English

Com. 102 / MVCC / Johnson

Essay #1: The Individual and Society

In film and literature, zombies are often used as a metaphor for followers and the lack of identity.

The mindless zombie hordes stumble forward overrunning everything in their path. The zombie

metaphor asks us to consider when we act as individuals and when we follow the crowd. When

we consider environmental impacts, consumer cultural trends, and political debates, how often

are we part of the mindless hordes?

For this essay, you will consider how you, personally, fit this model—or don’t fit it. Are you

more of an individual, or a follower? Do you tend to lead, or to go along with the crowd? As

you explore this theme, think of how you relate to others such as your family, your friends, your

co-workers, and anyone else you can think of. In addition, try to bring in at least one paragraph

from the book World War Z, or what you have read of it so far. Is there a parallel you can see

between the book and anything you have observed in your own life or in American society?

You should also include at least one paragraph in which you explore some part of American

society that you have read about in the news or seen on television. Try to use news stories to

serve as examples in your paper.

Your paper should be 3 – 4 pages long, typed, using 12-point font and written in MLA style. On

the back is the rubric I will be grading you on. We will be working on the paper on Tuesday,

April 1. The rough draft is due Thursday, April 3, for peer review. The final draft is due

Tuesday, April 8.

Rubric for Paper #1: The Individual and Society

Introduction _____ (5)

Thesis _____ (10)

Body Paragraphs

Paragraphs contain personal examples from the

writer’s own life relating to the theme. _____ (20)

Paragraphs explore the theme of how an individual

fits into American society. _____ (10)

One paragraph explores example(s) from the media,

and relates the examples to the paper’s theme. _____ (10)

At least one paragraph brings in relevant summary

and / or quotes from the book, World War Z. _____ (10)

Conclusion _____ (5)

Paper is well organized, with relevant information _____ (5)

Grammar and Punctuation _____ (20)

Paper satisfies the reader, compelling him or her to think,

reflect or act. _____ (5)

TOTAL: _____ (100)