Tips for In-class Essays

1. Tips for In-class Essays Honors English 11

2. Remember to. . . • Bring your annotated Caged Bird book to class • Refer to the author by last name only (after first reference and when you’re referring to him/her as an author). Saying Maya or Ritie for Caged Bird is acceptable when you’re talking about her as a character. • Underline novel/book titles

3. Quoting and Citing • Use proper setup for quotes • Use : after a full sentence • Use , after “Angelou notes, “ • Use nothing when quote flows perfectly with your sentence. • Use proper citations for quotes and paraphrases: • “K;ajsldkfjpwoiej” (Angelou 57). • “laksjdfowijej” (53).

4. Use specific examples • See Question 3 (below) then compare responses: • The author writes, “If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat.” What do you make of the author’s portrayal of race? How do Ritie and her family cope with the racial tension that permeates their lives?

5. Consider this response • “The author’s portrayal of race is that being black is a difficulty, especially when considering racism from other races like with white people. She describes her difficulty as rust on a razor, and that growing up as a Southern black girl is painful. Her family copes by making friends and being respectful.”

6. Regurgitating • “The author’s portrayal of race is • that being black is a difficulty, • especially when considering racism from other races like with white people. • She describes her difficulty as rust on a razor, and • that growing up as a Southern black girl is painful. • Her family copes by • making friends and being respectful.”

7. Advice • Think of specific examples where the family “makes friends” or “is respectful”

8. Consider this response • “There is no doubt that race has a profound impact on Southern black suburban families, but they really try to not let it get in the way too much. Momma is respected among the black community because she owns a store and helps other black people. Big Bailey tries to impress white people by getting with other women and buying flashy things. Daddy Clydelluses his friends and white ignorance to make money. Vivian is just beautiful. Each family member learns how to cope in his/her own way.”

9. Discuss • “There is no doubt that race has a profound impact on Southern black suburban families, but they really try to not let it get in the way too much. Momma is respected among the black community because she owns a store and helps other black people. Big Bailey tries to impress white people by getting with other women and buying flashy things. Daddy Clydelluses his friends and white ignorance to make money. Vivian is just beautiful. Each family member learns how to cope in his/her own way.” • Topic Sentence with a claim (insight) • Three specific examples • Paragraph clincher

10. Consider • “It’s even worse pain to be aware of displacement. They ignore it and pretend it isn’t there.”

11. Evaluate • “It’s even worse pain to be aware of displacement. • They ignore it and pretend it isn’t there.” • Too brief • Does understand the quote  • Doesn’t identify “they” • Doesn’t offer specific examples or elaborate

12. Consider • “Maya portrays race as an underlying code that governs society. Most characters in the book are fearful of others of a different race. Maya portrays race as another aspect of society that separates people. Ritie’s “Momma” handles the concept of race the best. She respects the social norms when it is for the best interest of her family. However, “Momma” challenges the concept of race and the separation that race creates. Momma shows her love for Ritie when she stands up to the white dentist and demands her debt to be paid.”

13. Evaluate • “Mayaportrays race as an underlying code that governs society. Most characters in the book are fearful of others of a different race. Maya portrays race as another aspect of society that separates people. Ritie’s “Momma” handles the concept of race the best. She respects the social norms when it is for the best interest of her family. However, “Momma” challenges the concept of race and the separation that race creates. Momma shows her love for Ritie when she stands up to the white dentist and demands her debt to be paid.” • Say “Angelou” here because about the author. • Offers several insights  • Offers a detailed example which features one character and the complexity of how she deals with race in different situations. • Could add a paragraph clincher.

14. Summarize • Good body paragraphs include: • Topic sentences with claims • Specific evidence with character references, sometimes quotes and citations, and even complexities. • Paragraph clinchers which tie to your purpose