Current Event Essay

Current Events Summary-Response-Analysis. and Works Cited

Please choose an article from an approved website (discussed in class) based on your topic and write the following essay:

This essay requires three parts that must be combined into a coherent, thoughtful essay.

 

Part One-Summary: A brief, but accurate, summary of the article you chose PLUS a context paragraph that defines and details the importance of the event to your topic AND its significance to the community (local, national, or international).

 

(See supporting documents and class notes for specific instructions on writing a summary)

 

Part Two-Response/Analysis (find a coherent and natural way to organize the following elements)

Your response to the article and the rhetorical devices. This response will be your thesis. Support your response with evidence, to include:

· Analyze the text: the strength of prose and imagery, the value of the argument. Use of logos, pathos, ethos and other rhetorical techniques. The effects of these techniques.

· Was the author successful in making/presenting his argument (which is different than AGREEING with her argument)

· What was his most powerful rhetorical device used? The least successful? Why?

· How do you feel THIS article contributes to the rhetorical discourse/conversation in the world about this topic (based on your preliminary research and understanding of your topic.

· Remember to show, don’t tell. Provide plenty of evidence from the text or video and use i ntegrated  quotes.

 

 

Your summary and response must be organically connected; that is, they should be tied together with transitions and topic sentences to form an essay, not written as two separate assignments.

 

 

Assignment Guidelines

MLA manuscript format

3-4 pages  (at least 5 paragraphs)

Grading Criteria

Accurate and complete summary: 20%

Thesis: Clear, focused, specific 20 %

Organization: Recognizable organizational plan and transitions. 20%

Evidence: Specific and relevant, 20%

Remember, ideas count, but so does presentation!

Style and Grammar: 20%

· Those intangible elements that make this essay YOU and ORIGINAL, not just a bland re-hashing of the topic.

· Plus, grammar and mechanics.

Works Cited: 25 points.

You must have a complete Works Cited in MLA FORMAT. Consult your handbook. Margins, spacing, tabs, alphabetical order, punctuation, and entry format ALL COUNT!