What are you expected to do?

The literature selections we encounter in our English program are all time-honored and well-regarded. A good piece of literature deserves a response. That is your challenge here!

Read the glimpse of the novel here.

Task 1:

1. Carefully read the three passages from The Middle Temple Murder (see Worksheet) in terms of either characterization or plot development.
2. Discuss all three passages in an essay. This is to be a well-rounded five-paragraph essay, so devote paragraphs 1 and 5 to your introduction and conclusion, respectively. Of course, you are free to refer to the complete text of the selection to understand each statement in context. You will find links to the online text at the bottom of the Worksheet.
3. Develop a thesis statement.
4. Draw up some type of graphic organizer of your thoughts. Spend sufficient time on this stage to ensure that you know where you are headed.
5. Write your first draft.
6. Edit, edit, edit! Check for proper sentence structure, spelling, capitalization, flow of thought, and logical progression. You cannot overdo the editing part of this task!

Task 2:

Write a letter based on this novel. Write an imaginary letter to the author. Confine your remarks to ONE of the following:

1. The author's use of dialogue
2. The character descriptions
3. The manner in which the author conveys a specific feeling or attitude (e.g., uncertainty, anger, regret, humor, superiority)

Your letter must contain at least three paragraphs and must conform to standard letter-writing format. Avoid trite or empty content such as "Hello. How are you? I am fine. Hope you are fine, too." This is not a text message! Standard spelling and punctuation are to be observed as well as proper paragraphing. Once you are satisfied that you have composed a first-rate letter, type it into the final format.

Click here to download the worksheet.