Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the story over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Consider the attention Mrs. Jones pays to Roger’s unwashed face and uncombed hair.

• What does personal hygiene illustrate or symbolize in the story? (topic sentence)
• Identify three passages involving Roger’s hygiene and discuss these with reference to your topic sentence.
• Finally, use your concluding sentence or sentences to state what the story’s emphasis on hygiene suggests about The Importance of Personal Responsibility.

2. Consider Mrs. Jones’s work as a beautician.

• How does the story depict Mrs. Jones’s work? (topic sentence)
• Identify three passages involving Mrs. Jones’s work or socioeconomic status and discuss them with reference to your topic sentence.
• Finally, use your concluding sentence or sentences to discuss how Mrs. Jones’s work reflects the story’s interest in Reclaiming the American Dream.

3. Consider Hughes’s depiction of Mrs. Jones.

• How do Roger’s impressions of Mrs. Jones change as the story progresses? (topic sentence)
• Identify three passages describing or evoking Mrs.