Analysis essay
Assignment 2
Write an essay in which you analyze and evaluate the development of a fiction story from the Part 1
readings. Poetry or nonfiction will not work for this assignment. The essay should contain an
introduction, body, and conclusion, be 1-2 pages in length, typed, double spaced, using Times New
Roman font, size 12. Please save as a Word document and submit as an attachment to be graded.
• Analysis is NOT summary. Focus on themes in the story. Analysis is the practice of looking
closely at small parts to see how they affect the whole. Literary analysis focuses on how plot,
character, setting, and many other techniques are used by the author to create meaning.
• Identify key choices the author made in writing the story. For example, consider where the story is
set, how the action is ordered, or how the characters are introduced and developed.
• Analyze the impact of the author’s choices, discussing how these decisions affect both the story’s
meaning and the reader’s experience.
• Organize your ideas so that each new idea builds on the one it follows to create a unified whole.
Read the story several times. Take notes on its themes, characters, setting, plot, and so on. Be
sure the notes include looking beyond the surface to the deeper meaning the author is trying to
relay. Include how the author’s message and the story’s themes then impact setting, characters,
plot, and so on. Analysis also looks at why the meaning is important.
Introduction (a full paragraph)
Engage your audience with a hook
Include a preview of the main points
Place the thesis statement as your last sentence
Body (each section in full paragraph form)
Balance the general with the specific. Every time you make a claim, follow it up with an example or
illustration, an explanation of the specific elements within that claim, or a concrete point of evidence
that supports that claim.
Conclusion (a full paragraph)
Summarize your main points
End memorably with a thought that will continue to echo
In the audience’s mind long after reading the essay.Grading Rubric
Category 4 3 2 1-0
Introduction The introduction contains a
solid thesis statement, a
hook, and a preview of the
main points.
The introduction is
sufficient with a thesis
statement, a hook,
and a preview of the
main points, but may
need additional
development,
specificity, and/or
avoidance of
announcements.
The introduction is present
but may be missing a
thesis statement, a hook,
a preview of the main
points, or is less than a
paragraph in length.
There is a sense
of an opening,
but elements are
missing or
underdeveloped.
Body Each body paragraph is fully
developed with examples
and details. Organization is
logical and transitioning is
smooth.
Each body paragraph
is fully developed with
examples and
details. Organization
is logical, but smooth
transitioning is
needed.
There are areas that need
further development
through details, examples,
or explanation.
Much more
explanation is
needed and/or
body sections
are not fully
formed.
Conclusion The conclusion restates the
thesis, summarizes the main
points, and ends memorably.
The conclusion
restates the thesis,
summarizes the main
points, but the ending
lacks strength.
The ending is present and
a full paragraph but
neglects to fully tie up the
main ideas.
The ending is
less than a full
paragraph and
neglects to fully
tie up the main
ideas.
Voice & Style Fully engages the reader,
uses colorful language,
strong tone, voice, point of
view.
Engages the reader,
uses colorful
language, appropriate
tone, voice, point of
view.
Somewhat engages the
reader, sometimes uses
colorful language,
inconsistent tone, voice,
point of view.
Rarely engages
the reader,
rarely uses
colorful
language, weak
tone, voice,
point of view.
Grammar,
Spelling,
Punctuation, and
Academic
Integrity
The contains 0-2 errors.
If any sources are used, they
are credible, and cited and
referenced in proper format.
The essay contains
3-4 errors.
If any sources are
used, they are
credible, and cited
and referenced in
proper format.
The essay contains 5-6
errors.
Any sources used are
credible, and cited and
referenced, but format is
incorrect.
The essay
contains more
than 6 errors.
Any sources
used are not
cited and
referenced, or
are not credible.
