ESSAY 1

Essay 1: Summary and Response

Summary and response essays require you to think critically about a text, dissect the text,

evaluate and reflect on the author’s main points and evidence, and respond to the text with your

own well-supported arguments.

For your first assignment, you will respond to Stephanie Owen and Isabell Sawhill’s “Should

Everyone Go to College?” (on D2L under “Week 2”). You will provide an account of the

authors’ arguments and supporting points. You will then respond to these points by making

connections to your chosen career field, using strong examples and credible sources to argue the

validity of a 4-year degree in your specific field. Briefly describe the counterarguments, and

conclude by reminding the audience of your main points. If you are undecided, then choose a

field that you’re considering entering. Doing so will help you choose and/or learn more about

your major.

In-text citations and a Works Cited page are required; in addition to Owen and Sawhill’s essay,

credible sources (2-4) from Opposing Viewpoints are necessary to strengthen your responses. An

outline will be provided in class so you can focus on creating strong arguments and smoothly

integrating outside sources. Prof. W. will show you how to access Opposing Viewpoints as well

as how to cite your sources, so be certain to refer to the course materials under “Content.” Use

the provided Brainstorming and Development Sheet to organize your essay; it follows a specific

outline so you can focus on developing your content and integrating sources rather than

wondering where information should be placed.

Audience: The authors of the article. You are arguing that your 4-year degree is essential despite

the authors’ points. What types of arguments can you make to help them see your side?

Keep in mind the following while writing your essay:

• Refrain from writing vague statements—stay focused and on point.

• Be specific and detailed when writing about the author’s claims when summarizing and responding.

• Examine the author’s rhetorical strategies; how can you use those strategies to prove your argument?

• Remember, you are acting as a representative of your major/career field; thus, first person pronouns should be used sparingly.

Purpose of the assignment:

• To practice integrating research to strengthen analytical thinking and confident writing

• To practice writing college-level thesis statements, topic sentences, and transitions

• To learn how to critically read and examine a text

• To help you distinguish between restating someone else’s idea and introducing your own

I will grade your essays based on the following:

• Solid thesis statement

• Organization

• Clarity and cohesion

• Ability to integrate 2-4 quality sources from Opposing Viewpoints

• Grammar and punctuation

• Ability to convey personal opinion in a thought-provoking, professional manner

• Ability to summarize and respond to the author’s main points

• Title of essay

• Meeting length requirement (850-1000 words)

• Format (MLA, 8th ed.)

Helpful Hints:

-Do not spend too much time summarizing the reading. Use the materials Prof. W. has provided

to guide you through writing this essay.

-The D2L Discussion Board (DB prompts) will also help you craft material for all of your

assignments; if you miss a DB, then you will miss out on essential brainstorming for your projects.

-Read Owen and Sawhill’s piece numerous times, and be an engaged reader (take notes, annotate,

talk to the text, etc.).

-Start early! Remember that writing is a process. Successful papers take time, effort, and multiple

drafts.

-To avoid errors, proofread a printed copy of the essay before turning in the final draft.

-Ask questions, and don’t forget to visit the UWC.

Due Dates (Failure to be prepared for class may result in an unexcused absence for the

period.):

*See course calendar for official due dates; make certain you are aware of readings, homework,

and deadlines. The assignments this semester require more self-discipline and intensive strategies

than what you experienced in English 1010.

Citation for E1’s required reading:

This piece of writing is called a brief (Prof. W. will explain this in the course videos), and most

likely it’s not a text you will often come across. Because you might not be familiar with a brief,

the citation is provided here for you (Yep, you may copy and paste it onto your Works Cited

page). We will work on citation strategies throughout the semester, and Prof. W. will show you

effective tricks and shortcuts.

Owen, Stephanie, and Isabel Sawhill. Should Everyone Go to College? Center on Children and

Families at Brookings, May 2013. https://www.brookings.edu/wp-

content/uploads/2016/06/08-should-everyone-go-to-college-owen-sawhill.pdf. #50.