The Most Dangerous Game Persuasive Writing Assignment 2014 For this writing assignment, you are to choose ONE of the three topics and write a well organized paragraph and using evidence from the story. 1. The definition of the word ‘civilized’ is “educated; at an advanced stage of cultural development; refined.” With this definition in mind, do you consider General Zaroff to be a civilized man living a civilized life? Analyze Zaroff’s character with a clear topic sentence, quoted evidence from the story to support your characterization, and your commentary or explanation of your evidence. What is Richard Connell saying about civilization and sophistication? 2. This story can be read as a commentary on the ethics of hunting. Can you tell what Richard Connell believes about hunting? What moral position could be drawn from the text? Use the words, actions, and philosophies of the main characters (Whitney, Rainsford, Zaroff) to make your main point (more than one character may be used, but focus on one to strengthen your analysis). 3. “What Goes Around Comes Around” is a popular maxim. Most students think that General Zaroff’s arrogance cost him his life at the end of the story. Although it appears that Rainsford wins “the game,” close examination of the ending leaves the question open. Rainsford’s words and actions do suggest he is either the winner OR the loser. Why does Richard Connell leave the ending ambiguous? What does your interpretation of who really wins the game say about human nature? Your paragraph must have a topic sentence or two (introduction), a clear thesis statement, 2 pieces of textual evidence, a thorough analysis and explanation of both pieces of evidence, and a conclusion. Aim for your paragraph to have approximately 10 ­12 sentences (this is like the Pirate Code; a guideline). FINAL CHECKLIST NO 1st person pronouns (I, me) MLA format Embed quotes into your own prose. Proper citation [ “I am now a beast at bay” (22).] Submit to turnitin.com (be sure you get a receipt) Print your hard copy before class to turn in to me. HELPFUL HINTS FOR A+ WRITING Annotate the text as you read, using highlighter, sticky notes, or writing in the margins. Choose 2 to 4 lines from the story that support your ideas to use as proof that what you say is true. Use the expanded rhetorical précis OR the “chunking” worksheet as a model for your basic paragraph. Add clarifying sentences after your quotes that tie the quote back to your thesis and explain how the quote proves your point. Do not assume that your reader “gets it”! “Quote” does not necessarily mean something that was spoken. In the case of literary analysis, the word quote refers to words and phrases copied directly from the text that you are using word­for­word as evidence. When using quotes, remember to put the page number in parentheses AVOID phrases such as “I think” or “I believe” or “In my opinion”. Do not refer to yourself at all. I know it’s what you think; you’re writing it! Using first person pronouns is considered weak and unsophisticated academic writing. When writing about the events in literature it is customary to use the present tense (Rainsford falls overboard, Zaroff uses his hounds for hunting, Whitney goes to bed).