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Prompt 01

Essay task

AP LiteratureCommon Core ElaGCSE

In One of Us Is Lying, Karen M. McManus uses the murder mystery framework to delve into themes of identity, secrets, and how society views individuals. Write a well-organized essay arguing that the characters' concealed secrets are more than just plot devices; they critique how high school social hierarchies pressure people to hide their true selves. Use specific examples from the novel to back up your argument, and discuss how each character's secret being revealed adds to or complicates this perspective.

Prompt 02

Essay task

AP LiteratureCommon Core ElaNgss ElaIB English

In One of Us Is Lying, Karen M. McManus employs the mystery genre to delve into themes of identity, secrets, and social perception. Write a structured argumentative essay in which you contend that the characters' concealed secrets go beyond mere plot devices and instead critique the ways high school social hierarchies compel individuals to hide their true selves.

Your essay should:

  • Introduce a clear, debatable thesis that takes a stance on how secrets and identity function thematically in the novel.
  • Support your argument with at least three pieces of textual evidence, analyzing how specific characters (e.g., Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, Cooper) utilize or are impacted by concealment.
  • Address a counterargument: consider whether the secrets are merely narrative tools used to maintain suspense, and explain why your interpretation holds more weight.
  • Conclude by linking the novel's themes to a broader understanding of authenticity, social pressure, or the consequences of self-concealment in adolescent life.

Guiding Questions to Consider Before Writing

> Length: 4–5 paragraphs (or as directed by your teacher) > Format: MLA or as assigned

  • What does each main suspect risk losing if their secret comes to light?
  • How does Simon's app, About That, act as a symbol of enforced exposure?
  • Does revealing the truth ultimately free or further harm the characters?

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