Ice On Fire

Ice on Fire Documentary

Essay Assignment Sheet

Task:

Write a scholarly analysis of the documentary Ice on Fire. Compare and contrast a theme from the documentary to a theme from at least two of the texts we have read this semester.

Criteria:

To address the task, your response should provide an analysis of theme in the documentary and compare and contrast it to the same theme in two other texts we have read throughout the semester. Do not include any outside research.

Your essay should include a minimum of three references from the primary text (the documentary) and at least two references to other texts we have already read.

Consider the impact of the narrator on the tone of the documentary. How effective is it? What theme is conveyed through the tone?
Consider the visual images and their relationship to a major theme.
Consider the relationship between the documentary and the themes and ideas we have learned from written texts in this course. Compare and contrast a theme from the documentary and at least two of the texts we have read.

Purpose:

Meeting several course objectives (from the syllabus)
Thinking critically
Forming a coherent analysis
Crafting a valid argument
Supporting stance/claims with credible evidence from primary sources.
Synthesizing themes and ideas from multiple sources.
Utilizing resources, practicing search techniques
Drafting, revising, editing/proofreading, and refining one’s writing
Managing time while executing tasks
Learning how literature and writing offer a larger message beyond the classroom

Checklist: Does your essay have…

an introduction with the thesis as the last sentence?
body paragraphs that equally cite quotes from the short story and necessary summary information?
body paragraphs with clear topic and concluding sentences that directly relate back to the thesis?
Three references from the primary text?
at least 80% of the writing that is your words and thoughts, not source material.
a formed and defended a clear message for your reader. Don’t “ride the fence.” Take a clear stance.
a polished “appearance?”
Avoid first and second person pronouns.
Avoid contractions.
Avoid unanswered rhetorical questions.
a creative title
in-text citations: each quote (from short story) is appropriately introduced and cited afterward.
a conclusion that recaps your evidence, restates your thesis (not verbatim), etc.
an MLA header (your name, my name, the course title, and the paper’s due date), top right: your last name, insert page numbers
Double-spacing
12-point Times New Roman font
One-inch margins (Don’t bother adjusting these, your computer should automatically be set here.)
a Works Cited page in MLA format
a minimum of 600 words.
Remember, there is no upper limit, but make sure your paper is focused and concise.
Note that any essay using any outside source (websites, books, etc.), cited or not, will cause you to fail the course.

Note: any plagiarized material will cause you to fail the course. If you are unsure of a source, how to cite a source, how to use a source, or how to set up with Works Cited page, ask me! There is no penalty for asking questions.

Reference the rubric to double check that you’re meeting the essay requirements!