Beloved Essay

Use evidence from Beloved, by Toni Morrison, to respond to the AP prompt below:

Writing Prompt:

In many works of fiction, houses take on symbolic importance. Such houses may be literal houses or

unconventional ones (e.g., hotels, hospitals, monasteries, or boats).

In a well-written essay, analyze how the symbolism behind House 124 in Toni Morrisons Beloved

contributes to an interpretation of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.

(2021, College Board)

DOS AND DONTS:

DOS:

DON’TS:

1. The first thing that you should do is to carefully read the

question. Before writing an answer, the second thing you

should do is read the question, and the third thing you

should do is read the question. Be sure that you answer the

question that is asked and only that question, and that you

answer all parts of it.

2. Briefly outline the answer to avoid confusion and

disorganization. Pay close attention to the verbs used in

the directions (such as describe, explain, compare,

give evidence for, etc.) and be sure to follow those

directions. Thinking ahead helps to avoid scratch outs,

astrices, skipping around, and rambling.

3. Write clearly and neatly so as not to antagonize or

confuse your reader with lousy penmanship.

4. If you cannot remember a word exactly, take a shot at

itget as close as you can. Even if you don’t remember the

name for a concept, describe the concept.

5. Do refer to very specific moments in the text. Let your

1. Don’t waste time on background information or a long

introduction. Respond to the prompt — dont rewrite it!!

And on that note, remember that its a prompt, not a

question. You are not answering a question; youre letting

the prompt lead you to a claim.

2. Don’t ramble–get to the point.

3. Don’t spend too much time outlining the essay. Your

outline wont be graded.

4. Don’t worry about spelling every word perfectly. It is

important for you to know, however, very poor spelling,

lousy grammar, and unreadable handwriting can hurt

your chances.reader know that you have absolute command of the text

you are addressing. You need not quote, but you most

definitely can and should paraphrase and/or briefly refer

to a moment in the text.

6. Diversify your sentence structure. Prove to your reader

that you know how to put together a coherent sentence

and that you understand that a paragraph is a complete

unit of thought. Let one thought naturally flow into the

next. You know how to do this. YOU KNOW HOW TO DO THIS