The Essay 3 Prompts: CHOOSE ONE
In Long Way Down, the main character Will endures an intense psychological journey. Does Will’s mindset change by the end of the novel and what do you think happens next for him? In the body, name three significant moments or symbols that represent Will’s mindset. End your paper with your own interpretation of what happens next for Will.
Jason Reynolds’ goal was to create empathy and understanding in his audience. What does he want us to empathize with and does he achieve this goal? How? Point out at least three elements (writing choices, key scenes, and/ or symbols) that created empathy in the audience. As you close your essay, discuss things that this work may make the audience question or think differently about and if it encourages a growth mindset.
Requirements:
–Write at least 6 paragraphs and 1,200 words. Provide context, quotations, detail and explanation for your points to reach this word count!
–Use quotes from the book. Make sure to understand the right way to quote verse/poetry (notes forthcoming)
–Use the definitions of fixed or growth mindset to discuss the story and interviews with the author. Any additional research must be cited appropriately.
–Use your own reader response, your emotional reactions, your interpretation
–Include a works cited page at the end of your essay and in-text citations within your essay
–Refer to yourself as the reader, the audience or even I
–Write about what happens in the story in the present tense
–Practice audience awareness: not just writing to me, those in the class, picture yourself writing to a general audience of readers who already have an interest in the novel.
–Purpose: to interpret meaning (using prompts)
Organization:
–Do not give a play-by-play of the plot. I am not asking for a book report or a summary of the novel. You are writing an analysis (Practically, why is this a valuable skill?)
–If choosing prompt 1, I recommend progressing through the story from beginning to end—this makes sense as we are following the transformation of the character’s mindset.
