Please note that this book covers the following Themes: Racism, Segregation and the American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s; discrimination against women in employment; the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union (some coarse and racist language is used)
Hidden Figures is an inspiring book based on the true story of three African-American women working for NASA. It illustrates the determination and perseverance needed to overcome racist and misogynistic attitudes.
The story highlights the extensive struggles that Katherine, Dorothy and Mary face in a world where inequality is the norm. Through their continued achievements and refusal to give up, the three women prove that integrity and teamwork can triumph. It also shows how friendships and supportive relationships can help people to achieve their full potential.
Here is the prompt for your Portfolio: Outline is below
Write an essay of 250 to 500 words (1-2 pages double spaced) where you assess how the author presents information and ideas to readers through their writing style. Examine elements such as the use of visuals, specific language related to the topic, and a mix of different sentence structures like commanding, describing, and suggesting. These elements contribute to the author's unique way of expressing themselves and shaping the tone of the piece. Back up your analysis with quotes and evidence from the text. Make sure your essay is well-organized, and follow the rules of English grammar and punctuation.
Be sure you submit a typed Word document. It must be double spaced using size 12 Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri fonts.
Essay Requirements:
Typed in Word or GoogleDocs and saved as a Word document
250-500 words (1-2 pages)
6 Paragraphs (see outline)
Double-spaced
Size 12 standard font (Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri)
Must include at least 4 examples from the text (one in each body paragraph
Must include a properly formatted MLA Works Cite Page
Proper use of spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation
**Master Text
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly (This is the text I will cover in class and provide lessons on. Please click here to find a copy on Open Library or you can get your own on amazon or in your local library.
This book sheds light on the remarkable contributions of African-American women mathematicians at NASA during the space race. It promotes awareness of diversity in STEM fields and showcases the achievements of these trailblazing women.
Title: Examining Writing Style in "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
**Thesis Statement:** In "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly, the author skillfully employs a combination of vivid visuals, specialized language, and a varied sentence structure to effectively convey information and ideas, while also shaping the tone of the narrative.
I. Introduction
- Introduce the novel "Hidden Figures" and its significance.
- Mention the focus of the essay: analyzing the author's writing style and its impact on conveying information and shaping the tone.
II. Use of Visuals to Enhance Understanding
- Discuss the author's incorporation of visuals, such as diagrams and images, throughout the narrative.
- Highlight how these visuals aid in explaining complex concepts related to mathematics, engineering, and space technology.
- Quote instances where visuals are used to simplify intricate scientific ideas, making them accessible to a broader audience.
III. Specific Language Catered to the Topic
- Explore the author's choice of specialized language and terminology.
- Examine how the use of technical jargon enhances the credibility of the narrative.
- Provide examples of terminology related to the aerospace industry, showcasing the author's commitment to accuracy and authenticity.
IV. Varied Sentence Structures for Tone
- Analyze the author's use of different sentence structures, such as commanding, describing, and suggesting.
- Explain how commanding sentences create a sense of authority and urgency in conveying historical facts and achievements.
- Discuss how descriptive sentences help in building vivid mental images of characters, settings, and events.
- Highlight instances of suggestive sentences that encourage readers to reflect on societal issues and the struggles faced by the protagonists.
V. Shaping the Narrative Tone
- Connect the discussed elements of visuals, specialized language, and varied sentence structures to the overall tone of the narrative.
- Argue how these elements collectively contribute to an engaging and informative tone that captures both the historical importance and the personal stories of the characters.
VI. Conclusion
- Summarize the key points discussed in the essay.
- Reiterate the thesis statement and the importance of Margot Lee Shetterly's writing style in conveying information effectively and shaping the tone of "Hidden Figures."
- Emphasize how the author's skillful use of visuals, specialized language, and varied sentence structures enhances the reader's experience and appreciation of the book.
Note: Your essay must include Supporting Evidence from the Text in each body paragraph.
- Provide direct quotes from the novel that exemplify the use of visuals, specialized language, and varied sentence structures.
- Explain how each quote demonstrates the author's unique writing style and its impact on the reader's understanding and engagement.
******* You may choose your non-fiction book from the the following list; however, I will not be covering the content of these books in our livelessons. Choose wisely! You can still use the outline above, just change the name of the title and author of the book to yours.
note: You must obtain a copy on your own.
You may find some of them here for free in the Open Library
Or here in Project Gutenberg
"The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank - The compelling and heartbreaking diary of a young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis during World War II, offering powerful insights into the human experience during times of adversity.
"I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban" by Malala Yousafzai - The inspiring memoir of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani education activist who survived an assassination attempt and continued her fight for girls' education.
"Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different" by Karen Blumenthal - A biography of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., providing a glimpse into the life of one of the most influential figures in modern technology.
"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot - This book tells the true story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge and became one of the most important tools in medical research.
"The Wright Brothers" by David McCullough - A captivating account of Orville and Wilbur Wright's journey in developing the first successful powered airplane, showcasing their determination, innovation, and contributions to aviation history.
These books cover a range of topics, from history and biography to social issues and scientific discoveries, providing both educational value and engaging storytelling for young readers.
Title: Examining Writing Style in "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
**Thesis Statement:** In "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank, the author skillfully employs vivid language, introspective reflections, and a mix of sentence structures to convey the complex emotions and experiences of a young Jewish girl during the Holocaust, shaping the tone of the narrative and providing powerful insights into the human experience.
I. Introduction
- Introduce the book "The Diary of a Young Girl" and its historical significance.
- Mention the focus of the essay: analyzing the author's writing style and its impact on conveying emotions and shaping the tone.
II. Vivid Language for Emotional Impact
- Discuss Anne Frank's use of vivid language to depict her surroundings, emotions, and interactions with others.
- Analyze how descriptive language helps in creating a vivid and engaging narrative.
- Provide examples of passages where Anne's language effectively conveys her fear, hope, and longing for freedom.
III. Introspective Reflections for Personal Expressions
- Explore Anne Frank's use of introspective reflections to reveal her thoughts, dreams, and struggles.
- Discuss how these reflections give readers a deeper understanding of Anne's character and the challenges she faces.
- Quote passages where Anne's introspection reveals her resilience, resilience, and resilience in the face of adversity.
IV. Mix of Sentence Structures for Rhythm and Variety
- Analyze the author's use of different sentence structures, such as declarative, interrogative, and exclamatory sentences.
- Explain how these varied sentence structures contribute to the overall rhythm and flow of the narrative.
- Highlight instances where interrogative sentences invite readers to reflect on larger moral and philosophical questions.
V. Shaping the Narrative Tone
- Connect the discussed elements of vivid language, introspective reflections, and varied sentence structures to the overall tone of the diary.
- Argue how these elements collectively contribute to a deeply personal and introspective tone that emphasizes Anne's resilience and determination.
- Discuss the impact of the narrative tone on readers, creating a sense of empathy and understanding towards Anne's experiences.
VI. Conclusion
- Summarize the key points discussed in the essay.
- Reiterate the thesis statement and emphasize the importance of Anne Frank's writing style in conveying complex emotions and shaping the tone of "The Diary of a Young Girl."
- Highlight the lasting impact of the book in providing powerful insights into the human experience during times of adversity.
Note: Your essay must include Supporting Evidence from the Text in each body paragraph.
- Provide direct quotes from the diary that exemplify the use of vivid language, introspective reflections, and varied sentence structures.
- Explain how each quote demonstrates the author's unique writing style and its impact on the reader's understanding and emotional engagement.