Great Gatsby Essay Exam Review – Flashcards

... Show clear understanding of the persuasive purpose of the task by taking a position on the issue in the prompt, and offering some context for discussion.

... Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information to make important connections and distinctions; include MLA formatting.

... Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

... Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection and research.

... Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking (L.11.1) ...

These elements should be in your 45-minute analysis essay: 1. Introduction (3-4 sentences, using one of five "hook" introduction strategies, with two or three-pronged thesis statement that answers the prompt) 2. Body (2-3 paragraphs, each paragraph 5-10 sentences with a topic sentence, at least two quotes or paraphrases (all parenthetically cited), backed by analysis, each supporting the pronged reason shared in your thesis statement, logically ordered) 3. Conclusion (re-emphasize your thesis, finish the essay with a strong closing sentence and without opening up a new essay topic)

Definition: Your introductory paragraph, 3-4 sentences only, should: 1. "Hook" the audience with one of the five strategies below, convincing readers that the argument is worthy of their attention. 2. Address the prompt, using key terms and action words you circled in the underlined "You Say" (YS) prompt. 3. Address both "They Say" (TS) points-of-view on the topic. 4. End your intro paragraph with your 2-3 pronged thesis, a declarative sentence (not a question), that: * uses the key terms and action words from the "You Say" (YS) prompt * takes one of three three possible positions on the prompt as directed in the "Authorship" (A) portion of the essay question

Definition: Question posed by you that will be answered by you in your essay. Tip: For those struggling to "invent" or organize an introductory paragraph, try using this hook strategy by taking the "You Say" prompt (see above), then paraphrasing that prompt as the rhetorical question for the first sentence of your essay. If you do this, follow up the rhetorical question with a strong transition to exploring the answer to that question. You could briefly present both "They Say" points of view in one compound sentence.

Definition: Quoting or paraphrasing the central claims of your essay question's two competing "They" points-of-view on the prompt. Tip: You can incorporate both "They Say" points-of-view into other hook strategies.

Definition: Detailed, prompt-focused narration where you narrate a situation, then efficiently transition to relate what you've narrated to the prompt. Tips: Consider emphasizing using 3rd-person POV pronoun in lead, then opening up 1st person POV idea development in body paragraphs and/or conclusion. Tip: Try "In Media Res" with the intent to start in the middle of a situation, then tie in the situation's outcome in the conclusion. Tip: Description, emphasizing detailed, concrete word choice related to the topic, can help your narrative hook by appealing to audience's senses and knowledge base by bringing the reader into your narrated setting.

Hooks reader by thoughtfully (re)defining key word/concepts in the prompt. For example, in this set's second shared prompt, you can analyze the words "failure" and "success" on your own terms.

For students that can effectively apply knowledge of an outside source (e.g. Great Gatsby, a current news event, an historical event), this strategy demonstrates broad awareness of the writing topic.

"You can't repeat the past," (Fitzgerald, 110) says Nick Carroway towards the end of Chapter Six, speaking to Jay Gatsby. "Can't repeat the past?" ... "Why of course you can!" (Fitzgerald, 110) replies Gatsby. In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, many consider Jay Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy, his "green light" (Fitzgerald, 21), to be "love." Others maintain that Gatsby's pursuit of her is "obsession." In your opinion, based on the entire novel, is Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy "love" or "obsession?" In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples from the text to support your position, demonstrating comprehension of the entire novel.

"I'm p-paralyzed with happiness" (Fitzgerald, 8) says Daisy Buchanan, in Chapter One of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby. Some argue that like many non-fiction "flappers" in the 1920s, The Great Gatsby's major female characters--Daisy Buchanan, Jordan Baker, Myrtle Wilson--demonstrate independence in their relationships. Others think these characters still demonstrate dependency on men. In your opinion, based on the entire novel, are the Gatsby's major female characters independent or dependent? In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples from the text to support your position, demonstrating comprehension of the entire novel.

"God sees everything," (160) says George Wilson towards the end of Chapter Eight, looking at the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleberg. "That's an advertisement," (160) responds Michaelis, his neighbor. Some think the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleberg symbolize that people will ultimately be held accountable for their actions in this lifetime. Others think the fates of characters like Jordan Baker, Tom Buchanon, Daisy Buchanon, Meyer Wolfsheim, and others in this "rotten crowd" (154) demonstrate what people can get away with. In your opinion, based on the entire novel, is Fitzgerald saying that people will be held accountable for their actions in life, or is he saying that they will not be held accountable? In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples from the text to support your position, demonstrating comprehension of the entire novel.

At the end of Chapter One in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Nick Carroway views Jay Gatsby staring at and even reaching for the "green light," interpreted by some as symbolic imagery of Gatsby pursuing his "American Dream," Daisy Buchanon. In this sense, Gatsby himself is a symbol within the novel. While it appears early in the novel like's he has achieved success — the mansion, the lavish parties, the fame — some say that Gatsby's fate represents Fitzgerald's ultimate message about most people's American Dreams. Others view his character as a message of hope in the American Dream's possibilities. Is Gatsby's character symbolic of Americans' unrealized dreams, or is it a symbol of achieving success in America? In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples from the text to support your position, demonstrating comprehension of the entire novel.

At the end of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Nick Carroway views Jay Gatsby staring at and even reaching the "green light," interpreted by some as imagery that's symbolic of Gatsby pursuing his "American Dream," Daisy Buchanon. The New York Times article, "Gatsby's Green Light Beckons a New Set of Strivers," as well as many other outside source readings, depicts modern teens inspired by the novel and pursuing their American Dreams. But what is "The American Dream" and how will you pursue your own? In your essay, take a position on this question with specific reasons and examples from this unit's reading text(s) and your life to support your position, demonstrating comprehension of the entire novel as it relates to your life.