I have a summer reading assignment for the high school I am going to be attending. I am reading Lord of the Flies, and I have to write a 4-essay paragraph on it. They are very specific about what they want on the essay. I already have two paragraphs done, however I am stumped on what to write on the third one. It asks "What statement does this book make about youth/young people?" I want to say it has something to do with how the boys who are stranded on the island are young, and how throughly the book they make a startling transition from civilization to pure savagery. I am extremely confused though. If you can help me with this, it would be great! Thank you.

Actually, I think I got the hang of it. Nevermind. :-)

Good for you, to figure this out on your own! You'll be a stronger student by learning how to read and follow your assignments' directions.

=)

Certainly! It sounds like you already have a good understanding of the theme you want to explore in your essay, which is the transition from civilization to savagery among the young boys in Lord of the Flies. To help you develop your third paragraph, I'll provide a step-by-step guide on how to approach this question and gather the necessary evidence to support your statement.

1. Start by revisiting the specific moments in the book that depict the transition from civilization to savagery. Look for scenes where the boys' behavior and actions progressively devolve into more violent and brutal actions.

2. Once you have identified the key scenes, pay attention to how youth and young people are portrayed in those moments. Consider how age and societal norms influence their behavior and choices throughout the story.

3. Extract specific quotes or examples from the book that can serve as evidence to support your statement. These should clearly showcase the shift from civilized behavior to savagery as it pertains to the youth characters.

4. Reflect on the implications of this transition and what it might suggest about youth and young people in general. Consider themes such as the loss of innocence, the influence of peer pressure, the absence of authority figures, or the inherent capacity for both good and evil within humanity.

5. Use these insights to craft your third paragraph. Start with a clear topic sentence that states your main argument about what statement the book makes regarding youth/young people. Then, present your evidence from the book, providing direct quotes or examples to support your argument. Finally, offer your interpretation of the evidence, explaining how it reinforces your initial statement.

Remember to link your ideas coherently and use proper paragraph structure, including topic sentences and concluding statements, to ensure your essay flows logically and effectively conveys your thoughts. Good luck with your essay!