ENGL 112A, Fall 2000
Dr. Sigler
Midterm Exam Short Essay
(50 points possible).
Write a short but detailed analysis
(500 words) on ONE of the topics below. Your essay must be typed/word-processed,
double-spaced, use MLA style and form, and be free from errors. Be sure
to keep the following in mind:
-
These are short essays, and, therefore
should have a clear thesis statement, a body that develops
this idea, and a clinching statement that concludes your argument.
-
Use examples and specific
details, including direct quotes, to illustrate your points rather
than broad generalizations. Remember that the goal of a well-written exam
is to show the depth of your knowledge of the material.
-
Be sure to fully uncover and explain
the meanings and implications of the points you make.
-
Be sure to correctly cite and quote
all details from the books using MLA citation form. For
help with MLA style and documentation click here.
1. Although Harry Potter
and the Sorcerer's Stone and The Watsons Go to Birminghamó1963
represent different genres of fantasy and realism, these novels could both
be described as journey-quests, in which the protagonists travel far from
home into the unknown and face danger for the first time. Using specific
details and quotes as examples, compare the effects of their quests on
the protagonists' growth and development.
2. Both Tuck Everlasting
and
Ella Enchanted portray strong female heroes who must learn to "rescue"
themselves as well as others. Compare the protagonists in both novels,
using specific details and quotes as examples. What are the qualities that
each character must develop to gain control of her own destiny and become
a hero (or perhaps a "she-ro"...)?
3. Write a letter to your school
board defending one of the following books from a community memberís
challenge that it is inappropriate for use in your classroom on the basis
indicated in parentheses. Using your critical knowledge and insights as
well as specific quotes and examples, defend your book on whatever bases
you feel make it a valuable and significant addition to a
classroom literature program (you pick the grade level for which you consider
the book appropriate):
-
Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting
(depicts violence as a means to solve problems)
-
J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the
Sorcererís Stone (encourages children to practice witchcraft).
-
E.B. White, Charlotte's Web
(depiction of death is inappropriate for children).
-
Beverly Cleary, Ramona the Brave
(will encourage children to disobey and show disrespect for adults)
-
Christopher Paul Curtis, The Watsons
Go to Birminghamó1963 (depiction of racism/violence is inappropriate
for children)