American Lit final essay topics and example thesis statements

American Lit journal #4

Pick one of these topics. Write 150 words or more.

Topic #1: Make a Comparison

Compare your book to one other we’ve read this term. Pick one specific thing to compare and then elaborate on that. Suggested topics: character, setting, conflict, scene, theme
symbolism

Topic #2: Dreams

Finish this sentence in the voice of one of the characters from your novel: “I have a dream…” Consider your characters motivation, desires, and perhaps obstacles faced.

American Lit journal #3

The most important passage so far…

Copy the passage into your notebook.

Explain why you think it is important.

American Lit journal #2:

So far, I think this is a book about…

money

freedom

happiness

success

opportunity

equality

… or something else

Rate Mr. Wilson's vocab jokes

Click HERE to rate Mr. Wilson's vocab jokes.

American Lit Journal #1

First impressions:

Write about your first impression of the book so far. Here are some suggested topics:

Characters

Setting

Conflicts

Style

Predictions

The American Dream?

A Raisin in the Sun act 3 review

1.      The obstacle the Younger family will most likely face in Clyborne Park is…

2.      Mama seems to give up the plan to move to Clyborne Park when she…

3.      Walter plans to reconsider Lindner’s offer in act 3 by doing what?

4.      Why does Mama insists that Travis stay to witness Walter’s discussion with Lindner?

5.      What does Walter ultimately tell Lindner?

6.      Which character’s views most strongly contrast with Mama’s world view?

7.      When Beneatha mentions “assimilationist negroes” she most probably is referring to…

8.      How do we know that Mama’s and Mrs. Johnson’s opinions about African Americans greatly contrast?

9.      The deceased Walter Lee Younger Sr. can best be described as…

Who said it?

10.  “That money is made out of my father’s flesh!”

11.   “The Youngers is too much for me! You sure one proud-acting bunch of colored folks.”

12.   “Could I maybe go carry some groceries in front of the supermarket for a little while…”

13.   “Good night, Prometheus!”

14.   “I seen him grow old before he was forty working and working and working like somebody’s old horse…”

15.   “There simply is no God—there is man and it is he who makes miracles.”

16.   “Girl, if you don’t get all them silly ideas out your head!  You better marry yourself a man with some loot…”

17.   “The overwhelming majority of our people out there feel that people get along better, take more of a common interest in the life of the community, when they share a common background.”

18.  “What’s the matter with you, Walter!  When a cat take off with your money he don’t leave you no road maps!”

19.  “No Travis, you stay right here.  And you make him understand what you doing. You teach him good. Like Willy Harris taught you.”

Here is a cool short film someone made for an IOP

Here is a nice example of a speed drawing for an IOP

A Raisin in the Sun act 2 review questions

1.      When Mama says “we a people who give children life, not who destroys it,” she is referring to…

2.      Ruth’s reaction to the news that Mama intends to buy a house can best be described as…

3.      Walter’s reaction to the news Mama intends to buy a house can best be described as…

4.      Mrs. Johnson’s attitude toward the Younger’s move to Clyborne park can best be described as…

5.      The Youngers’ attitude toward Mrs. Johnson can best be described as…

6.      Walter stops going to work because…

7.      After Walter stops going to work, he spends his time…

8.      Mama ultimately decides to give Walter money because…

9.      Karl Lindner presents his buyout offer to the Youngers as…

10.  Serving as a symbol of Mama’s nurturing of her family’s dreams is…

11.  Walter loses his and Beneatha’s money when…

12.  Mama reacts to the news of the lost money by…

Literary lens

Try this LINK.

Raisin in the Sun act 1 review

1.      The apartment that the Younger family lives in can best be described as…

2.      The furnishings of the Younger apartment are mostly portrayed as…

3.      Upon her first appearance Ruth Younger is mostly characterized as…

4.      Walter hopes to use the $10,000 to…

5.      Beneatha’s ultimate aspiration is to…

6.      The conflict between Walter and Ruth at the beginning of the play is ultimately over…

7.      Ruth asserts that Travis has trouble getting up in the morning because…

8.      One indication in the beginning of the play that Walter hopes to be a “big shot” is…

9.      Walter’s attitude toward Beneatha’s desire to be a doctor can best be described as…

10.  Walter often blames the source of his struggles to get ahead in life on…

11.  One key conflict between Beneatha and Mama is over…

12.  One significant conflict between Ruth and Mama is over…

13.  Mama dislikes the idea of investing in Walter’s liquor store plans because…

14.  Mama and Ruth believe Beneatha should marry George because…

15.  Beneatha is reluctant to commit to George because…

16.  Ruth fainting at the end of the first scene is most likely caused by…

17.  When Asagai visits, Beneatha worries that Mama might…

How to study for the Gatsby test

1. Complete all of the questions in your study guide.

2. Make sure you know who/ what these are:

Jay Gatsby

Nick Carraway

Daisy Buchanan

Tom Buchanan

Jordan Baker

Myrtle Wilson

George Wilson

Catherine

Meyer Wolfsheim

Dan Cody

Doctor T.J. Ekleburg

The Owl-Eyed Man

West Egg

 East Egg

The Valley of the Ashes

Henry C. Gatz

The first three parties

Flashbacks

3. Do some practice online. You can google "Gatsby quiz" or "Gatsby "test" to find some good resources. Here are a few I've found.

Sparknotes quiz

Cliffs Notes quiz

Grade Saver quiz

Goodreads quiz

ProProfs quiz

Quizlet quiz

Gatsby sample test #1

Gatsby sample test #2

Citations

Follow this LINK for how to cite correctly in your essay.

Rumspringa

How much would you spend on a Quinceanera?

How much would you spend on prom?

Click the picture to read the story.

 

Review for Huck Finn test

Here are some places you can go to review for the Huck Finn test:

Characters quiz

Proprofs test review

Sparknotes quiz

Cliffnotes quiz

Videos about finding theme

Sample thesis statement for The Crucible essay

What is the character’s ultimate challenge, and does she pass or fail it?

Elizabeth finds it a challenge to forgive John for his infidelity; her ultimate challenge is to overcome her judgment of his transgression and to see goodness in him.