5 PAGES ESSAY

“If men within themselves would be governed by reason and not generally give up their understanding to a double tyranny of custom from without and blind affections within, they would discern better what it is to favor and uphold the tyrant of a nation.” – John Milton, The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates

Prompt:

Choose an American Custom to question. Historicize this Custom, make an argument for why it should no longer be followed, and provide a practical and detailed revision for a replacement Custom.

In a thesis driven, argumentative essay, argue why your chosen Custom should no longer be followed and how it should be altered to fit into today’s society. Using your own personal research, address this issue in an objective manner without using any personal narrative. As this is an argumentative essay, the goal of your writing should be to persuade your audience to agree with your position.

Purpose:

The purpose of this essay is to convey to your audience why Customs should not be blindly followed. Certain Customs are in effect because they are handed down from generation to generation but do not necessarily apply to today’s societal needs. It is your job to question these Customs and provide a logical argument as to why others should question these Customs as well.

Considerations:

Think about the factors that can influence this topic. Why was this Custom originally established? Why is it still in use today? Will you be able to present counter argument in an effective, non-biased manner? What is the societal, political, or economic impact of your topic?

Requirements

· 5 Double Spaced Pages

· MLA Style with Proper Heading

· 5 Academic Sources (1 Pre-Approved Website)

· Times New Roman Font

· 12pt Font Size

· 1” Margins

Due Dates:

The essay will be due in portions in several drafts. It is important that you complete your work on time so that you can participate in our Peer Review sessions. Please make arrangements to go to the Writing Lab at the LRC if you need any assistance with this essay, and as always, you can come see me with any questions or anxiety you may be experiencing.

“There are still a lot of things that you are expected to believe and accept in America that I personally have a problem with, and I question a lot of these things.” George Carlin, It’s Bad For Ya

Major Essay Project 3 Grade Sheet

Essay Requirements

Invention Strategy- (3.0) /15

· Complete Thoughts

· Effort Evident

Draft 1- (3.1) /30

· Creative Title

· Working Thesis Statement

· Complete Topic Sentences

· Development of Argument

· Proper Formatting

· Two Full Pages

Peer Review- /5

· Constructive Criticism

Draft 2- (3.2) /50

· Revised Thesis Statement

· Sufficient Revision

· Effective and Logical Argument

· Organization and Development

· 4 Page Minimum

· Academic Discourse

· Works Cited

· Proper Formatting & Submission

Major Essay Project 3 /100

Major Essay Project 3 Brainstorming Questions

Questioning the American Custom

1. Is the Custom something that is prominent in America? It can be something that other countries also do, but it MUST be something done in America.

2. Do most Americans participate/believe/follow this Custom?

3. What is the American Custom in details?

4. When was the American Custom created?

5. Who established the American Custom?

6. Where was the American Custom created? It does not need to have originated in America in order to be considered a modern American Custom. It just needs to currently be an active part of the American lifestyle.

7. Why was the American Custom created?

8. How has the American Custom changed from its original meaning to the way it is viewed/enacted in today’s society?

9. Why should the American Custom no longer be followed?

10. What is one reason that a specific group would argue to KEEP the American Custom as is? What can you use to specifically argue AGAINST this reason?

11. What should be done instead of this traditional Custom? You can use preexisting ideas to help come up with a revision, but you need to show evidence of advanced critical thinking.

12. What sources have you consulted?

If you cannot find answers to these questions regarding a Custom you are considering writing on in your essay, you should consider searching for a new American Custom to discuss.