1. The Critical Lens Essay

2. Why do we have to? Because…
In 11th Grade you will take the English Regents Exam (a really important test).
70% of your grade is based off of four essays
The Critical Lens is, perhaps, the most difficult of the four essays.
This essay is very similar to an essay format they give on the SAT.
It will count as two test grades in this class.
I said so.

3. ALWAYS READ DIRECTIONS
By golly, it’s a checklist of what I must include in my essay!
FOLLOW IT.

4. Prewriting Steps (PAL)
Paraphrase – rephrase the quote in your own words.
Agree/Disagree – decide whether you agree with the quote or disagree with the quote.
Literature – think of books, plays, or stories you have read that can support your belief or disbelief of the quote.
NOTE: For our purposes, we will ONLY be using The Odyssey, by Homer.

5. EASY ESSAY INTRO
According to Author of quote “Quote.” This means your interpretation of the quote which is your thesis. Two works that prove/disprove this quote are title of work by author of work and title of second work by author of second work.

6. Easy Intro Steps COPY THE QUOTE. USE YOUR WORDS
According to Author of quote “Quote.”
USE YOUR WORDS
This means your interpretation of the quote which is your thesis
TWO WORKS ARE (Title, Author, Genre)
Two works that prove/disprove this quote are title of work by author of work and title of second work by author of second work.

7. Remember… + =
PAL
CUT
PALCUT + = A+

8. Body Paragraphs…
Each body paragraph should supply ONE reason to support your thesis.
Each reason should be supported by specific examples.
Each paragraph should also mention a literary element (usually theme, simile, metaphor, symbols, etc)
For OUR purposes you may use:
Epic similes
Epithets
**Characteristics of an Epic Poem **
**The definition of an Epic Hero & Tragic Flaw**
**The parts of the hero’s journey (initiation, departure, return)**
NOTE: * * these terms should be defined in your study guides

9. Epithets (nicknames) for Odysseus
god-like
man of many resources
man of many turns
much-enduring
great-hearted
sacker of cities
loved of Zeus
great glory of the Achaeans
master mariner
mastermind of war
man of action
the great teller of tales
man of pain

10. “To whom much is given much is tested.”
What is Odysseus GIVEN?
How is Odysseus tested?
THESE DETAILS SHOULD FORM THE REASONS/EXAMPLES IN YOUR BODY PARAGRAPHS!

11. REMEMBER…
Always …
ask yourself: how does this paragraph support to my thesis statement?
connect all of your examples back to your thesis!
use transition words/phrases between body paragraphs!