first draft

Final Draft Due: Sunday, 9/29

The Assignment: For Essay #1, you are to choose a concept that was raised in one of our readings (“Sorry, but I am too busy to talk to you right now….”, “Instead of School Supplies, this year I’m shopping….”, “Things are changing so fast: The benefits and dangers of robots….” “Why are kids injured more often in sports?”) or find an article of your own from the Norton Reader textbook. Then, explain the concept and explore its implications. The central question that you should be addressing is “What is X?” The thesis of your paper is the answer to that question (just like in Exercise 3 where you created a “working thesis”). This may seem simple, but here’s the catch: the thesis should change significantly from the beginning of the paper to its end. In other words, based on the exploration of the concept that you do in your paper, your initial “hypothesis” (the answer to the question “What is X?”) will be considerably altered.

Start by explaining – defining – your concept. You might go to the dictionary to help you, but resist the temptation to go there first; instead, brainstorm on your own for a while (remember Exercise 1). You might offer a dictionary-like definition (but not one actually from the dictionary), but move quickly beyond it. Consider if a metaphor or a narrative/story or an illustration will help you to explain what your concept is.

Then, try to come up with a specific example of your concept that makes the definition a little bit more complex. [For instance, if your concept is “community,” and one of the aspects of community that you discuss is the face-to-face interaction of people, then also consider virtual communities – online communities that have no face-to-face interaction. What happens to your conception of “community,” then? What do we learn about the conventional (“normal”) community if we think about how its characteristics do not apply online? Notice, from this example, that concepts have a tendency to expand and mean more over time. They also differ given particular perspectives or points of view.]

Hints:

· Not everything is a concept. A concept is a thought or an idea. It is a notion, something you hold in your head. It is not a “thing.” Examples of a concept are: love, humor, right and wrong

· When explaining your concept, you might choose to summarize that part of the source material that helps you to define it. Remember that you must attribute your source material – direct quotations, paraphrases, references, and ideas. This can be introducing the quote/idea by telling me who said it and where they said it, or full MLA citations. Assuming that you use sources, remember to include a works cited page. We will discuss basic citations for essays before the final draft is due.

· Remember that your thesis should change. This does not mean, however, that you should arrive at the opposite or even necessarily an “opposing” conclusion, but rather that your first explanation of the concept becomes more complex as you analyze it.

· In order to better define and then explore your concept, consider the following questions:

What is it? (Definition)

Into what category can its parts be arranged? (Classification)

How is it like or unlike other related things/concepts? (Compare/Contrast)

How does it happen? (Process)

What are some typical cases or original examples of it? (Illustration)

What caused or causes it? What are its effects? (Cause/Effect)

· If you get stuck, try asking others (friends, family, fellow students) what they think about your concept. It’s possible that they feel differently about it. They might give you another avenue to explore.

· Remember you can use “the method” to assist you in the brainstorming or pre-writing process.

Assessment Criteria:

· Present a thesis statement that explains a concept.

· Develop that thesis statement so that it changes over the course of your paper.

· Provide logical, convincing evidence that “proves” (makes plausible) your thesis and shows its development.

· Employ a logical and effective organizational structure – well developed paragraphs and smooth transitions.

· Be free of grammatical and mechanical errors that affect readability.

· Use MLA format, if needed.