Short Story Paper Prompt For English Essay Project

Short Story Paper Prompt For English 200for The Essay Project Covering

Short Story Paper Prompt for English 200 for the essay project covering the short fiction/story genre, I would like for you to do something a little different. I want you to choose a short story and it can be one of the ones we are reading in class or one from one of those authors or any other you choose as long as it is not a poem or novel. Read the story and respond on the following ways: 1. Do a 2-3 paragraph overview of the author and his or her life. 2. Do a summary of the short story in the next 3-4 paragraphs by explaining the plot, the characters, the setting and the conflict in the story and how it is resolved. 3. Explain what you liked and learned from reading it. YOUR thoughts and opinions and be specific and fully explain yourself in at least 2 paragraphs. The overall essay should be approximately 2-3 pages and answer these specific questions. Instead of the peer review, we will just make this due in class next week.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment requires selecting a short story—either from the class readings, an author's work, or any other chosen story, excluding poems and novels—and analyzing it through a structured written response. The paper should include an introductory overview of the author’s life, a detailed summary and analysis of the story, and a personal reflection on its impact and what was learned from reading it. The entire essay should be approximately 2-3 pages long, adequately covering the specified questions.

Specifically, the paper should start with a 2-3 paragraph overview of the author, discussing their biography, literary career, and significance in the literary world. Following this, the next section should consist of a 3-4 paragraph summary of the selected short story, including details about the plot, characters, setting, conflict, and resolution. The final section should be a reflection where the writer expresses personal opinions on the story, what they learned from reading it, and how it affected their understanding or perspective. These reflections should be two detailed paragraphs, demonstrating thoughtful engagement with the story.

The purpose of this assignment is to develop close reading skills, analytical thinking, and personal reflection. The paper should be well-organized, clearly written, and properly formatted, following academic standards. Since this is a short paper, concise yet comprehensive writing is essential. The assignment is due in class next week, and peer review is not required for this submission.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction: Overview of the Author

The selected author should be introduced with a brief biographical overview emphasizing their background, major themes in their work, and their influence on literature. For example, if choosing Edgar Allan Poe, discuss his troubled life, influence on gothic and horror genres, and his pioneering contributions to American literature. For contemporary authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, highlight their cultural background, literary achievements, and thematic concerns. The goal is to contextualize the author's life to better understand the story's context and themes.

Summary of the Short Story

The core of the paper involves a 3-4 paragraph summary. Begin by outlining the main plot points, focusing on the sequence of events and how the story unfolds. Next, describe the main characters, their roles, and relationships, providing insight into their motivations. Then, detail the setting—time and place—and discuss how it influences the narrative and mood. Finally, analyze the central conflict—whether internal, external, or both—and explain how the story's resolution addresses this conflict. Use specific examples from the story to support your explanation.

Personal Reflection and Analysis

The final segment involves personal reflection, spanning at least two paragraphs. Discuss what aspects of the story resonated with you, what you found compelling or thought-provoking, and what you learned from it. Consider questions like: Did the story challenge your assumptions? Did it deepen your understanding of a cultural or psychological issue? How did it impact your perspective on life, morality, or human nature? Be specific and elaborate to demonstrate thorough engagement.

Conclusion

Conclude with a brief summary of your overall impression of the story and its significance. Reinforce how the story, along with the author's background, contributed to your understanding and appreciation of the short fiction genre.

References

  • Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of the book or collection. Publisher.
  • Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of the short story. In Title of Anthology or Collection (pp. xx-xx). Publisher.
  • Additional scholarly sources regarding the author, the story, or literary analysis as needed.

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