2 pages essay

Readings:

crito by plato

Malcolm X’s April 3rd, 1964 speech The Ballot or the Bullet

Martin Luther King’s April 16th, 1963 Letter from a Birmingham Jail

1. Prepare for an essay by critically reading and thinking about the topic. Ask, what do I think about this topic and why? What are some possible essay prompts? How will I support my

thesis? What examples can I use from the readings and my own experience?

2. If you have texts that it will be based on, annotate them thoroughly. Make it easy for yourself to find the evidence you need to support your point. Make sure you can summarize the texts (main idea and key points).

3. Once you get the prompt, make sure you understand exactly what you must do to complete all aspects of the assignment successfully. If you are unclear on any points, ask.

4. Write a working thesis statement with three reasons included in

it (if possible).

Example : TOPIC Funding for public education POSSIBLE THESIS Public education should be fully funded through taxes and levees because it creates a more equal society, affords equal opportunity, and enables true democracy. The reason for including three reasons in your thesis statement is twofold: 1) it gives you a concrete map for your paper 2) if you run out of time, the instructor knows that you had a plan for a complete essay.

Note: Often you can turn the prompt into a thesis statement.

Example: PROMPT Should the Dream Act pass?

POSSIBLE THESIS The Dream Act should pass because it

rewards hard work, benefits our whole society, and shows that

America has a moral compass.

5. Write the paper, following your thesis model.

6. Look especially to revise your thesis, transitions, intro, and conclusion to make them as strong as possible, and to make your essay flow.

7. Finally, title your paper . Remember, a catchy title is the first way

to hook your reader!