DIAGNOSTIC TEST
Reading Selection: "Gilgamesh," (Class Discussion / Review)
Writing Assignment: Write a five-paragraph (500-750 word) literary analysis of "Gilgamesh." The purpose of this literary analysis is to gain a better understanding of the epic. This will require you to break the epic down into its component parts. In this analysis, you might want to examine the bond between different characters; you might want to identify a theme that runs throughout the story or life lessons one could learn, or you might want to discuss the role of women in this epic.
Be sure to use direct quotes from the story to prove/support your point, and cite the lines. Add a Works Cited page at the end of your paper. Follow MLA guidelines when typing your paper.
COMPONENTS OF A GOOD ESSAY
The Title of Your Essay:
It is important that you give your paper a title which is appropriate for the topic you will discuss. (See the limited topic on your planning page.) Using only the title of the literary work you are examining is unsatisfactory. The title of the literary work will not be the title of your paper.
The Introduction:
Begin your essay with a provocative question, an interesting quotation, a startling statement, a personal anecdote, or even a combination of these to arouse the interest of your audience Then write a sentence that makes a smooth transition to the topic of your essay. You may also want to include background information or definitions relevant to your thesis and necessary for the reader to understand the points you wish to discuss in your supporting paragraphs. The introduction ends with the thesis statement.