Essay

English 1B Essay #4: Theranos

   For this essay assignment, consider the importance of critical thinking in

entrepreneurial endeavors. By and large, successful and prolific companies

safeguard a certain standard of performance, care, logistics/workflow, and

consumer satisfaction.

   By now, you have realized that there were inconsistencies and flaws in all

these areas at Theranos.

   For this essay, write a comparing-contrasting essay focused on critical

thinking skills:

Problem-solving

Self-reflection

Flexibility and adaptation

Ability to analyze and conceptualize

Effective communication

Cooperative teamwork

Passion for creation and innovation

Engagement in life-long learning/ education

   Contrast (look for differences) the way a major successful company has

safeguarded its brand and the public's interest with Theranos, a defunct

medical diagnostic company founded and led by Elizabeth Holmes.

  You may also wish to compare (look for similarities) between the

companies.

Prompt Question: How has your selected company safeguarded its brand

image and customer relationships in contrast to the poor business

practices and culture that were dominant at Theranos? How was/is critical

thinking a crucial part of the company's culture or lacking in the company

culture (Theranos)?

Value: 20% of overall

grade

NOTE CAREFULLY: Vague, overly general responses to the

prompt will receive low scores. High-scoring essays must

provide specific and relevant details.

Requirements:

Five pages (double-spaced, TNR 12-point font)

MLA style

Thesis-driven

Respond to the prompts and address the use/ lack of critical thinking skills

Provide sufficient concrete and specific examples

Use at least four research sources (Bad Blood counts towards the research sources)

Use at least THREE quotes from the book Bad Blood

Use at least ONE quote from the book You Are Not So Smart (McRaney)

Include a Works Cited page

Keep your similarity report under 15%

Due Dates

Brainstorm due Tuesday, 10/13

Outline due Tuesday, 10/13

Rough Draft due Wednesday, 10/14

Peer Review due Thursday, 10/15

Final Draft due Friday, 10/16

NOTE: All assignments will include a penalty-free 3-day extension for every

person in the course. However, uploading the rough draft late may mean

that you miss the peer review opportunity.

Tips:

This essay requires a strong set of research skills. Be sure to reach out to

the research librarians and peer tutors available from the Norco library

home page to help you locate research sources about your selected

company. Bad Blood (course book) has enough specific detail for you to

write about the creation and complications of Theranos.