COMMUNICATIONS II / LAIL
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Unit 1, Collection 1 Examination
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Essay Option 1: Analyzing Allegorical Symbols in “Masque of the Red Death”
In an allegory - a literary work whose underlying meaning differs from the literal meaning – the writer often
uses characters, objects, or events as symbols. For example, in Masque of the Red Death, Prince
Prospero might symbolize or represent selfishness or heartlessness. Identify at least two other allegorical
symbols in the story. Explain what each of the three symbols probably represents, how the symbols are
connected, and how they contribute to the lesson, or moral of the story.
Essay Option 2: Analyzing Conflict in “The Interlopers”
In the poem Mending Wall by Frost, the neighbor frequently repeats “Good fences make good neighbors.”
In the story The Interlopers, it appears that a good fence would have solved much of the conflict between
the two neighbors. Look at both selections and describe the internal and external conflict the characters
experience in each. How is the conflict both similar and different? You should draw specific examples
from both the short story and the poem to support your thesis.
Essay Option 3: Analyzing Themes in “The Seventh Man” and “The Man in the Water”
Do all people possess the capacity to act as heroes, or are most people inclined to save themselves first?
What would you identify as the themes of “The Seventh Man” and “The Man in the Water”? Are the
themes of the two stories similar or not? How is the theme in each story conveyed or communicated to
the reader? Since one of the stories is fictional, and one is not, do you think the genre of each selection
affected the way the author presented the theme? In an essay, explore the similarities and differences
between the selections and their themes. Be sure to include specific examples from the text to support
your thesis.
Essay Option 4: Free Choice
This option must be approved by Mrs. Lail prior to submission. You must submit an outline with a clear
thesis, and should compare and contrast at least two stories. (Exp: House Taken Over and A Very Old
Man with Enormous Wings)
SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER WHILE WRITING
An effective essay . . .
๏ should conform to MLA format and be typed.
๏ begins with an introduction to the topic.
‣ includes the name of the author(s) and title of the selection(s)
‣ includes an underlined thesis statement
๏ develops each main idea in well-organized paragraphs.
๏ provides ample support for main ideas.
๏ cites examples from the text.
‣ when using direct quotes (in moderation, of course!), always reference where the information
came from
๏ uses transitions that smoothly and clearly connect ideas.
๏ is free from errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
๏ avoids using the word “you” when referring to the reader (assume you are writing this for a larger
audience).
๏ uses a formal “voice” while still trying to be unique.
Communications II / Lail
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