Task IV: Sample Questions

Task IV: Reading and Writing for Critical Analysis and Evaluation

Your Task: Write a position paper in which you discuss two works of literature you have read from the particular perspective of a statement that is provided for you(the "critical lens"). In your paper, explain what the statement means to you, agree or disagree with the statement, and support your opinion using specific references from two works of literature.

Critical Lens:

Mark Twain stated," Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear--not absence of fear."

Guidelines:

Explain what Mark Twain's statement means to you

• State whether you agree or disagree with the statement as you have interpreted it
• Choose two works of literature you have read that you believe support your opinion
• For each work you have chosen, use specific references of at least two appropriate literary elements or stylistic techniques of the work to show how the work you have chosen support your opinion
• Organize your ideas in a unified and coherent manner
• Follow the conventions of standard written English
• Specify the titles and authors of the literature you use