55. New Direction
New Directions- Using your imagination, explain how you would direct a production of Faust or The Seagull in order to communicate a specific theme of the piece. Like Prompt A, you will want to discuss style as well as the play’s elements, such as the type of actors you would look for, design elements, etc. Again, this is conceptual argument for your vision. You may elect to use a different play, but you must get approval from one of the instructors IN PERSON.
General Instructions:
1. The paper should be one to one-and-a-half single-spaced pages, written in 12-point Times New Roman with 1” margins on all sides. Please print the page front and back, and, if that is not possible, the pages must be stapled together. The essay is to be handed in at the start of class on Monday, March 24th.
2. At the top of the first page should be your full name, Student ID number, and choice of prompt.
3. Give your essay an interesting title. Additionally, a play’s title should always be italicized.
4. As stated above, the essay should be presenting an analytical argument supported by specific examples that are completely explained. The best papers have about two to three very well-explained specific examples. Use a clear organizational structure to convey your point.
5. This paper should be well-edited. Grammar and spelling will be considered in your grading.
6. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A FAILING GRADE.
General Writing Guidelines
Structure
-If you are writing an argumentative essay, develop a clear thesis statement (main point) and make sure that each body paragraph supports that main point.
-Write an introductory paragraph to establish your topic and pique your reader’s interest.
-Unite each body paragraph with a claim that supports your thesis, providing a topic sentence that clearly directs the reader.
-Provide detailed examples in the form of a quotations or summaries from appropriate performances or texts as evidence to support your claims. Specific examples are more effective than general examples.
-Organize paragraphs logically, typically from weakest support to strongest.
-Utilize transitions between paragraphs to lend coherence to your argument.
-Develop a concluding paragraph that clearly indicates the end of the essay, clarifying what the reader should have learned by reading this paper.
-Provide detailed examples in the form of a quote or summary from appropriate performances or texts as evidence to support your claims. Specific examples are always more effective than general examples.
Language
-To convey your meaning effectively and to keep the reader awake and interested, choose and organize your words carefully.
-Use action verbs (avoid is, was, were, am) and specific nouns (avoid this, it, that, them).
-Avoid using contractions. They make you sound like a high school student who does not realize they were ever accepted into college.
-Vary sentence structure and length.B
-Be as concise as possible, avoiding first person as much as possible.
-Proofread to make sure your spelling and grammar are correct. Do not trust the spell check or grammar programs to catch everything.
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