outline for English 102

English 102

Essay I

Assignment

Texts:

“How My Illiterate Grandmother Raised an Educated Black Man” by Terrell Jermaine Starr

“Only Daughter” by Sandra Cisneros

Topic:

In this first section of class, we have read and discussed a couple of articles that explore the effect our families’, and communities we belong to guide our upbringing and the values we gain (codes/morals, also traits/characteristics may apply). Through the course of life, many individuals, both family and not, have the potential to guide us and influence who we become. There may also be an activity or hobby that speaks to us that we become passionate about, and in turn shapes who we are and our values. It is also valuable to consider within what ‘communities’ do we make contact with these people of activities of influence. Think back upon your experiences that brought you to this point, and identify an individual (or an activity/hobby, perhaps even an event) that has had a great impact upon your life and who you are today. It is best to focus on a single person (or activity/event), and to highlight multiple ways they influenced your values. Two BP’s should highlight specific values that you gained from this ‘influencer’. One BP should identify and consider the role (influence) a ‘community’ had on either your ‘influencer’ or on your ‘values gained’. Be careful while planning and avoid creating too broad or story-like essays. This first essay is about establishing a strong approach to essay and paragraph structure (5 Paragraph Structure, PIES for BP’s); an essay built around a specific thesis and paragraphs that have a clearly developed main points.

Direction:

After choosing a person or activity of influence to focus your essay on, identify and create a clear thesis for the paper. The thesis should be a specific statement on the influence or effect this person had on you (it could also characterize the set of values you gained). From this point, you should build 2 support paragraphs focused around the qualities/values this person or activity/hobby instilled in you. A third support paragraph should analyze or consider how a ‘community’ influenced the experience you had, what you learned, and/or how you applied it. It is ok to build paragraphs from the perspective of what you learned (the values you gained) from this person/experience and community. Whatever your approach, be sure to build paragraphs that are focused on a single idea that is specific. Avoid falling prey to the “story” essay or creating a paper that is too broad and general.

Requirements:

· Essay must be 3 pages minimum, and no more than 4.

· Essay I should follow a 5 paragraph format

· Essay should follow MLA format.

· Pay close attention to essay and paragraph structure.

· Outline due the end of Wednesday, Apr. 4th. Rough Draft due on Monday, Apr. 9th, and final due on Wednesday, Apr. 11th.