Name __________________________________________________

3/14/2017

THINGS FALL APART - ESSAY PACKET

What are the consequences of the choices one makes? After reading Things Fall
Apart by Chinua Achebe and other texts, write an essay in which you discuss the
choices Okonkwo makes, and argue to what extent his choices contributed to his
downfall. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each
while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates
the audience’s knowledge level and concerns.

ESSAY OUTLINE (what should be in each paragraph)

1. INTRO PARAGRAPH
In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should review
the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the
topic is important or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly,
students should present the thesis statement (which includes the
claim).

2. BODY PARAGRAPH ONE (Okonkwo’s first choice)

A. The first decision Okonkwo made that contributed to his downfall…
B. Quote, Chapter #, Explanation, Counterclaim

3. BODY PARAGRAPH TWO: (Okonkwo’s second choice)

A. The second decision Okonwko made that contributed to his
downfall…
B. Quote, Chapter #, Explanation, Counterclaim

4. BODY PARAGRAPH THREE: (Okonkwo’s third choice)

C. The third decision Okonwko made that contributed to his downfall…
D. Quote, Chapter #, Explanation, Counterclaim

5. CONCLUSION: Restate claim and wrap up

Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather,
synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate
why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your
thesis.

CITE SOURCES! – In Paragraphs 2,3, and 4, there should be in-text

citations. Many students lost points for not using them in the first essay.
An in-text citation from Persepolis should look like the following…
 It is clear from the beginning that the veil is a confusing subject
for Marji. She says, “We didn’t really like to wear the veil,
especially since we didn’t understand why we had to
(Satrapi 3).”

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