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Research the historical and cultural context of your author and novel. Submit one 2-3 page typed paper, double spaced, 12 point font following MLA guidelines. Include a Works Cited citing at least 3 resources used researching the paper. Paper will be graded on quality of research to support the topic, effective use of information gained through research, credibility of sources, content, grammar and mechanics, and Works Cited.

Students are to research their author's life, looking for events or qualities that show up in their writings. They are to use a minimum of three sources and cite correctly according to MLA format.

Use this rubric for grading student papers. Can be customized for any subject.

Students will research the life of an American author and explore four pieces of information that the author could have possibly used to help them write. The pieces of literature can be based on factual information or based on published pieces during the author's literary period that may have had an influence on the author's writing.

Write a short essay in which you analyze the argument or claim put forth in the text you have selected. Identify the writer’s thesis, what you see as his/her main points, and what sorts of supporting evidence the writer uses to establish that point. While it is helpful to summarize this information, limit your use of summary; instead of merely summarizing these points, explain how the evidence the author uses works to support his/her main point. Then, consider your own experience as a writer. How can you relate your own experience to the writer’s ideas? You may identify with the author’s perspective, or you may differ—either way, respond to the author’s main point and supporting evidence by relating it to your own experiences.