Step by Step Instructions for Essay #2 Short Story Analysis

1) Read the short story The Tell-tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe and annotate.

2) Develop a working thesis statement to be the main focus of your essay.

3) Analyze the short story by considering some of the following: Author’s Purpose, Plot, Character, Symbol, Point of View, Tone.

4) Write a 2 page essay analyzing and summarizing the story and use citations from the reading to back up your thesis. In text citations and a works cited page citing your story or article are required.

5) Start with an outline, and then write your rough draft

6) Peer Editing -You will read each other’s essays and offer feedback and revision suggestions to your peers.

7) Revise and Edit your Essay.

8) You will receive a rubric which will break the grace into categories each of which is worth up to 20 points or 100%

9) This is 20% of your final semester grade.

Your Final Draft of the Summary and Analysis Essay should include the following criteria:

• A clear and well-written opening sentence which states the title and the author.
• The thesis statement is clearly stated and appears in the first paragraph.
• A coherent essay containing an introduction with smooth transitions from each body paragraph to the next, and a concluding paragraph.
• Solid paragraph structure throughout the essay, containing at least five sentences and no more than eight sentences per paragraph.
• Includes a brief summary (1-page maximum), which is paraphrased and complete, with each detail pointing directly toward supporting the claim or thesis.
• Contains a logical analysis of the cited evidence from the story to prove your thesis. You must also include information from the Poe documentary. Using other sources is encouraged.
• Critical analysis of the story.
• An image or drawing in MLA with a caption, which relates to the thesis.
• 2 page MLA 8 formatted with appropriate heading, page numbers, 12 point font Times Roman, I inch margins, double spaced
• Grammar follows the standard conventions of the American English Language.
• Spelling and capitalization are checked in a program like Microsoft Word and corrected.
• In-text parenthetical citations
• Separate the “Works Cited” page at the end of the essay- MLA format containing your primary source and any secondary sources