2. NS-Activity 7…what is it? There are two options for this essay: Option #1: Write a 4-5 paragraph essay answering this question: If Gregor had a chance to relive his life, what should he do differently? OR Option #2: Create a satire of the novel by selecting a song that expresses a definite mood and superimposing a narrative of stark reality. The rest of this presentation will share with you how to tackle Option #1.
3. So, What Next? The first step is to do some brainstorming on your topic: What should Gregor have done differently? You will want to come up with 2 or 3 answers to this question; these will form the basis of your body paragraphs. Once you’ve planned your main ideas, it’s time to get writing!
4. Hooking Your Reader: Introduction First comes the introduction! Decide on which theme of the story you’d like to focus on: The family dynamics are changed when each family member takes on more or less responsibility. Taking on the entire responsibility for a family often leads to complete destruction of self. Each family member has to give something to the family or it will not form a cohesive unit where each nurtures his own identify as well as takes on his share of responsibility. Once you’ve determined the idea you’re going to focus on, it’s time to put the pencil to the paper (or get those fingers typing!).
5. Introduction, cont. A great introduction has three things: a hook, a bridge, and a thesis. You need a HOOK to get your reader’s attention (pick one of these): Ask a rhetorical question (just don't answer it in the next sentence) Quote something clever from someone famous or from the story Offer a scenario that briefly illustrates your point Ask the audience to "imagine . . . " a situation related to your subject Discuss the importance of family responsibilities After you have a hook, you need to focus your ideas and get your reader’s ready for the thesis statement. This is called the bridge: You should include the names of the characters. You should explain a bit about the story or the situation. Then, write your thesis statement: What are you writing about? (But don’t write, “I’m writing about…”) Example: If Gregor was to change ___ and ____, perhaps he would have…
6. The Body Paragraphs Each paragraph will be about one thing Gregor should have done differently (this is your topic sentence)….you will need 2 or 3 body paragraphs. The rest of the paragraph will explain how and why he should have done this. Be sure to provide examplesand quotations from the story to support your ideas. Remember: A well-written paragraph is usually 5-8 sentences. Use transition words and phrases to make the ideas flow together (i.e. secondly, however, in addition, finally).
7. Wrapping It Up: Conclusion Your essay needs a strong ending! A conclusion tells a reader what they just read, and leaves them thinking: Restate your thesis statement. Expand your ideas, using these questions to help: Why would Gregor have been better off with the decisions you outlined? What caused him to make inappropriate decisions in the first place? What has Kafka said about the individual’s identity and its relationship to the family? Last sentence: Leave your readers with something to think about; if possible, tie it back to your hook from the introduction.
8. Things to Remember When Writing A couple reminders when writing: Use active voice by: Using specific subjects and strong action verbs. For example: The wolfattacked Red Ridinghood's grandmother because he had no choice. Avoiding weak "BE" verbs - is, are, was, were, be, am, being, been. Never ever using "there is/are/was/were" or "here is/are/was/were" or "it is/was.” Use spell-check, whenever possible.
9. Before you submit… Before you submit it, be sure to: Reread your paragraphs. Does it make sense? Make sure there are transitions. Proofread it: Did you use spell-check and grammar-check to help catch your errors? Save it as a Rich Text Format (remember, all documents must be saved as RTF before submitting). Check out the 6+1 Trait Writing Rubric to see how your writing matches up. You’re ready to submit!
10. Questions? If you have a question, I’m just a click away! Click on the blue “Messages” tab and select me as the recipient. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can! Good luck! I know you can do it!
