revise my original manuscript.

Project 2: Response Essay

Assignment: In this assignment you will write an essay in the genre of a response essay that will respond to either the article by Susan Engel on the topic of joy in learning, or the book excerpt by Paulo Freire on the topic of the banking concept. Your essay should follow the main characteristics of the response essay genre as demonstrated in the sample essay by Louisa Rodriguez in How Writing Works (39-41) and as we discussed in class. Thus, it should (1) have a thesis that states your main feeling about the reading (whether you find it insightful, important, problematic, or whatever you think); (2) it should demonstrate a solid understanding of the ideas in the reading; (3) it should be supported by your personal experiences and/or observations as a student at any point or place in your life; and (4) it should be organized and developed according to the basic principles of essay writing (with a clear introduction, background information, body paragraphs with claims/reasons, examples, and analysis/commentary supporting your thesis, and a thoughtful conclusion). Additionally, although the sample essay doesn’t have a lot of the writer’s analysis/commentary (explaining her point of view or reasons), I would like you to develop your own point of view more fully (at least a paragraph).

Audience: Your audience here is me; however, as I explain above, I will expect you to show a solid understanding of the ideas in the reading. Also, your style should follow the style shown in the sample essay by Rodriguez: somewhat academic and logical, but not overly formal or informal. Strike a balance of somewhere in between. Of course, standard conventions about spelling, grammar, organization, and focus apply.

Format:

First/rough draft (for peer writing groups): At least 600 (or more) words. Label it “rough draft.”

Second/revised draft (for me): At least 750 words; more is fine. Label it “revised draft.”

Type and double-space your paper. Use one-inch margins and Times New Roman, 12 point font.

Write your name, the course number (Writing 1A), the date, the project number (Project 2), and the draft version in the top left corner (“rough draft” or “revised draft”).

Title: In the center, add an interesting and descriptive title (hinting at the content).

Page numbers: Don’t forget!

Assessment Criteria (see the full assessment rubric for more detail):

Your paper has a clear thesis and overall focus.

The paper and individual paragraphs are organized and coherent.

It is fully developed, with compelling examples, sufficient context, and thoughtful analysis/commentary (your point of view).

At least one quotation (but not more than three total), cited correctly, with a signal phrase and parenthetical citation.

It demonstrates a solid understanding of the reading and provides context (summary and description, not just quotations) from the reading as necessary.

It clarifies the difference between the author’s ideas and yours with appropriate signal phrases and voice markers.

Sentences are clear, are grammatically correct, and flow nicely.

Your paper fulfills the main criteria for a response essay.