I need an explanation for this English question to help me study.

12th Grade Independent Reading

Final Essay

Due October 21st to Turnitin.com and Google Classroom

Your final assignment for your Independent Reading this semester will be to write an essay based on one of five essay topics. The essay will require you to hone a number of skills such as close reading, analysis, clarity, and exposition. Your final essay will be a deliberate and interesting writing piece about the book you have read.

Expectations

• Using the Essay Topics list as a guide, write a 4-5 page essay that explores the independent reading book you selected and read.
• Directly support all claims in your essay with quotes from your book.

Requirements

• Your typed essay should include the following:
  • 4-5 pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt font
  • A thesis statement as part of a larger introduction.
  • At least 7-10 quotes from the book properly incorporated into the body of your essay.
  • A strong, logical argument based on the book.
  • Strong evidence of revision and editing to form final essay
  • The book title and author should be somewhere in the first paragraph. Either intro sentence or thesis.

Your essay will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• The essay makes a solid argument based on significant ideas from the book.
  • Includes at least 7-10 properly blended quotes from the book
  • Relevant examples from the book are accurate and enrich the essay’s main theme
  • The discussion shows understanding of the book, goes beyond obvious
  • Topic fully answered
• The ideas in the essay are fully developed with examples and details.
  • The topic is specific
  • Relevant, telling, quality details go beyond the surface or simple plot summary
  • Ideas are fresh and original, show knowledge and understanding of the book
  • Details combine to make an understandable, enjoyable essay
• The essay is coherently organized with a recognizable, effective structure.
  • Has an inviting introduction and satisfying conclusion that leaves the reader with a sense of resolution
  • Clear, comprehensive thesis statement in the introduction sets up the entire essay; details all support thesis
  • Details show logical, effective order in body paragraphs
  • Thoughtful transitions show how ideas connect through the essay

• The writing mechanics and grammar are correct.
  • Grammar and usage are correct and do not detract from understanding
  • Punctuation is accurate and guides the reader through the essay
  • Clarity and understanding of ideas not infringed by writing conventions

The essay meets the expectations and requirements for the assignment.

• Turned in on time
• Meets the length requirement
• Strong evidence of revising and editing to create a final copy

Essay Topics-CHOOSE ONE:

1. What is the main idea or the single most important theme of your book? Explain why you believe the author wrote the book. How does he or she get these ideas across? Develop a thesis and make an intelligent, reasoned argument to support your claims. Use specific details and quotes from the book to back up your ideas.

2. Write a character analysis in which you discuss a main character’s strongest motivations, the pressures he/she feels, and the way he/she grows or changes over the course of the book. Consider what the main character learns and discovers about life. Develop a thesis and make an intelligent, reasoned argument to support your claims. Use specific details and quotes from the book to back up your ideas.

3. Write an essay that analyzes what statement the author is attempting to make about society. Consider the characters, conflicts, and events in the book and how they reveal the author’s broader opinions. What does the book attempt to show the reader? Develop a thesis and make an intelligent, reasoned argument to support your claims. Use specific details and quotes from the book to back up your ideas.

4. Discuss the techniques the author used to make the story more effective. Consider how the author may have used flashbacks, the point of view, foreshadowing, or descriptive words to make the story more engaging and/or confusing. Explain how these techniques helped or hindered your understanding of the book and the author’s message. Develop a thesis and make an intelligent, reasoned argument to support your claims. Use specific details and quotes from the book to back up your ideas