The Expository Essay
This first major assignment is designed to allow you to experiment with essay structure and language in a fairly low-key setting. The topics range from the serious to the silly, but they do not require research. Thus, your focus is developing a thesis, developing arguments, experimenting with syntax and diction, coming to understand the importance of definition, constructing effective introductions and conclusions, and achieving a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Expectations include the use of opposing arguments, comparison, syntactic patterning, transition, and persuasion. The paper will be argued in the third person, but you may (if you wish) include first person examples and anecdotes. The average length of these papers is about 700 words – not a huge amount. You are not permitted to go above 800 and it would not be wise to slip below 600.
Topics are “In Praise of ______” or “Against ______”. This means that you are writing a piece designed not only to amuse and/or engage, but also to persuade. A title is expected. More expectations will follow.
Topics:
In Praise of: shoes, hands, walking, dogs, ice cream, silence, winter, scary movies, Canada’s Wonderland, beautiful bodily noises, grandparents, kitchens, power failures, the common cold, lions and tigers and bears (all three), stuffed animals, soap operas, Bollywood, Yonge Street, letter writing, chocolate, lockers, playing with toys, failure, kites, whistling, pencils, getting lost, snowstorms, sleeping in, commercials, being short, hair, darkness, swearing, slang.
Against: exercise, pets, knapsacks, politeness, organized sport, walking, cell phones, “cool”, grammar and/or spelling, “brand name” clothing, music, guests, summer, being tall, e-mail and chat, vegetables, elevators, beaches, closets, happy faces, sympathy, ketchup, friends, the Eaton Center (and other malls), babies, tattoos and piercings (topic only available to those who have one), winning, Valentine’s/Mothers’/ Fathers’ Day, prayer, honesty, convenience stores, remote controls.
No more than 3 students may choose the same topic.
You must present at least two arguments that are “pro” your subject/thesis. You may have more. However, the topic list should send a clear message that you are expected to do some original thinking, so quality rather than quantity is the rule.
Due date: To be announced, but it will be before the March break and you will have other assignments, so start thinking.