Lesson 4:
Philanthropy in Literature—Reading, Writing, Thinking
Handout 2
Essay Requirements
Directions: This assignment involves reading a novel and writing a response to it from a Christian perspective. The essay is a type of persuasive writing which includes an opinion supported by facts and details.
You will be given two weeks to read the book and then ten days to write a rough draft, proofread, revise and publish an essay. Some of this work will be done in class and some as homework. Please follow the suggested format. This paper must be a minimum of 2 to 2 1/2 pages long. This means it will be approximately 500 - 650 words in length.
Title: The title of the paper must be something other than the title of the book. It must communicate the message of the paper. The message is what you want others to learn from the essay.
Paragraph One:
- It must include a brief summary of the book.
- Include the title of the book and the author.
- Stick to the essential information-setting, name of main character(s), main problem(s) in the story, and how the problem(s) is solved.
- End with a topic sentence or thesis that states the message of the paper and hooks the reader. This sentence should be an opinion about philanthropy. It should connect with the title and with your third and/or fourth paragraph(s).
- It must be about one-half to two-thirds the length of the first page.
Paragraph Two:
- Begin this paragraph with a transitional sentence that connects with the last paragraph.
- Include in this paragraph answers to the following questions:
- Who in this story showed a philanthropic (loving and caring) attitude?
- What did he or she do?
- Could the character in the story get along without help? Why or why not?
- How was the character(s) changed by doing or accepting an act of philanthropy? The book should have several examples. You should include three or more in this paragraph.
- It must be about one-half to two-thirds the length of a page.
Paragraph Three:
- Include in this paragraph an answer to the following question:
“According to the Bible, why should a Christian help the character in your story?”
- Use the list of scripture passages to help support the answer.
- Choose at least four passages to include in the paper.
- Quote the verse or part of it. Include the Bible book, chapter, and verse.
- Explain how the passages support the message of the paper.
- It must be one-half to two-thirds of a page or more.
Paragraph Four:
- Include in this paragraph the answer to the following question:
"How can you apply what you have written in paragraph three to your life?”
Hints:
- Have you experienced a time when you were in need and others helped you?
- How have you helped others?
- How does being a Christian affect your attitude toward helping others?
- What Christ-like actions can you do every day?
- Give this paragraph careful thought and show effort. Be honest about yourself.
- It must be one-half page or more.
Paragraph Five:
This is the conclusion. It should be three or more sentences in length.
Leave the reader with a message.
Connect what you write with your title and thesis statement.
Handouts:
1 | 2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |