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Essay Test for Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

Write a formal, five paragraph, literature-based essay on Catcher in the Rye.  You will be graded according to the Assessment Sheet.  For your convenience, I have reprinted the rules for this type of essay below. 

Thesis Statement:  In The Catcher of the Rye by J. D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield has very definite ideas concerning __________________.  (Choose one: alcohol, women, sexual perversion, or humor).  This is seen throughout the novel when ___________, __________, and _______________.   (This is a very basic and rudimentary beginning.  You may use it if you like for a beginning, but you should definitely work on embellishing it.  Remember this is formal writing, so elevate your writing and eschew all forms of slang.

  Formal, Five Paragraph, Literature-based Essay

Paragraph 1 – Introduction

            -An introduction should be at least three to four sentences.

            -It needs to give the title and author of all works.

            -Underline titles of books.  Use quotation marks for “poems” and “short stories.”

            -State the thesis of the paper.

-Give a brief list of the three examples that will be developed in the body to                                                         support the thesis.

            -Use the same order in the body as in the introduction.

  Paragraphs 2,3,4 – Body

-Each body paragraph should develop one of the examples listed in the introduction.

            -Use the same order in the body as the three examples listed in the introduction.

            -Use transitional devices such as firstly, secondly, thirdly.

            -Make a statement. (EX. The most important reason/example for ______ is ____.)

            -Give specific examples from the book to back up or reinforce the statement.

-Use quotes from the book to back u or reinforce the examples.  (If your book is not available, then use “close quotes.”  EX. When Maguire describes Harry as, “devoid of moral character,” she refers to the depravity inherent in many of her characters.

- Analyze and explain quotations.

Paragraph 5 – Conclusion

            -The conclusion basically restates the introduction.

            -Restate the title, author, thesis and three examples.

-If there is a connection to modern society, then this is the place to make that connection.

Some Rules to follow: 

Use complete sentences. (NO fragments!)
Do not use personal pronouns. (EX. - first person – the person speaking- I, my, mine, me, we, our, ours, us Second person- the person spoke to- you, your, yours)
DO NOT say, “In my opinion…” or “This essay will focus on…”
Try not to end a sentence with a preposition.  (EX. John is the character she had a disagreement with.  Instead, write, “She had a disagreement with John.”)

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Name_____________________

Date___________ Block_____

Catcher in the Rye

Essay Test Assessment Sheet