i have to write an evaluative essay on a work of literature. i have chosen Hiroshima; The Noiseless Flash.

in this essay i will write my own statement about the value of a work of literature ( ? ) and then provide reasons why your evalutation is correct and evidence to suport those reasons.
i don't really understand what i have to write. what does it mean "statement about a value of work.."

my prewriting exercise says
firste: take notes about points that strike you, and flag quotes you think are significant...i don't get it. i've read the story..but what exactly am i suppose to write at this part..anything that catches my attention? i think this is confusing me because i don't even know what my overall essay is supose to be about ( what i tought of the story? my opinion?)

my second exercse says: write two quick paragraphs or a list about your work. put your opinion of the work firt and then add specific reasons why you feel the way you do.

please help me better understand my task and what i have to do

thank you for your opinions

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/literature.htm

Scroll down almost to the bottom of the webpage, and find the paragraph that starts, "In the section called 'Evaluative Essays,' ..."

Click on the link for the essay on "Kubla Khan" and read it. Then click on the Archive of Students' Sample Papers. These will give you an excellent idea of what to do.

The value of a piece of literature is in how you react to it, as well as what other people think about it.

thank you Writeacher

You're very welcome!

In an evaluative essay on a work of literature such as "Hiroshima: The Noiseless Flash," you are expected to provide your own statement about the value of the literary work. This means expressing your opinion on the significance, worth, or importance of the book. Your statement should reflect your overall evaluation of the work, whether it be positive or negative.

To begin your prewriting exercise, you can take notes about points that struck you while reading the story. These can include themes, characters, writing style, or any elements that stood out to you. Additionally, flagging quotes that you find significant can help you later when providing evidence to support your evaluation. Essentially, this step is about identifying the components that caught your attention and made an impact on you.

Regarding your confusion about what your overall essay is supposed to be about, it is essential to develop a clear thesis statement that articulates your opinion on the value of the work. Your thesis statement could be a concise statement of your evaluation, for example: "Hiroshima: The Noiseless Flash is a thought-provoking and poignant work that illuminates the devastating impact of the atomic bombing." This thesis statement will guide your entire essay and help you stay focused on supporting your evaluation throughout.

The second exercise you mentioned involves writing two quick paragraphs or a list about the work. It suggests starting with your opinion of the work, which should align with your thesis statement. Then, you can provide specific reasons why you feel that way. Think about the elements of the story that influenced your opinion. For example, you could mention the author's skillful storytelling, the emotional impact of the personal narratives, or the historical importance of shedding light on the atomic bombing. Try to expand on these reasons with supporting evidence from the text, such as quotes or specific examples.

Remember, in an evaluative essay, it is crucial to provide a well-supported argument for your evaluation. Your evidence should be closely connected to the aspects of the work that you find valuable or significant based on your initial impression. By following these steps, you can better understand your task and successfully write your evaluative essay on "Hiroshima: The Noiseless Flash."