Extra Information:
There is also a handout that shows how to organize your essay:
introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs, conclusion–this handout is in the Two Kinds Folder on Canvas. Body paragraphs and evidence must be in chronological order: Do not begin with evidence from the end of the story or end the essay with evidence from the first part of the story.
For your body paragraphs, you should choose one literary tool–plot,
or character or symbols, etc. and then choose just three of the
questions on the literary elements handout and answer them–this means
providing evidence (quotes) from the story to prove your answer. Also,
the questions should be organized chronologically so the evidence for
the first question will logically come from the early part of the story.
For example: plot: choose only thee questions that help to
interpret how the plot format of the short story are organized
chronologically: For example: The first paragraph answers question 1:
the topic sentence: Amy Tan begins “Two Kinds,” with the narrator,
Jing-Mei (June) describing her mother. This exposition and thus the
description of her mother and her strong beliefs sets up the important
background to understanding the plot structure. Then in 1-2 sentences
provide context/background: In the first paragraph of this story,
Jing-Mei recalls: “My mother believed you could be ……” (1). Then
interpret this quote by explaining how these words set the pattern for
the major conflict in this story. The first quote should be 2-3
sentences. There can be another quote from the beginning of the story
of 2-3 sentences, but it must show and prove the answer to the first
question–and it must also interpret this second quote for showing how
this evidence is important as part of the exposition. Use the correct
plot term: exposition . The linking sentence should include the next
major point of plot. In addition to the exposition of the story in the
development of plot, there is the scene that is considered the climax.
The second paragraph should begin with an appropriate transition,
include no evidence in the topic sentence,–just a description of the
scene –where it occurs. Then context: explain where the climax is in
this story–one sentence. Then 1-2 sentences as context that helps
explain where this takes place–this sets up the background for the
quote. Then the quote. Cite it (the pages for the PDF version are
1-6). Interpret/analyze how the quote proves your answer.
This is the format to follow: one literary tool, and choose just
three questions–this is based on my decision to limit this essay to 3-4
pages. The work cited page should include:
Tan, Amy. “Two Kinds.” PDF File, pp. 1-6.
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