Essay

ESOL 400 Rivera

Essay #1: Learning and Motivation

BACKGROUND

In Unit 1, we have read and discussed articles that deal with issues of learning and its connection and influence on gender. We have explored ways in which motivation to learn is affected by praise.

ASSIGNMENT

For your first major writing assignment, you will write a brief (3-4 page) expository essay that addresses one of the following topics:

1. In “Brainology” and “The Secret to Raising Smart Kids,” Dweck discusses fixed and growth mindsets and the affect it has on children’s learning. Using examples from the reading as well as your own experience as an English learner, respond to the following questions: Why is it beneficial to change from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset? What are the effects of this change on various areas of life?

2. In “The Boys in The Back” Sommers discusses the problems of boys’ academic success compared to girls. Using examples from the reading as well as your own experience as an English learner, answer the following questions: Why is inequality of academic success a problem for the individual or society and what’s the best solution?

CRITERIA FOR A SUCCESSFUL ESSAY

· An effective thesis that addresses one of the above prompts.

· Clear, convincing, developed ideas using logical evidence and analysis (PEA ¶s) that shows your ideas to a reader

· At least 2 references to the texts (short quotations and/or paraphrases from readings)

· MLA citations when referencing the text

· An introduction that includes enough background information to make your ideas clear to a reader who is not familiar with the readings or topics we have discussed in class

1st DRAFT DUE: ______________________

2nd DRAFT DUE (peer review): ______________________

FINAL DRAFT DUE (submitted in folder with ALL drafts and work): ______________________

Please refer to WebAccess for Guidelines for Written Work, and the Essay #1 Portfolio Checklist for what to include in your final essay folder. You will be required to submit your final draft to “turnitin” (on WebAccess). Any plagiarized work will result in a grade of No Credit for this assignment.