Today, the students took a 20 question multiple choice exam over HAMLET. The test included short answers (which have yet to be graded) and it also includes the take-home essay question (with details below). We will discuss the essay portion of the exam in more detail tomorrow, as several students had questions and I'd like to discuss my expectations in greater detail and give them an opportunity to discuss ideas in class. They can and should use their scripts as a resource when composing their essay for this exam.
ESSAY QUESTION: HAMLET FINAL
*Make sure you use paragraphs, complete sentences, and a thesis
statement that explains exactly what you’re going to prove to the reader.
You’ll have an introduction, a body (generally a MINIMUM of three paragraphs),
and a conclusion, and you can (and should) use examples from your own life,
experiences, other literature, or similar situations to help explain the piece
that you choose to write about (from the list below). Make sure to proofread
and edit your writing. The final draft should be typed and double-spaced,
written in Times New Roman 12-point font with one-inch margins. It is due on
Wednesday when you arrive to class. Your essay will be shared with your peers, so
don’t write anything that you don't mind sharing with people other than me.
You have learned that one theme in
Hamlet is the difficulty people face in distinguishing between reality (what
is) and illusion (what seems to be). Show how any one of the following
illustrates that theme. Write a well-composed response that is in-depth and
uses specific examples from the play to back up what your answer. Make sure
you use your own words—do not simply copy parts of your script. Using
your own words will help me know that YOU know what you’re talking (writing)
about and that you’re not simply grappling to find an answer. Prove that you
have a clear understanding. The choices follow:
A. Hamlet’s misgivings about the ghost
B. Ophelia’s misunderstanding of Hamlet’s behavior once
he has seen the ghost
C. Gertrude’s lack of knowledge of Claudius’s character
(character being not the role he plays, but his moral fiber)
D. Laertes’ willingness to accept Claudius’s explanation
of Polonius’s death
Thank you so much for blogging, it makes a world of difference in preparation at home!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Elisa! I'm trying to post the guidelines for the Q3 Book Project right now, but I keep getting a computer error. GRRR. I will hand out a blue sheet of paper today with all of the details, though, and I do know that you and Jo are reading your book and well on your way.
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