WRD

English 102

Fall 2020

Essay 1 Summary – 13th

The Essay Assignment Write an essay of about 1500 words that summarizes Ava DuVernay’s documentary film 13th.

 Use quotation, but don’t overuse it – no more than about 15% (about 225) of your essay’s words

 Assume that your reader has not seen the film.

 Do not use, cite or refer to any source other than the film itself.

 Distinguish between facts the film presents and the argument it makes about the origins, causes, characteristics, consequences and future of mass incarceration in the U.S.

How to cite the film and format your essay When you quote a speaker from the film, include the speaker’s name and the approximate time in parentheses. Use MLA style for in-text citation and your Works Cited list. All drafts should be formatted double-spaced, in 12-point type with 1-inch page margins. Include a word count on the last page.

Submitting your work

All assignments should be shared with me on Google Docs when complete. Share your document with access

to comment. Give your document a file name that identifies the assignment and includes your surname (for

example “Mendoza-Essay 1 outline”).

Resources and handouts you will need:

 For help finding details within the film see the Chronology of Topics and Themes in 13 th

.

 For help identifying speakers in the film see the Guide to Faces and Names in 13 th

.

 For help on citation, see How to – Creating a Works Cited for an Online Film

 On summary essays, see How to Write a Summary Essay

 On outlines, see the handouts What is an outline? and How to create an outline

 This assignment document, in downloadable PDF format

Due Dates

Fri Oct. 9 by midnight Formal outline due (5% of essay grade)

To receive full credit, your outline must

include an appropriate thesis statement

use declarative sentences for each heading and subordinate idea in the outline

follow a logical pattern of organization

Thu Oct. 15 by midnight Full draft (5% of essay grade)

To receive full credit, your draft should

be a complete draft – with introductory paragraph and ion

be written in complete sentences and paragraphs

use quotation as needed

an MLA-style Works Cited and in-text citation that names the speaker of words quoted.

Tue Oct. 20 by midnight Final draft (don’t forget in-text citation and the revised Works Cited!)