Introduction to College Reading and Composition II (ENGL 060)
Essay #4 Assignment Sheet
Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to give you the opportunity to write a developed essay comparing two articles on a topic.
Rough Draft Due Date: Monday, March 28th
Final Draft Due Date: Monday, April 4th
Required Reading: “How Boys Become Men” by Jon Katz
“Those Who Live in Glass Houses” by William Moller
The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore – chapters 1-4
Topic:
Both Jon Katz and William Moller address, in different contexts, some of the pressures that affect the behaviors of boys and men on the one hand, and star athletes on the other. To what extent do you agree with, or disagree with their analysis of why individuals act the way they do in certain situations? Think about the two different life stories that are unfolding in the The Other Wes Moore. Which essay do you think provides an argument that can be applied in some way to one (or both) of the Wes Moores in the book. In other words, which essay provides an explanation that can help to explain or provide insight into some of the actions or decisions either Wes Moore takes?
Format Requirements: This essay should be four pages in length (six well-developed paragraphs). Follow the following format:
Name:
Date:
ENGL 060
Essay #4
How to Format Your Essay (Make sure your essay has a title)
When you write your essays, you must indent each paragraph and double-space the lines. You should, of course, use a 12 pt. Times New Roman font and set your margins to one inch.
Reminder:
If you are having difficulty with any stage of this assignment, please come see me during my office hours or go to the Academic Support Center (Somerset S020). If you go to the Academic Support Center, please bring a copy of this assignment and your notes.
Introduction to College Reading and Composition II
Essay #4 Planning Sheet
Directions:
Use this sheet to help you through the process of writing your essay.
Stage 1 Pre-prewriting What questions do you have about the assignment? Write your
question(s) and then the answer(s). If there are no questions, write that you did not have questions. DO THIS ON THE TOP OF THE REFLECTION SHEET.
Stage 2 Prewriting Begin to explore the topic of your essay by freewriting, brainstorming, using Inspiration or doing anything else that will help you generate ideas.
Stage 3: Outlining Write out an outline.
I. Paragraph #1 Introduction
Write two to three sentences summarizing Katz’s or Moller’s essay. Write two to three sentences summarizing The Other Wes Moore. Then, write a thesis statement evaluating how the essay applies to the book the Other Wes Moore. Working thesis template: [Author] provides insight into the decisions and actions made by [Wes Moore – or the other Wes Moore] because {reason 1} and {reason 2}. [The blanks should contain reasons, not merely words.]
II. Paragraph #2: This paragraph should be approximately 7 sentences and focus on one point from {Author – Katz or Moller’s] argument that relates the The Other Wes Moore in some way {reason1}. Use more than one example. Use at least one direct quote from Katz or Moller.
III. Paragraph #3: This paragraph should be approximately 7 sentences and focus on how the idea(s) from reason #1 is evident in the book, The Other Wes Moore. Use more than one example. Use at least one direct quote from The Other Wes Moore.
IV. Paragraph #4: This paragraph should be approximately 7 sentences and focus on one point from {Author – Katz or Moller’s] argument that relates the The Other Wes Moore in some way {reason2}. Use more than one example. Use at least one direct quote from Katz or Moller
V. Paragraph #5: This paragraph should be approximately 7 sentences and focus on how the idea(s) from reason #1 is evident in the book, The Other Wes Moore. Use more than one example. Use at least one direct quote from The Other Wes Moore.
VI. Paragraph #6 Conclusion
Re-state the thesis. Use one of the conclusion-writing strategies we learned in class.
Stage 4: Drafting Write a rough draft of your essay.
Stage 5: Revising Read your essay and check to make sure it is clear. Do you clearly state your thesis – how the ideas from the essay you chose relate or apply to the book? Do your ideas flow between each paragraph? Does the order of the paragraphs make sense? What ideas or evidence might need to be added? Do you have direct quotes from both the essay and the book? Is there anything that might need to be taken out?
Stage 6: Editing Check over your sentence structure. Proofread for fragments, run-ons, shifting tense, and spelling errors. This may happen before, after, and/or during stage 7.
Stage 7: Writing the Final Draft Write the final draft of your essay.
Stage 8: Reflecting on your Essay Complete the Reflection Sheet for this essay.
Stage 9: Submitting your Essay Remember to submit your essays with all of the supporting documents.
· Pre-pre writing
· Pre-writing
· Outline
· Rough Draft
· Final Draft
· Reflection Sheet
Introduction to College Reading and Composition II
USE THIS AREA FOR YOUR PRE-PREWRITING:
Essay #4 Reflection Sheet
Directions:
After you have finished writing the final draft of your essay, answer the following questions.
1. What do you like best about the essay you wrote?
2. What was the most difficult part of writing the essay? What did you do about it?
3. What do you think this essay will reveal about (a) your strengths as a writer, and (b) the areas you need to improve?