How to Write an Essay on "The Giver"

You, too, can write an essay on "The Giver."

"The Giver" is Lois Lowry's novel about a boy's journey through a world that appears to be a utopia, but this life could not be farther from it. "The Giver" is a commonly assigned novel for K-12 students to read, particularly for junior high students; therefore, students will likely be assigned an essay on "The Giver." A little organization is all you need to write an essay on this novel.

Instructions

1. Select a topic for your essay if you have not already been assigned one. For instance, you could write an essay on the novel's theme of memories.

2. Write your first paragraph, which should be an introductory statement to your essay. Conclude your paragraph with a thesis statement, which is a sentence that tells your reader what you are trying to show through your essay. If your topic was on memories as the novel's theme, your thesis might be: "It seems the reader is being led to the conclusion that memories are necessary for happiness, as evidenced by the protagonist's own distinct happiness as the only person in the Sameness society with memories, his desire to have meaningful relationships with others, and the consequences of those meaningful relationships."

3. Write your first paragraph, which should focus on your first point or piece of evidence you are using to support your thesis. For example, if you were writing on memories, your first paragraph might discuss the significance of the correlation between the protagonist's ability to retain memories and the fact that he is one of the few characters in the novel who is able to feel happiness.

4. Write your second paragraph, which should focus on your second point or piece of evidence you are using to support your thesis. For example, if you were writing on memories, your second paragraph might discuss the protagonist's search for meaningful relationships, which is a direct result of his ability to feel happiness.

5. Write your third paragraph, which should focus on your third point or piece of evidence you are using to support your thesis. For example, if you were writing on memories, your third paragraph might discuss the consequences of the relationships the protagonist has, such as his relationship with Gabriel and his desire to save him.

6. Write your last paragraph, which will be the conclusion of your entire paper. This paragraph should summarize the points you proved in your paper and that supported your thesis statement.

References

• MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers: 7th Edition; New York; 2009