Assignment for next class: Use the Magic Four to write one paragraph about "The New Colossus."
No two members from the same group should use the same claim.
Here are the directions as we discussed things in class:
Paragraphs typically run between four to seven sentences. Those who dislike writing often say that they are not good at creative writing. The attempt today is for you to see that the writing of a paragraph is more formula than creativity.
1. Write a claim. The word opinion is often substituted here when people are writing in persuasive papers. In a paragraph, the claim might be the topic sentence. Why are topic sentences so cool? They make it easy to tell what belongs in that paragraph. For a reader, they let him know what to expect in that paragraph. Where do topic sentences typically appear? In the first sentence of the paragraph. That is not mandatory, but it is a good idea for most people.
If you have heard the word thesis used, it is basically the topic sentence for an entire paper. It typically appears at the end of the first paragraph.
2. Use evidence that proves your point. Cite the text is a great way to do this. Facts, statistics, or anecdotes are other methods. We will concentrate on using at least one text citation. Many students like to quote the text as much as possible because it makes their paper longer. The best method is to whittle the quote down to the most important words that prove your point. We want more of your thinking and less of the quoted material. Get in the “habit of parenthetical citations” (32). That citation would tell you that the quoted words came from page 32 of your text. Notice that the period comes after the quotation mark.
3. Explain how your evidence proves your point. Evidence is best if it is followed by one or two sentences of explanation. Don’t assume the reader will interpret you evidence the same way you do.
4. Explore the effect of your claim. This can be the hardest for most people. If your claim is accurate, what is the consequence of that claim? In a novel, the consequence might be what you project will happen later in the story. If you have finished the story, the effect might be what actually happened at the end, due to your claim.
Practice: Let’s look at what that would look like. Start by choosing a claim. Ideas the class came up with:
In “The New Colossus,” the poet Emma Lazarus illuminates American ideals.
The poem “The New Colossus,” by Emma Lazarus, should not be on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty because it isn’t true.
When Emma Lazarus wrote “The New Colossus,” she meant that the statue should empower immigrants.
The Statue of Liberty, as described in Emma Lazarus’ poem “The New Colossus,” is a symbol of hope to immigrants.
In “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus, the poet uses alliteration to make her writing stronger.
In “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus, the poet uses a sonnet to strengthen her message of hope.
In Emma Lazarus’ poem “The New Colossus,” the poet starts with an allusion to the Colossus of Rhodes in order to make clear her point of acceptance.
(It would be okay to start with a working thesis, or topic) Emma Lazarus’ poem “The New Colossus” sucks/ rocks. By the time you are done with your evidence, you should be able to rewrite your thesis (topic) to make it more focused.
Even though this assignment is a minor assignment and does not have to be typed, your papers should always approximate MLA standards, even when you are handwriting your assignments. Here is a great video for you to see the overview:
So you want to write an MLA style paper: Click here.
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