30 Nov The final essay will require you to summarize the chosen essay (see options below), identify the authors point of view (argument/thesis), describe a writing strategy that the author u

English Composition

Assignment #1:

This is the first step in developing your final essay (due Week 3). 

The final essay will require you to summarize the chosen essay (see options below), identify the author’s point of view (argument/thesis), describe a writing strategy that the author uses and state whether it is effective or not and why. You must include examples by quoting the original text. This analysis should be written in 3rd person point of view.

In addition, you will compose a response to the essay, an Author’s Response (you are the author). In your response, you will state your position on the topic and whether you agree with argument or not.  You will find one source that is related to the topic, that provides additional perspective that can support your position whether it be the same point of view as the essay or an opposing view.  You must include either a direct quote or paraphrase from the resource you have found in your research.  The Author’s Response can be written in 1st person point of view.

1. Select one of the following three articles as the topic of your essay: 

· "Our Blind Spot About Guns", Nicholas Kristof, p. 177

· "Representation of Disney Princesses in the Media," Isabelle Gill, p. 759

· "Outbreak of the Irrational, Sarah Dzubay," p. 825

Worksheet Questions 

· Week 1 Worksheet Proposal Document

· Week 1 Writing Assignment Example

· What is the title and author of your selected essay?

· What is the topic of the essay?

· What is the author’s argument on the topic?

· What evidence does the author use to present their point of view?

· Identify one writing strategy (rhetorical mode) the author uses to make their argument?

· What is your position on the topic? 

· Do you agree or disagree with author?  Why?

· What would you do differently if you were to present this argument?  (Describe specific elements)

· Describe reasons why someone might disagree with the author’s stance?

· Consider audience: Who would benefit from reading this?

· Now compose your thesis statement (main idea) by following this formula:

· THESIS:  Title of Essay____________ Author’s name____________ Insert verb____________ (argues, advocates, shines a light on) Topic_____________ and Author’s position or main point.

Assignment #2:

For your initial post:

Paragraph 1  

· Identify the essay by author and title.

· Revise your thesis statement (Main idea in one or two sentences) from your Week 1 Assignment Thesis statement elements: Author’s stance- strategies author uses to support their position, the success or failure of making the point.

· Share some comments about that thesis and the feedback you received on your Week 1 Assigment.

Paragraph 2

· Compose an introduction to your essay. This should include an introduction of the topic of the essay, a summary, and an overview of the author’s stance.

· Include a revised thesis statement. Note:  In early college classes such as this, thesis statements  generally are the last sentence of the introduction.

Your initial post should contain a minimum word count of 200 words. Review an example post here:  Week 2 Discussion Example

 

Assignment #3:

Sentence and Paragraph Outlines

For this assignment you will create TWO Outlines: a sentence outline and then you will expand the sentences into paragraphs to create a Paragraph outline, which is similar to a preliminary draft of the essay. It includes key paragraphs that will help build the final essay due in Week 3.

Review the grading rubric here;: Week Two Outline Rubric.pdf  

 Sentence Outline

1. Thesis sentence (main idea)

2. Summary sentence

3. Introduction of author’s evidence (quote)

4. Introduction of author’s writing strategy (quote)

Your Response to the Author and Position on the Topic

5. Introduction of why you agree or disagree

6. Introduce a source from library that supports your view

7. Describe the author's audience and a possible opposing view

8. Conclusion (summarize main points of essay and your response)

Paragraph Outline

This section requires 8 paragraphs. Each paragraph should be 5-8 sentences. 

1. Introduction and end with the thesis sentence (main idea) from above

2. A full summary of the article

3. Analyze what evidence the author makes his or her point. Use a quote.

4. Analyze what rhetorical mode or strategy—description, compare and contrast, definition, cause and effect—uses and how this supports his or her message.

Your Response to the Author and Position on the Topic

5. Present your viewpoint and evidence that supports it.

6. Introduce a source from the library that supports your view. Respond to it.

7. Describe the author's audience and one possible opposing point. Counterargue that point.

8. Conclude the essay and why others should adopt your view.

Assignment #4:

Approaching Evaluative Essays: Topic, Thesis, and Introductions

In Week 1, you selected an essay from the textbook and analyzed it using the worksheet. Now you will revise your ideas based on your instructor's feedback and share some of these ideas with your peers and receive additional feedback and support. 

For your initial post:

Paragraph 1  

· Identify the essay by author and title.

· Revise your thesis statement (Main idea in one or two sentences) from your Week 1 Assignment Thesis statement elements: Author’s stance- strategies author uses to support their position, the success or failure of making the point.

· Share some comments about that thesis and the feedback you received on your Week 1 Assignment.

Paragraph 2

· Compose an introduction to your essay. This should include an introduction of the topic of the essay, a summary, and an overview of the author’s stance.

· Include a revised thesis statement. Note:  In early college classes such as this, thesis statements  generally are the last sentence of the introduction.

Your initial post should contain a minimum word count of 200 words. Review an example post here:  Week 2 Discussion Example