Guidelines on essay writing using the AEC (Assertion, Evidence, Commentary) format
answer should use the following formula (Assertion, Evidence, Commentary). -First, make an assertion (a statement in your own words that posits the point you want to make). This can be 1-2 sentences. – -Then, cite from the text a quote that supports your assertion. Quotes must have proper MLA in-text citations which is author’s last name and page number. Ex. “Stand up, children” (Sophocles 711). If author is unknown use the title of the text; i.e.. (Gilgamesh 105). – -Finally, justify the quote by explaining in your own words how it supports the assertion. This should be at least two sentences. Here is an example of what an answer might look like if the question were as follows: Example Question: As is common in many ancient epics, women play an extremely important role in the development of plot and in shaping the actions of the male characters. Give one example of an important female role in The Epic of Gilgamesh. Example Answer: Although a minor character in the story, the prostitute Shamhat plays a very important role in the epic tale. They ask her to give of herself to tame the wild beast Enkidu and she does so without hesitation. The hunter take Shamhat to Enkidu and tells her to “open your embrace, open your embrace, let him take your charms!” (Gilgamesh 103). By doing so, she tames Enkidu. As a result, the wild beasts no longer welcome him and he must then turn to Gilgamesh as a friend. Thus, Shamhat’s actions set-up the action for the rest of the epic tale. 1. Humanists did not reject Christian traditions but were more focused on the material world and human potential in this lifetime rather than a Christian afterlife. Examine how this is shown through the works of Petrarch, Machiavelli, or Rabelais. 2. Fortune is compared to a woman in Machiavelli’s The Prince. He says that she plays only half a role in a leader’s success or failure, while the other half remains in the ruler’s hands. Examine how this is shown through the section titled Fortune is a Woman. 3. Don Quixote is a picaresque story. This means that the world is shown more with caricatures, comic episodes, and graphic depictions of suffering. Explain how this is shown throughout the story. 4. Don Quixote and Sancho are foil characters. They are the complete opposites of one another and, because of this, they complement each other (work well together). Give an example from the text that demonstrates how they are opposites and complement each other. Short Essay. Your essay should be 1 1/2 to 2 pages, typed, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt Font. 5. Required: Write an essay that explores how social context influences an author’s work. In other words, how do the real-world political, religious, or social events taking place and/or the author’s own political, religious, or social viewpoint affect the story and message of a literary work. You may discuss as few or as many of the selections read throughout this course, but you must include at least three citations from the text. Write your essay using the same AEC (Assertion, Evidence, Commentary) format as you have used for the other questions. Make sure to include transitions between examples (Another example, In addition, Furthermore) so that your essay flows properly