Comparing a Movie to the Novel Which Inspired It

FOCUS
In this essay, you will be asked to evaluate the movie version of a novel we have read in class.

INSTRUCTIONS
You should begin your brainstorming by making a T-chart. Label the left side 'Good Points' and label the right side 'Weak Points.' Begin then to fill in details which support each side with respect to the movie version. List things which the movie did well and also areas that you think were disappointing. Consider how the characters were portrayed, the visuals, the scenes which were added or which were left out, the overall effect, etc.

OUTLINE

Remember : Introduction-Body-Conclusion

Introduction
The introduction should let the reader know the focus of the essay which he or she will be reading. Here are some sample introductions. These are only samples. Talented eighth grade writers will come up with their own introductory statements.

Having recently read the novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry , I was eager to see the film verson of this story. The film (did/did not) live up to my expectations.

Although I enjoyed reading Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, I was somewhat disappointed in the movie version of this wonderful story about Cassie Logan and her family.

The movie Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, really brought Mildred Taylor's novel to life for me on the screen.

Now it is your turn. Write a good introductory statement.

Body
Here you will provide reasons to support your opinion which was set forth in the introductory statement.
When you switch from one idea to another, you must begin a new paragraph. It might be wise to start with the good points first and then move on to the disappointing aspects of the film if there are any.

Remember: new idea = new paragraph.

In order to present a thorough analysis, the body of your essay should be three to five paragraphs in length.

Conclusion
The conclusion is where you summarize or restate your position. It serves to tie up your ideas and gives a finishing touch to your paper.
Here are some samples.

It was exciting to see how the actors brought the characters and the story to life on the screen. It made some of the confusing parts of the novel much clearer. Therefore, I'd have to say that the movie was better than the book.

Because I didn't think there were any weak spots and I love movies, I preferred the movie version of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry to the novel.

As I indicated in the above paragraph, the movie left out many important episodes from the novel. It was entertaining, but overall, I feel the novel was much better than the movie.

My feeling are mixed. I really enjoyed reading the novel and picturing the people and the events in my mind. It was also fun to see the movie. I would have to say that both the novel and the film were just great.

Remember that these are just samples to guide you. Write your own conclusion.

Proofread

Revise

Publish - Remember to use the correct heading, a good title, and margins.

Read a Student Essay comparing the movie to the novel version of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. This essay is good, but it can be improved. What changes would you make in it to turn it into an A paper?

Here's a well written comparison of the movie to the novel, Good Night, Mr. Tom