The theme of the class has been related to Exile and Belonging. We previously read a bookby Nella Larsen, Passing, and discussed different prompts related to Exile and Belonging.The requirements of this essay are:MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS1500 – 1800 words, including the Works Cited pageDouble spaced, Times or Times New Roman 12 point fontA Works Cited page that includes all sources quoted, summarized or paraphrased in yourpaper. (All sources must all be cited in the body of the paper).Between 4 and 8 Cited Sources.Credible sources only: you must use SRJC’s SmartSearch to find sources in SRJC’s library.No pop culture sources, no Top 10 Lists, etc. All sources must be appropriatelyacademic/professional/expert. (Check with me or with Elena if you are not sure).An Introduction paragraph, body Paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph that use thestructures you learned in this class.A debatable, original thesis statement that directly addresses your chosen promptspecifically. Eg: if you select the prompt about belonging, make sure you actually use theword belonging in your thesis.doc or docx formatCorrect use of MLA Format for First page set up, page numbering,quoting/summarizing/paraphrasing citations, and your Works Cited pageOne or more quotes to support your ideas in each body paragraph.Present tense for analysis. Past tense when appropriate for historical occurrencesESSAY CHOICESMY CHOICE: 1. What is Lauren Slater suggesting about belonging and/or exile in hermemoir, WelcometomyCountryand what are the implications of these ideas? Analyzequotes from the book and from credible sources to support your thesis and your topicsentences.
SANDWICH FORMAT SUMMARY – As used in this classHow to Structure Body Paragraphs using “Quote Sandwich”Body paragraphs are all the paragraphs between the introduction and the conclusion:they make up the “body” of the essay.LENGTH: Each one should be one-half to three-quarters of a page, typed anddouble-spaced. Less than half a page tends to mean that you have not developed thethought deeply enough, and a paragraph that takes up most of a page tends to feeloverwhelming to the reader.STRUCTURE: The structure you will be using for your body paragraphs in all theanalysis essays you write is called “Quote Sandwich” because the quotation (orevidence) you take from the book you are analyzing is sandwiched between two otherparts of the paragraph.The body paragraph comprises of a three-part structure:Step 1. Topic Sentence(s)This is where you make your claim/argument that supports the thesis statement youhave written in your introduction. The topic sentence (or two) is a mini-thesis statementjust for that particular paragraph, so everything in the paragraph supports it. It tells thereader what the paragraph is about.NOTE: The topic sentence must be a *claim* about, not a *summary* of, the text thatyou are analyzing.Step 2. Quote(s) or other EvidenceAfter making your claim in the topic sentence(s) you use a quote from the book you areanalyzing. The quote supports the claim by being an example of it. Helpful hint: Useshort quotes–fewer than four lines typed and double-spaced on your page–and useMLA format to cite the source. (“Cite the source” means “tell the reader where the quotecame from”).To introduce the quote, give the reader a little context, so that he or she understandswhat is happening in the quote. You do not need to summarize too much here–just afew words. Don’t begin a sentence with a quote; instead, use “As the author states” or”Larsen states” or “Irene admits…” etc.–depending on who is talking: the author or thecharacter. This is called ‘using a signal phrase.’You can always simply use Larsen says, “Quote” (page number).Step 3. Analysis
After making your claim and providing evidence in the form of a quote, you are ready toanalyze the quote to prove your claim. Begin by using a transition such as “Here,Larsen describes…” or “With these words, Clare reveals…” or “Clearly, the situation…”etc. Avoid saying “In this quote” (it sounds clunky). As you analyze, remember to usesome of the language from your topic sentence in order to cue the reader that yourargument is on track and developing the thesis and its support points.Remember: the analysis section should be the longest part of your paragraph, a handfulof sentences, so that is longer than the topic sentence and quote combined.At the end of the analysis, don’t bother writing a transition sentence into the nextparagraph: remember, each paragraph is developing one point only. You can easilybegin your next body paragraph with a transition, such as ” In addition…” or “Later…” or”We see another example of this when…” etc.