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The Academic Essay

The Academic Essay. Lord of the Flies. Choose one of the main symbols in Lord of the Flies and, by tracing the symbol throughout the novel, analyze how Golding uses it to develop one of the central themes. 1. The introduction.

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The Academic Essay

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  1. The Academic Essay

  2. Lord of the Flies • Choose one of the main symbols in Lord of the Flies and, by tracing the symbol throughout the novel, analyze how Golding uses it to develop one of the central themes

  3. 1. The introduction • Open with background or reflection on the larger themes raised by the question • The opening sentence should mention the names of the novel, the writer and, possibly, key characters

  4. The intro provides a summary of the essay • Do not use the intro to merely ASK THE QUESTION • It should ANSWER THE QUESTION

  5. Opening sentence • QUESTION: “Jack is the main problem facing the boys in Lord of the Flies.” • Discuss • Opening line: William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, places dozens of British school boys on an island that, on first appearances, looks to be a paradise.

  6. The Thesis Statement • The final sentence (or two) of the intro should answer the question with a general statement of opinion • This is the THESIS STATEMENT – the argument of the essay • Aim to construct a complex thesis • The thesis should be multi-faceted

  7. For example • QUESTION: The main problem facing the boys in Lord of the Flies is Jack. • THESIS

  8. Your turn to write • “Piggy has the brains, Simon the vision and Ralph the leadership.” So why do things break up? • Make a statement that includes “but”, “although” or “however” • Include the words ”In Golding’s novel…” • Include the word “allegory” • You have 3 minutes

  9. Share and comment • Write a comment on your colleague’s thesis • Does it answer all parts of the question? • Is it complex? • Is the language formal/academic? • Is it convincing – reasonable?

  10. Symbols in Lord of the Flies

  11. Essay Outline (Plan) • First brainstorm ideas • Two structures – for organizing ideas • Narrative/chronological – one para on different stages in the development of the symbol • Thematic – 3 different aspects of the symbol

  12. Quotations • Keep them short • Explain their relevance to your ideas • Choose thematic or character quotes • Don’t use plot/narrative quotes – use paraphrase to explain what happened

  13. How to include quotations • Attribution • According to Piggy, “Blah blah.” • After Simon’s death, Ralph says, “Blah blah.” • Explain significance of the information provided by the quotation • But don’t simply repeat the information • The significance sentence – before or after the quotation

  14. Relevance and the Topic Sentence TS • Each paragraph should respond to one aspect of the question • The opening sentence of each paragraph announces the subject of the paragraph • The WHOLE paragraph must connect with the TS!!

  15. Substantiation • This means – providing evidence (substance) to illustrate or support your ideas • Commentary without substantiations is assertion • Use examples from the story/plot – events • + quotations

  16. Write a topic sentence • Write a topic sentence for a body paragraph • And add a second sentence that provides supporting evidence • NEVER open a sentence with “For example…” • You have 5 minutes!

  17. Review: Paragraphs in the body • 8 to 10 lines in length • Open with a topic sentence (TS) that addresses one aspect of your thesis • TS announces the main idea of the paragraph

  18. The rest of the paragraph? • Fully develops, explains and discusses this topic • Provides Evidence to support the discussion – quotations, events, characters

  19. Your homework • Introduction • Three topic sentences for the body paragraphs • Evidence

  20. Share and comment with a new classmate • Does the intro include a complex and clear thesis statement? • Do the 3 topic sentences deal with one aspect of the thesis statement? • Is the evidence relevant to the point made by the topic sentence? WRITE A COMMENT THAT ANSWERS ALL THREE QUESTIONS

  21. Part 3 The Conclusion - do • Restate the main ideas in the essay • Connect the ideas and then.. • Draw a final conclusion that answers the essay question

  22. The Conclusion – don’t • Don’t add new material or ideas • Don’t be specific – make general statements • Don’t write “In conclusion”!!

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