The Alchemist Paper Guidelines

QUOTATION DUE Tuesday, 3/22/11

PAPER DUE Wednesday, 3/30/11

Assignment:
Write a two-page essay that develops an interesting, insightful, tightly focused argument
that engages a quotation from The Alchemist. Your essay should provide the reader with clear
support and argumentation that fully justifies your conclusions.

What it’s about:

Choose a quotation from The Alchemist that you feel strongly about. That is, a quotation
that you have an opinion about, whether you agree or disagree with it. In your paper, defend
your opinion using at least three SPECIFIC examples from the text and at least one example
from your personal experience as a human being.
Do not simply repeat what I said in lecture or class. I already know what I said in class;
I’m the one who said it. I want to hear what you think and what your ideas are. Feel free,
however, to take something we said in class and expand on it, using your own reading or
experience for support.

How to get started:

 Go back to your dialectical journals, study questions, and notes. Find the point in the
reading that engaged you the most.
 When you’ve found that point, ask yourself whether it’s simply a statement of fact or if it
presents an opinion. The quotation you choose should present an opinion that you either
strongly agree or disagree with.
o Keep thinking along this point until you can formulate an argument that provides
some commentary or opinion.
 Ask yourself two vital questions:
o What is my argument?
o Why is it important?
 Finally, ask yourself, “is this an argument I can make in two pages?” If not, narrow your
focus.
Tips:
 Write in a style and voice that is easy, natural, and clear. You’re not a 17th century
scholar; don’t try to sound like one.
 Present your argument in clear, coherent order. Don’t jump from point to point without
telling your audience (me) where you’re going.
 Your essay should be individual but not personal. You might think that The Alchemist is
the worst book ever written and that Paulo Coelho is an idiot, but I don’t care. A good
paper will explore why your opinion is important.
Format:
 Cover page: Title, name, class period, date
 2 pages
 Typed, double spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman
 1-inch margins (most computers do not have this as the default, so make sure you
check)

Quotation Due Date: Tuesday, 3/22/11

 Quotation and page number(s)
 What is your argument? One (good) sentence.
 Why is it important? Two (good) sentences.