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Analyzing Charlie: Home

The Assignment

Works Cited

Your Works Cited should have TWO entries: 

  1. The book
  2. The article

You will use MyBib.com to create the Works Cited.

Go to mybib.com and click on Login.  Rename the "project" if you like.

For the book:  Click on Book.  Enter Book Title.  Click to select.

For the database article:  Click on More.  Click on Write/Paste (last one).  Paste the Citation from the Database article into the first box.  Click on Save.  

The Assignment: Analyzing Charlie

Charlie is experiencing a crisis or breakdown in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Research different possible psychiatric disorders based on Charlie's behavior in the book. You will ultimately construct an argument using evidence from your research and the novel in a well-formed essay.

Step 1: Research possible disorders from which Charlie could be suffering. As a member of a group, you will take notes on one disorder. Use this notes sheet.  Click on File and Make a Copy.  Use the Gale Virtual Reference Library and pick from this list:

  • Depression (sometimes referred to as major depression)
  • Bipolar Disorder (formally known as manic depression)
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety Disorder 

Then, as a group, we will present your findings.

Step 2: Based on the presentation, YOU determine for yourself the disorder from which he is suffering. Cite quotes from the novel (see sheet). 
Step 3: Take additional notes on the disorder in the same notes sheet. Use the Database: Gale Virtual Reference Library. (home password: montytech1)
Step 4: Construct a thesis statement based on the disorder from which Charlie is suffering with your reasons why (based on quotes).  Use this organizer to map out your argument.
Step 5: Create an outline to develop your argument:

Outline (You can copy and paste this but it's to be filled in with your notes and ideas):

      Introduction Paragraph: hook, background info, thesis statement.
      First Body Paragraph: Define the disorder and discuss its symptoms.
      Next Body Paragraphs:

  • Analyze Charlie's behaviors (use details and quotations) and connect them to the research.
  • Potential causes and symptoms for Charlie's issues.

      ​Conclusion Paragraph: Circle back to hook, restate thesis, provide final insights and thoughts.

Step 6: Write your first paper draft (with evidence and citations).

Step 7: Make your Work Cited page using MyBib.com (2+ sources: The novel and at least one database source).

Step 8: Peer edit your draft and make revisions.

Step 9: Polish your work and put it together in a well-organized and presentable manner.

Short Analysis Format

 
Introduction Paragraph:
Mention the name of the book and the author.
Write an interesting “hook” sentence that makes the reader want to read on.
Briefly state the main point(s) of your essay. (Based on the theme of the short story.)
Strong statement of thesis / main idea.. (What your essay will say to the reader.)
 
Supporting Paragraphs:
For each supporting paragraph bring down a briefly stated main point & elaborate.
Use your voice to discuss the prompt and the main point.
Use evidence from the short story & the article to support your ideas.
Discuss one point per supporting paragraph.
Incorporate in-text citations from both the short story & the article.
Use transition words to make the supporting paragraphs flow.
(i.e. furthermore, in addition, moreover, first, second, third, finally, again, 
also, and, besides, further, in the first place, last, likewise, next, then.)
 
Conclusion Paragraph:
Restate your thesis / main idea.
Summarize your main points. (Tie up any loose ends.)
Create an strongly worded “clincher” sentence to end your conclusion.
Never introduce new information in the conclusion.
 
Works Cited:
A Works Cited is mandatory.(2 references required)
Include citation information from the short story & the article.

Other Particulars

Your paper should be about 2 pages in length.
Use MLA style: Times New Roman 12 point font, typed and double spaced with a separate Works Cited.  Papers that do not include in-text citations and a Works Cited page will not be scored (see the school policy on plagiarism).

  • I will be checking your work and progress throughout the writing process. The completion of each part will count towards your term 4 grade (as several classwork and homework assignments)
  • Be sure to use YOUR voice and formal academic tone.