Answering Prompts & Theses

Breaking Down A Prompt:


Identity construction/assertion in your film of choice provides vital insight into the film’s main characters. (essay prompt #1)


  • Identity construction/assertion

  • Film’s main characters

  • Vital

  • Identity construction: building a sense of self

  • Identity assertion: active outward presentation of identity


Identify the differences between characters that are actively constructing their identity and those who are asserting their identity.


  • Identify the differences

  • Constructing

  • Asserting


The characters do not all have to be female/female presenting, but these characters must contribute to the construction/assertion of the female/female presenting character(s).

  • Not all characters have to be female, the ones who aren’t have to work towards helping your point about females main characters


QUESTION: 

How do the differences and similarities between characters actively constructing their identity and actively asserting their identity provide insight into the film?

What understanding can we gain of the film by comparing characters actively constructing their identity and actively asserting their identity?

What parts of the story build to assertion or construction of character identity?


  • Stick to relevant content

  • Pay attention to verbs in the prompt

  • Carefully apply critical thinking skills to address the prompt’s expectations

Thesis Statements:

  1. General Interest Statement

    1. Example: I am interested in ghosts.

      1. What about them?

      2. How can I relate this to this class?

  2. More Specific:

    1. Example: I am interested in why dark girls are obsessed with ghosts

      1. What kinds of ghosts?

      2. When, where?

      3. What do I mean by “obsessed”?

      4. What kinds of Dark Girls?

  3. Apply Questions to Create Your Own:

    1. Why are adolescent Dark Girls obsessed with ghosts looking for revenge?

  4. Attempt to Answer Your Question:

    1. Adolescent Dark Girls are obsessed with revenge-driven ghosts because these specters inspire confidence and empowerment.

  5. Add Sentences That Will Provide Additional Context:

    1. Since 1989, girls identifying as “dark” have contributed to the popularity of ghost tours.1 The interest in these supernatural entities goes beyond the run-of-the mill ghost story. This interest fundamentally shapes these young women’s identities. Adolescent Dark Girls are obsessed with revenge-driven ghosts because these specters inspire confidence and empowerment.
      1. K. Brennan, “Quantifying the creepy,” Journal of Made-Up Statistics,”...

    2. Explain underlined things (whatever terms need it)