English 102
In-Class Essay #1
 

• Our first in-class essay will involve your demonstration of a basic understanding of the theoretical concepts (i.e. literary terms, etc.) involved in the close examination of literature.
• You will further be required to exemplify a particular grasp of the basic themes associated with Zora Neale Hurston's "Sweat" and "The Gilded Six-Bits," as we have discussed them thus far in the semester.
• You will be provided a prompt--a quote or other statement that starts you thinking about a particular subject, in this case, Hurston, then asks you to respond to a particular question about that subject.
• You will develop a clear thesis statement, then support that statement with specific evidence from the actual text. You will use quotes, paraphrases and summaries, being sure to provide proper parenthetical citation for each.  You will be expected to utilize only the texts themselves; use of secondary sources (including those found in the book itself) will be prohibited.
• You do not need to use a blue book, but one may be used. Please do not use ripped-out paper from notebooks.
• You will be asked to write your final copy in dark blue or black ink.
• You may write on both the front and back of your paper, but PLEASE skip every other line to allow for the instructor's comments.
• You MUST bring the Hurston book with you.
• You may bring a dictionary, grammar book, and the research handbook, as well.