To Kill A Mockingbird:​
Literary Analysis Essa​
y
Content Objectives:
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●
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Write strong claims (thesis statement and paragraph-level claims, also known as main ideas).
Develop your ideas well with plenty of relevant evidence and explanation.
Organize your essay well using the provided structure.
Language Objectives​
:
●
●
●
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Craft a thesis statement and three claims that each display these features:
o
makes a clear, specific claim you could argue and defend with evidence
o
does not begin with yes, no, I think, I believe, in my opinion…
o
names important concepts and characters
Label quotes with the speaker and the context.
Quote accurately using correct punctuation and page citation.
Use clear transition language throughout the essay to help it flow.
Write in a formal style and objective tone, using third person (avoid “I” and “you”) and writing in complete sentences (avoiding fragments and
run-ons).
The Basics:
Analyzing the development of the themes in ​
To Kill A Mockingbird​
, you will write a well-developed essay
with three distinct parts: an introduction with thesis, a minimum of two body paragraphs (your evidence
and explanation), and a conclusion.
Form:
* Minimum of ​
4 paragraph ​
essay → introduction, 2 body paragraphs, conclusion
This will be your requirement unless otherwise determined by your teacher.
* Minimum of ​
2 quotes per body paragraph​
, blended smoothly with a LINK explaining
how they connect to your main idea, and ultimately your thesis
* ​
Typed, double spaced
All papers MUST be submitted to Turnitin.com.
A​
theme​
​
is: a truth about human nature or life the point the writer is trying to make about the subject
​
Themes on which you can write your essay:
Choose any of the themes listed below and make a CLAIM about it. Then support that claim with EVIDENCE
(quotes) from the text.
JUSTICE vs. INJUSTICE * PREJUDICE​
vs. ​
EMPATHY​
*​
​
​
COMPASSION vs. CRUELTY * ​
INNOCENCE vs. EXPERIENCE
Focus Questions to Consider:
What truth about life or human nature is Harper Lee telling the audience about justice, prejudice, innocence, or
compassion in ​
To Kill A Mockingbird​
?
-
OR -
What truth about justice, prejudice, compassion, or innocence is Harper Lee conveying in ​
To Kill A Mockingbird?​
COMPLETE THIS OUTLINE BEFORE YOU WRITE ANYTHING!
STEPS 1 & 2 are for brainstorming ONLY!
*****Make sure you have made your own copy of this form*****
File - - - > Make a Copy - - - -> title it your name and theme
STEP 1​
:​
Highlight the theme you are choosing:
JUSTICE vs. INJUSTICE * PREJUDICE​
vs. ​
EMPATHY​
*​
​
​
COMPASSION vs. CRUELTY * ​
INNOCENCE vs. EXPERIENCE
STEP 2​
:​
(Pre-writing) What are your thoughts about the answer to this question? Relate your
theme to the characters and overall development of the story.
(​
Insert your theme here​
) relates to the world because. . .
(​
Insert your theme here​
) relates to the book and characters because. . .
(​
Insert your theme here​
) affects (​
insert character here​
) by. . .
(​
Insert your theme here​
) affects (​
insert character here​
) by. . .
(​
Insert your theme here​
) affects (​
insert character here​
) by. . .
END BRAINSTORMING!
from here on out is the actual writing Process! Remember This Later​
!
The following information is a space to develop your THESIS STATEMENT. You will
eventually be ​
copying and pasting this thesis statement into your actual essay when you
begin writing your first draft!
STEP 3:​
Looking at your ideas about your theme in STEP 2, craft a thesis statement that you will be trying
to prove with your essay.
*****Remember, your thesis should answer the focus question!*****
FOCUS QUESTIONS: What truth about life or human nature is Harper Lee telling the audience about justice,
prejudice, innocence, or compassion in ​
To Kill A Mockingbird​
?
-
OR -
What truth about justice, prejudice, compassion, or innocence is Harper Lee conveying in ​
To Kill A Mockingbird?​
What is a thesis statement?
A​
thesis​
is a ​
one-sentence opinion-based claim statement​
about your topic or person. It is like an umbrella
for the rest of your paper. It must be a complete sentence and must demand some proof. Your job in the
paper is to show your audience that the thesis is true.
WYB - IB + 2/3R
Where is a thesis statement located?
A thesis statement is always located in the introduction. It is usually the last sentence of the paragraph.
Why should you bother to write a quality thesis statement?
● To organize and develop the position you take within the paper
● To give your reader a guide to the ideas in your paper
● To give yourself clear guidelines and a narrow focus
After you have crafted your thesis statement, check it by asking yourself the following questions:
1.​​
Is it a complete sentence?
2.​​
Is every word clear? Are they specific?
3.​​
Does it call for additional information or explanation?
4.​​
Do you have enough evidence to support it?
5.​​
Does ​
each​
main idea statement make an attempt to prove it correct?
6. Does it have two or three main reasons to support the opinion claim?
Thesis Hints:
1.​
Avoid thesis statements such as “George Washington was the best president.” – too
​
vague, hard to prove
2.​
Never have the word “because” in a thesis. Leave the explaining to the rest of the
​
paper development.
3.​
Remember, a thesis is an opinion, not a statement of fact.
​
4.​
A thesis takes a stand rather than announcing a subject. (We don’t want: “In this
​
paper I will. . . )
5.​
A thesis statement is narrow, rather than broad. If the thesis statement is sufficiently
​
narrow, it can be fully supported.
6.​
Thesis statements are only one sentence.
​
7.​
A thesis statement has one main point rather than several main points. More than
​
one point may be too difficult for the reader to understand and the writer to support.
8. Avoid generic and vague words such as good, nice, great, and wonderful. Use more
specific vocabulary.
9.​
Make sure you have enough information to thoroughly support your thesis. If not, it’s
​
either too narrow or not supportable. Come up with a new one.
10.​
Have someone else read your thesis to you to hear if it sounds correct.
​
STEP 4: ​
Craft the main ideas for your two body paragraphs.
Include:
your theme + one character + how the theme affects the character
- OR your theme + example of theme + how it affects the plot/story
*****Use your pre-writing about the individual characters from STEP 2 to help you!*****
The following information is a space to develop your actual main idea claims/topic
sentences. You will eventually copy and paste these sentences into your actual essay.
Main Idea CLAIM #1:
Main Idea CLAIM #2:
Main Idea CLAIM #3 (optional):
Looking to advance your paper? Main Idea #3 may be:
● a third main idea with evidence that continues to support your thesis.
● using relevant evidence from outside sources, answer the question: Where/ how do we see ​
justice,
fear or compassion​
in our world today?
The next is a space to organize examples and
evidence that will back up your main idea claims. You
will reuse this information in your actual essay!
STEP 5:​
Find 2 examples (QUOTES) per main idea that you will use to support your argument from your
prepared notecards / iBook notes.
Now you are ready to start writing your 2 MELCon body paragraphs! Use your main idea statements and
evidence to help you get started!
Main Idea 1
Two Quotes:
Main Idea 2
Two Quotes:
Main Idea 3
(OPTIONAL)
Two Quotes: