How to Write an English Regents Task IV Essay

by Dominique

| Tips  | Sample Essay |

Things to remember when writing a English Regents Task IV Essay:

1. Understanding and interpreting the critical lens

   • Read the critical lens quotation carefully more than once

   • Use your own words to explain what the quotation means to you. Try to provide and explanation in a way that you can support through two works of literature that you are familiar with.

   • After developing an understanding of the quote decide whether or not you agree or disagree

   • Choose two works of literature that will support your ideas

2. Writing the Task IV Essay

   •Provide a valid interpretation of the critical lens that clearly establishes the criteria for analysis
   •Indicate whether you agree or disagree with the statement as you have interpreted it
   •Choose two works you have read that you believe best support your opinion
   •Use the criteria suggested by the critical lens to analyze the works you have chosen
   •For each work, do not summarize the plot but use specific references to appropriate literary elements (for example, theme, characterization, structure, language, point of view) to develop your analysis
   •Organize your ideas in a unified and coherent manner
   •Specify the titles and authors of the literature you choose
   •Follow the conventions of standard written English

   Sample Essay

Your Task: Write a critical essay in which you discuss two works of literature you have read from the particular perspective of the statement that is provided for you in the "critical lens". In your essay, provide a valid interpretation of the statement, agree or disagree with the statement as you have interpreted it, and support your opinion using specific references to appropriate literary elements from the two works. You may use scrape paper to plan your response.

Critical Lens: Arnold Bennett states, "Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts"

Guidelines:

•Provide a valid interpretation of the critical lens that clearly establishes the criteria for analysis
•Indicate whether you agree or disagree with the statement as you have interpreted it
•Choose two works you have read that you believe best support your opinion
•Use the criteria suggested by the critical lens to analyze the works you have chosen
•For each work, do not summarize the plot but use specific references to appropriate literary elements (for example, theme, characterization, structure, language, point of view) to develop your analysis
•Organize your ideas in a unified and coherent manner
•Specify the titles and authors of the literature you choose
•Follow the conventions of standard written English

Task IV Outline for Sample Essay

Introduction:

 (Restate quote) Arnold Bennett once said, "Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts." (Opinion) I agree wholeheartedly with this statement. (Interpretation) Change makes people uncomfortable because it disrupts the way of life they are accustomed to.  Even a change for the better removes individuals from their "comfort zones", forcing them to adjust to something new.  (Choice of works) This reaction to change is depicted in two works of literature: The Master Builder, by Henrik Ibsen and "Dead Men's Path" by Chinua Achebe.

Body Paragraph I:
The first passage-

 (Topic sentence) In The Master Builder, the protagonist, Solness becomes disturbed when he is forced to adjust to change.  (evidence 1) In particular, he is afraid of the change that will occur when the younger generation takes over the older generation, symbolized by his conflict with Ragnar.  In order to avoid this change, he keeps Ragnar, a talented upcoming architect, down by not allowing him to go out on his own to start his own business.  (evidence 2) Ibsen's characterization of Solness as a middle-aged man who is afraid of change shows his growing weakness and vulnerability, as he allows Hilda, a young woman, to gain power over his will. (evidence 3) This is an example of irony, since the title (The Master Builder) describes a person who is strong and powerful.  It is ultimately Solness' discomfort with change that leads to his downfall.

Body Paragraph II:
The second passage-

 (Topic sentence) "Dead Men's Path" by Chinua Achebe also depicts the drawbacks that may occur when people are forced to adjust to change too quickly.  (evidence 1) From the point of view of the villagers, Michael Obi's decision to close the garden path has angered the ancestors, leading to the death of a woman in childbirth. Their discomfort with this change leads them to destroy the gardens and school building. (evidence 2) This footpath is symbolic of tradition, as it has been traveled on for generation after generation. Michael Obi's decision to close it is an example of a change that disrespected years of cultural and religious belief and practice.  (evidence 3) The theme that all changes, even the most beneficial ones, take time to occur is evident from this story.  If people's way of life is disturbed too quickly, the most extreme drawbacks will take place.

Conclusion:

 In conclusion, all change creates discomfort as people must recreate their lives, adjusting to something new.  As seen from The Master Builder and "Dead Men's Path" downfalls accompany even positive changes.  Therefore, we must work slowly to create change in all things, giving time for people to adjust.