I Was Born Way Too Late

Coulter – English 1010 – Spring 2006

“I was born way too late.” – Essay 1 (10%) / Descriptive

We have all wondered what it would be like to live in another decade, another century, another world. In this essay, you will explore the past by placing yourself there through our trusty, hand-dandy time machine.

In an essay of at least four (4) full pages, choose a decade of the twentieth century that you most identify with, and describe what your life would be like in relation to the popular culture of that time. Within the context of popular culture, why does this particular decade fit you best? Think about how your life would be different if you were forced to live during that time.

There is no right or wrong answer, but I do expect you to write your answer well. I will be using the rubric we designed in class to grade this assignment.

Your essay should be typed in 12 pt. Times New Roman font, double-spaced, and stapled. Your paper should also have 1” margins all around and have the proper header of your name and page number. Not meeting these requirements, including the page length, will lower your grade.

Traps to avoid:

 waiting until the last minute to begin your essay

 writing about a decade you really don’t like

 talking about a decade without telling why you belong there

 relying on your reader to understand what you mean when you don’t state it clearly

Tips:

 Brainstorm, and organize.

 Go through drafts. Your first draft will never earn you the best possible grade.

 Revise. Then, edit.

 Don’t be afraid to use I, me, we, or you. These will probably be needed to write this essay well.

 Feel free to ask me questions before or after class or via e-mail.

 Be imaginative. There are many ways to write this essay.

 Don’t forget the University Writing Center. Each visit and completed self-evaluation form will earn you 2 points (with a maximum of 6 extra credit points).

 Even though you don’t have to do “research” for this essay, be sure that the examples you use from your decade of choice are accurate.

Your first draft is due on 2-2-06. Please bring three TYPED copies of your essay and your copy of HHH to class with you for the revision workshop. Coming to class unprepared will earn a quiz grade of 60. Not coming at all will earn a ZERO. It is better to come to class unprepared than not to come at all.