This document provides the agenda for an EWRT 1C class. It includes an introduction to Essay #2, reading the essay prompt, and analyzing two student responses to the short story "Araby" by James Joyce. Students are asked to complete Post #14 answering questions about the thesis statements and organization of the two responses. For homework, students should post their answers, choose the story for their essay, and print materials to bring to the next class.

1. EWRT 1C CLASS 15
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2. AGENDA
 Introduction to Essay #2
 Read the Essay #2 Prompt
 Read both responses to “Araby”: Crane and
Ratinov
 Look under “Essay Prompts” and “Essay 2.”
 Writing a response to literature
 Post # 14
 Homework

3. ESSAY #2: PROMPT
The Writing Assignment
In a thesis driven essay of 4-7 pages, analyze one or more aspects of
one of the stories we have read this quarter. Aim to convince
readers that your interpretation adds to the conversation among
those who read stories and write about them. Back up your analysis
with reasons and support from the story. Use the critical strategies
or lenses that we have practiced this quarter.
 “Araby” by James Joyce
 “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin
 “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel García Márquez
 “ The Bet” by Anton Chekhov
I encourage you to read the complete assignment on
our website under “Essay Prompts,” and “Essay 2.”

4. READ THE CRITICAL RESPONSES TO “ARABY”
First, read both
responses to “Araby”:
Crane and Ratinov; you
will find them under
“Essay Prompts” and
“Essay 2.”

5. Based on this criteria, is Crane’s
thesis successful and, if so, why?
The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing: Chapter 10 “Interpreting Stories”
https://archive.org/stream/stmartinsguideto00axel#page/483/mode/1up

6. IS THERE AN
ARGUABLE THESIS?

7. IS IT INTERESTING?
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8. IS IT CLEAR AND
APPROPRIATELY
QUALIFIED?

9. FORECASTING REASONS AND SUPPORT

11. CAN YOU FIND:
His thesis?
The preview of his
argument?
His reasons for
asserting his
argument?

12. His thesis is in the first
sentence.
In the last sentence, Ratinov gives a summary
of his reasons for asserting his thesis.
Here,
Ratinov
previews
his
argument
.

13. 1. Examine the way Crane’s thesis includes a forecasting statement and
how the forecast is fulfilled. Then write down her topic sentences and
key terms. Do they effectively link her supporting paragraphs to her
thesis statement?
2. Examine Crane’s paragraph five in her essay. Explain her strategy in
the organization of the paragraph. Is it effective?
3. Look at Crane’s paragraphs 6-8. What is her goal? Is she successful?
How and why?
4. Does Ratinov’s thesis meet the standards of a well-written interpretive
thesis statement? Is it interesting, arguable, clear, and appropriately
qualified?
1. What reasons does Ratinov offer for his interpretation of the story’s
ending?
1. Compare essays to argue which is stronger. Consider introductions,
theses statements, support, analysis, and the conclusion.
Post #14

14. HOMEWORK
1. Post #14: Answer the
questions on Slide 13
2. Choose the short story
on which you will write
your essay.
3. Print it and bring it to
class.
4. Print the Crane and
Ratinov essays and
bring them to class.