To Kill a Mockingbird: To Kill a Mockingbird

Directions:

1. Choose one topic from the right.

2. Search in the databases for your topic. (Note: you need to use two articles)

3. Take notes in the Note-Taking Sheet.  Look for helpful quotations and facts. You should have 2 quotes with in-text citations. Copy and paste the citations into the Note-Taking Sheet (in Schoology) AND MyBib.com.

4. Develop a strong thesis statement about your topic. Why is (your topic) important? See examples to the right. Support your claim with factual information from your research. You should have three subtopics.

5. Draft a minimum 3 paragraph essay about your topic. Include an introduction, at least 1 body paragraph, and a conclusion.

6. Use MyBib for citations and attach your Works Cited to the last page.

MyBib.com is a free citation generator for MLA, APA, and Chicago style. Create a new Project & Add a Citation.  Choose website, book, journal, video, etc.  For database articles, click More then Write/Paste.  To copy or print your final list, click on Download Bibliography.  Click here for handout. Watch the video!

In order to learn more about the time period of the novel (1933-1935), you will study an area of interest, write a five paragraph essay, and present your findings to the class.

Topics List:

• The Great Depression (narrow down to Dust Bowl, New Deal, or something that interests you)
• Education in the 1930s
• Jim Crow Laws
• The Scottsboro Trials 
• Women in the 1930s (note: you may have to look for women and the Great Depression)
• Harper Lee

Some of these topics will overlap, but make sure that your focus is one main topic. You may examine your topic over time, but please focus on the 1930s. You must use at least 2 different sources from the databases:

Suggested Database Sources: At home login and password: montytech1

   Note: Be sure that you are in an article about the 1930s!!

For a copy of the short analysis template, click here.

How to Write the Short Analysis Essay

• React personally, however, do no use personal pronouns. Never write: “In my opinion…” Or “I think…”
• Put order to your argument, starting with the least compelling evidence and building to the most impressive point. 
• Use evidence from all articles to support your opinion. 

Short analysis format:

Introduction Paragraph:

• Write an interesting “hook” sentence that makes the reader want to read on.
• Briefly state the main points of your essay. Provide some background for your thesis.
• Strong statement of thesis. What you argue in your essay?

Examples of the beginnings of thesis statements:

• The Great Depression transformed American society in fundamental ways such...
• The 1930s witnessed a complete change in the way women worked due to ....
• Harper Lee was instrumental in breaking barriers in ... and .... with her classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.

Supporting Paragraphs:

• For each supporting paragraph bring down a briefly stated main point & then elaborate.
• Use your voice to discuss the prompt and the main point.
• Use evidence from the article to support your ideas.
• Discuss one point per supporting paragraph.
• Use both articles in your essay.  Choose one that you feel more strongly about.  Use the other article to dismiss 
• Incorporate in-text citations from the article.  Use lead-in words such as "According to," "As stated by," etc.  
• Use transition words to make the supporting paragraphs flow such as 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).  Use MyBib.com
• Include citation information from both articles.