Name: ______
Class Period: _____
Oxford Essay Prep Sheet
On the day of your final test, you will be required to write a timed essay that must show a thorough understanding of the unifying themes in our literature this year. Listed below are three words. On the day of the essay, you will be given one of the words. Your essay must then discuss how the idea behind this word is present throughout three of the major pieces of literature we have read this year.
Planning: On Block Day and Friday, you are responsible for gathering the quotes from the texts and planning your analysis for the three possible words. Since you do not know which word you will receive, you must use your time wisely so that you can finish planning for all three words.
Test Day: You will come to class and be given a notecard of with your word on it. You will have the entire testing period to complete your essay.
The Essay: You must write a 5 paragraph essay discussing how the meaning of your given word is important to three of the pieces of literature we have read this year. You must have a clear and concise thesis statement that takes a position on your word. Finally, you must properly blend your quotes and provide strong analysis of the evidence in regards to the prompt.
Major readings from this year:
A Long Way Gone Of Mice and Men Into The Wild
The Odyssey Romeo and Juliet Your book club or extra credit novels
You are also welcome to use any of the following:
“The Cask of Amontillado” “The Pedestrian” Sold Excerpts
“The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” “The Sound of Thunder” Poetry
Three Possible Word Choices:
Home Sacrifice Adventure
Oxford Essay Planning Space
What three pieces will I focus on for each of the three words?
(They can be in any order in the actual essay. Remember: the strongest body paragraph goes at the end of your paper. The weakest of the three should be hidden in the middle.)
Home: Sacrifice: Adventure:
1. 1. 1.
2. 2. 2.
3. 3. 3.
“Home” Essay Planning
Your final essay should also include a well-developed introduction, topic sentences, transitional words, and an appropriate conclusion in addition to the planning suggested below.
Thesis: (Thesis should contain a thematic statement about your word.)
Body Paragraph One:
Text you will be using for this paragraph:
Quote(s):
How does this quote connect to your word? (Briefly plan out your analysis here)
Body Paragraph Two:
Text you will be using for this paragraph:
Quote(s):
How does this quote connect to your word? (Briefly plan out your analysis here)
Body Paragraph Three:
Text you will be using for this paragraph:
Quote(s):
How does this quote connect to your word? (Briefly plan out your analysis here)
“Sacrifice” Essay Planning
Your final essay should also include a well-developed introduction, topic sentences, transitional words, and an appropriate conclusion in addition to the planning suggested below.
Thesis: (Thesis should contain a thematic statement about your word.)
Body Paragraph One:
Text you will be using for this paragraph:
Quote(s):
How does this quote connect to your word? (Briefly plan out your analysis here)
Body Paragraph Two:
Text you will be using for this paragraph:
Quote(s):
How does this quote connect to your word? (Briefly plan out your analysis here)
Body Paragraph Three:
Text you will be using for this paragraph:
Quote(s):
How does this quote connect to your word? (Briefly plan out your analysis here)
“Adventure” Essay Planning
Your final essay should also include a well-developed introduction, topic sentences, transitional words, and an appropriate conclusion in addition to the planning suggested below.
Thesis: (Thesis should contain a thematic statement about your word.)
Body Paragraph One:
Text you will be using for this paragraph:
Quote(s):
How does this quote connect to your word? (Briefly plan out your analysis here)
Body Paragraph Two:
Text you will be using for this paragraph:
Quote(s):
How does this quote connect to your word? (Briefly plan out your analysis here)
Body Paragraph Three:
Text you will be using for this paragraph:
Quote(s):
How does this quote connect to your word? (Briefly plan out your analysis here)