Description
It can be on a topic covered in the one of the essays we’ver read this quarter, or it can be one of your own choosing. However, this assignment specifically asks that you do *not* write a ‘research paper’-type topic, or one of the ‘war horse’ subjects that can be so hard to do well: abortion, death penalty, etc.
Your essay does not need to create a fire-eating conflict, either; take ‘argument’ in a more Aristotelian definition, as a reasoned debate working for the pursuit of truth. Remember, there are plenty of issues that deserve more exploration of truth–they’re not all gigantic!
You Are Not Required to Do Research for this Essay, btw–but– if you use any reference material in your essay from sources other than your own experience–i.e, quotes, research, statistics, or even film references and reviews, you need to use MLA 8 form to correctly cite the origin of the material.
Now, back to the writing prompts…
For Those of you Who Hate Coming Up With Your Own Subjects…
…my offer is to consider all the essays we’ve read in class–the textbook pieces assigned throughout the quarter, or the pieces attached to the module.
If you read anything assigned has really got you thinking, if our discussion had you wishing you could go into more depth about ideas you developed about a particular subject, or if you think you have a worthwhile response to one of the authors (and that can be for or against their stand) here’s your chance.
If you go for this latter point-by-point analysis and argument with the essay, make sure to build your case in rhetorical terms: cite the author’s thesis, the supporting evidence used, and perhaps the quality of it, strategy and tone–and use those aspects as the springboard for your own responses.
Write your essay using as much reasoning and support from your own thoughts as possible; use research if you feel it is necessary to help establish credibility or to back up your point with more than your own reasoning and experience.
If You Absolutely Are Not Inspired By Any of the Topics We’ve Read About and Want to Write on a Topic of Your Own Choosing,
you may! However, make sure it’s narrow, has a clear thesis, and is not covered to death already by the media. You may want to run it by me before you begin writing.
Perceive of an audience you sufficiently respect, but who you suddenly discover disagrees with you on a subject that you care strongly about. This could be anything: girls playing on school football teams, the validity of mixed martial arts as a sport, vegetarianism, joining the military, cosmetic surgery, whatever. I only ask that you stay away from the ‘war horse’ topics, like the death penalty and abortion, as those are very hard to deal with well in a fresh way, and in a short essay (and despite what it may feel like, 3-5 pages is a short essay!) Also make sure you have something that is really arguable: most people do know that smoking is bad for them, so it’s probably not necessary to argue that; similarly, people know they need to exercise and lose weight. Is it possible to make that fresh? If you choose a subject that is essentially culturally accepted already, such as these I’ve just mentioned, your thesis needs to have fresh or a specific angle that you can discuss in detail, and with some authority. If you have any questions about the arguability of a topic, ask me.
So–choose your topic and write an essay explaining the wisdom of your position with an intent to change the mind of the reader, and to fairly challenge whatever stand they hold. You are welcome to use whatever style and tone you want, and you can get satiric or heated if it seems acceptable, but remember, I’m asking that you provide support for your position, not simply an attack on someone else’s.
As you proofread your final draft for this assignment, ask yourself:
Is the subject focused and the thesis clear?
Does the discussion define its ideas thoroughly enough for readers who might not have had the same experiences?
Does the essay go into enough supporting explanation for readers to see what you want them to see, or at least have a new perspective, if this will be unfamiliar to them?
Is the tone and approach of this piece consistent with your purpose and goals?
Are references to outside sources and research correctly documented, in MLA citation form, and with a Works Cited page?
As always, let me know if questions arise.