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Writing Assignments |
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| Literacy Narrative | Summaries | Explanatory Synthesis | Comparative Argument | | Rhetorical
Analysis | Annotated Bibliography | Research Paper | Theory-Based Analysis | Portfolios | |
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Format (for all major writing assignments): Times New Roman, 12pt., double-spaced, 1 inch margins, proper heading, last name & page number in header |
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* See Longman, page 233 for example |
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schedule early 973.408.3617 ext 3617 |
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Write an autobiographical narrative (approximately 500 words…that’s about 2
pages double spaced) in which you share your experiences as a writer. Discuss how you became the writer you are
today. By reflecting on how you became
the writer you are today, you have an opportunity to think about the positive
and negative events that influenced your development as a writer.
Make Sure to
include:
1) A description of yourself as a writer as well as your writing process (what you do before and during the time you are working on a paper);
2) how you feel about writing;
3) your goals as a writer;
4) and any changes you foresee experiencing in your writing as
a result of your first semester in college.
THEN
(this can be separate or part of your essay)
In one sentence, describe two aspects of your writing with which you are satisfied, then, in a second sentence, describe two aspects of your writing that you would like to strengthen.
You may want to share an anecdote. You may choose to analyze one important incident, experience, or person in your development as a writer (i.e. reflect on an especially important event in your life that profoundly shaped who you are as a writer today). You may wish to write about your biggest success or biggest failure as a writer and how it has impacted your writing or attitudes about writing as a whole. Or you may decide to retrace the major milestones of your literate history and discuss what these events have taught you about literacy and effective writing. It is really up to you to decide how you will present your narrative. These are simply suggestions.
Read about summary writing here.
1. Write a summary of Drew’s Standards of Academic Integrity.
2. Read the New York Times online and select three news
stories of interest to you. Summarize those stories (cited correctly) and
then write an explanation of why you consider each story of interest. Bring a copy of your articles and summaries
to class.
For each article:
1. Article summary
2. Works Cited entry
3. Explanation of interest
4. Attach a copy of the article (text only)
Read, Set,
Synthesize!
Read about synthesis writing here.
Paper #1 – Explanatory Synthesis
Students provide
insight into an issue or debate in research using three or more (reliable)
sources. The paper should contain a focusing statement, though it will not be
argumentative since the goal of an explanatory synthesis is to inform rather
than to persuade. (Explanatory or background Synthesis) Skeleton #1
Synthesis topic proposal:
1. Topic(s)
2. What are the reasons you have chosen this topic?
3. What is your previous experience with this topic?
4. How could you possibly turn this topic into a larger research
project? What would you argue (hypothetically), if you were to write an
argumentative thesis for your topic?
Your task in this paper is to provide your readers with
information about the topic you have selected by reporting details you have gathered
from three or more (reliable) sources.
You will organize this background information by topic rather than by
source. The paper should contain a
focusing statement, though it will not be argumentative since the goal of an
explanatory synthesis is to inform rather than to persuade. This paper should
be between 3-5 pages, and use 4+ sources.
The basic
structure for this assignment:
- A basic
introduction to the topic and introduction to sources, clearly written focus
statement
- Organization by themes, points,
similarities etc., while incorporating appropriate sources- Each paragraph will
begin with a topic sentence that identifies what the paragraph will discuss,
followed by information from several sources (cited).
- Conclusion reminding readers of the
themes, point, similarities etc. that were brought up in your essay.
The Key Features of a Synthesis:
(1) It accurately reports information from the
sources using different phrases and sentences;
(2) It is organized in such a way that readers can immediately see where
the information from the sources overlap;.
(3) It makes sense of the sources and helps the reader understand them in
greater depth.
Selling
a Product or Idea ~ Read about comparison
writing > here.
~
Read about argumentative writing >
here. ~Read
about argumentative thesis > here (and scroll down).
Paper #2 – Comparative Argument
Students use an argumentative
thesis to make a claim about the significance of similarities and differences
between selected sources (textual, visual, or oral). This assignment relies on
a focused structure—generally point-by-point—to support an argument. The thesis
should highlight the broader significance of the comparison rather than
focusing on the fact of similarity or difference. (Comparative argument)
Skeleton #4
Comparison proposal:
1. In what product or cause do you find
interest? (shoes, colleges, animal rights….)
2. What is your interest in this
product or cause?
2. give the links to the two websites
3. Why have you chosen to use the two websites you have selected for comparison? (Why do you prefer these websites over others?)
LINKS:
| The Language of Advertising | Advertising Techniques | Advertising Claims | Rhetorical Strategies | A Brief History of Advertising in America | The Language of Advertising Claims | Logos*Ethos*Pathos | Emotional Colors | Aspects of Web Advertising | Most Hated Advertising Techniques | (e-book) The Language of Advertising | (worksheet) The Language of Advertising |
For this assignment, you will compare the advertising techniques of two websites, selling the same or similar product or promoting the same or similar cause….this includes everything from Nikes to political campaigns. You should analyze the website keeping things like intended audience, advertisers’ assumptions, intended purpose or message, and verbal, visual, or auditory strategies in mind. Your task is to analyze each advertiser’s technique and to assess who has the stronger overall marketing campaign, and why. You should draw conclusions based on your comparisons. You may want to start by assessing select techniques from each site and explaining which techniques seem to be most or least effective, and why. You will use an argumentative thesis to make your claim. Your goal is to argue for one technique or one approach over another, using the similarities and differences in the two advertisements to support your choice. Point-by-point organization is preferred. This paper should be between 4-6 pages, and use 4+ sources.
The Key Features of a Comparison:
(1) it
allows readers to easily see similarities and differences between two or more
sources,
(2) it accurately presents the information from the sources,
(3) it presents the comparison for a purpose (i.e.: it has a
thesis).
Rhetorical Analysis / Comparative Rhetorical
Analysis
Modes of Persuasion ~ Read
about writing Analysis > here. > RHETORICAL STRATEGIES > THE SPEECHES
| Logos*Ethos*Pathos | Rhetorical Triangle | Fallacies | Logic in Argumentative Writing | Using Logic | Inductive and Deductive Reasoning | Rhetorical Appeals |
Paper #3 - Choose to write either:
Rhetorical Analysis
Students are asked to discuss the rhetorical aspects used in an argument.
The assignment may simply require explanation, in which case the paper will
have an explanatory thesis. It may also invite students to explain and
evaluate, in which case the paper would require an argumentative thesis. In
either case, the paper must have supporting quotes, and focus on specific
strategies and the way they combine to create an argument/or their combination
as a factor in the effectiveness of the author’s argument. The assignment does
not ask students whether they agree or disagree with the argument under
analysis. This assignment may focus on written, spoken, or visual texts. (Rhetorical
analysis) Skeleton # 5
Or
Comparative Rhetorical Analysis
Students complete a basic rhetorical analysis for two or more texts, and
then compare the rhetorical features of those texts. This paper requires an
argumentative thesis and supporting quotes, and focuses on the overall
effectiveness of the argument of each author/text—not whether the student
agrees or disagrees with one of the arguments. Like the regular comparison,
this assignment relies on a focused structure—generally point-by-point—to
support an argument. The thesis should highlight the broader significance of
the comparison. (Comparative rhetorical analysis) Skeleton # 6
For this assignment, you are going to use your knowledge of the modes of persuasion (logos, ethos, and pathos) to evaluate the effectiveness of the speech(s) of your choice. Your paper will consist of a strong opening paragraph that establishes the context of your discussion (including a synopsis of who delivered the speech, where and when), an assertion (an argumentative thesis), clear and well developed arguments that support your thesis, and a concise conclusion that places your discussion in context with the analysis/research that you have used to support your thesis (like what the reaction was to the speech at the time and whether or not the speaker’s rhetorical technique achieved the intended effect) and how your analysis/research and thesis apply to the broader audience, both those who heard the speech originally, and those who are now hearing some of it through you as your readers. This paper should be between 4-6 pages, and use 3+ sources.
Option 1: If you choose to write a rhetorical analysis, select one of the three passages (link to speeches above), research a bit more to find out in what context the speech was delivered, and analyze the effectiveness of rhetorical devices within the text provided. What point is the text/speaker trying to convey and how is it/he/she going about getting the message across? In what ways was text/speech effective/not effective?
Option 2: If you choose to write a comparative rhetorical analysis, choose any two of the three passages, and analyze the rhetorical devices used in each passage (or a section thereof) and compare the two. How does the use of rhetoric compare between the two? Are similar or opposing rhetorical devices being used? How does the difference or similarity influence the manner in which an audience perceives these texts? What are the similarities and/or differences in the speakers’ agendas in their texts? Which text/speech was more effective and why?
Remember: You do not have to agree or disagree with the speech in order to
analyze it. You are analyzing not what
it says but how it says it. You should identify when and how logos,
ethos, and pathos are being used in the speech(s), and then analyze the
effectiveness of each device.
Things to keep in mind: the immediate and
greater contexts surround the speech;
the purpose for
the speech;
the speaker’s credibility;
the speaker’s intentions;
the speaker’s thesis and implied message(s);
the way(s) in which the speaker presented information or
arguments;
the actual, intended, or implied audience;
the audience’s beliefs, values, and experiences;
and the audience’s reaction(s).
FYI--Works Cited for
the LOGOS, ETHOS, PATHOS link: Callaway,
Mike. Logos, Ethos, and Pathos. 25 August 2007.
After your personal
library session, you will complete an annotated bibliography. Each annotated bibliography entry will list:
1) your source, cited properly using the MLA format,
2) a brief
summary of the source, 2 to 4 sentences to summarize
the main idea(s) this will require you to have read through (not merely
skimmed) some of the source,
3) a brief assessment/ criticism of the source…is it well
documented? reliable? current? biased? Does the author
have credibility in the field? Etc.– 1 to 2 sentences,
4) and a
brief description of how this source has relevance in your research project. * more than “this source pertains to my topic”—really
illustrate how the source helps your argument 1 to 2 sentences to relate the source to your
research topic
Your annotated bibliography should have at least 15 entries and should follow the format from the Purdue On-line Writing Lab website. Ten of the 15 entries must come from resources accessed through Drew or another library – either on-line or in-print – but not available on the general internet. The other five sources may come from the internet, although that is not required. (You may get all 15 of your sources from the library or library’s electronic databases if you choose.) *Note, you may choose to include some of the preliminary sources you included in your research topic proposal as part of your annotated bibliography.
After meeting with the research librarian, answer the
following questions:
1. What research had you done prior to visiting the library? What types of sources had you found?
2. What questions did you have for the research librarian when you arrived at the library?
3. What sort of assistance did the research librarian provide for you on your project?
4. Did you locate any new sources thanks to the librarian's help? Which ones?
5. What did you learn? Be specific and list at least three.
6. Offer several points of comparison between what the librarian showed you and what you read in Longman 141-7 (you’ll have to glance over these pages to make a comparison)
Questions from Terry McCoy
Becoming an Expert ~ Read
about research writing > here. ~ Argumentative Thesis (and
scroll down) *Helpful Links*
* MLA
Guide (also see Longman “Using MLA Documentation Style” 201-240) * Drafting
and Refocusing Your Paper *
> RESEARCH PROPOSAL < * Effective Outlining Logic in
Argumentative Writing Evaluating
Sources
Paper #4 – Research Paper
The research paper is an 8-10
page paper that uses 8-16 sources in an extended discussion of a topic selected
by the student (within parameters set by the instructor). The sources should be
from a variety of (reliable) media, should be correctly cited using MLA in-text
citation, and should be used in the paper to create a well supported argument
about the selected topic. In some cases an English 1 research paper may be
explanatory, but an argumentative thesis is preferred. (Extended research
paper) Skeleton #8
You have had the opportunity to explore several topics this semester while simultaneously developing your writing skills. Now it is time to put it all together. This paper allows you to use the skills you have been developing up to this point, and if you so desire, one of your previous topics of interest. It will require you to synthesize material and incorporate sources correctly using proper citing and your quoting and paraphrasing skills. You may also compare, or use your rhetorical analysis skills.
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This paper will
be completed in stages. Here are the
important due dates: Preliminary Research Proposal: Email by Wed., Oct. 22, 2008- by 7:00 pm Annotated Bibliography, 15 entries:
Nov. 3, 2008 Partial Draft,
minimum 4 pages: Nov. 3, 2008 Full Working Draft,
8-10 pages: Nov. 7, 2008 Peer workshop:
Nov. 7, 2008 Review day: Nov.
10, 2008 Revised Research Paper due: Nov. 12, 2008- by 5:00 pm |
Theory as a Lens * Cinematography
and Gender * Film
as Art* * America
on Film * Gender,
Race, Class in the Media *
* Film
Genre * Genre Browser * Glossary of Film Terms * King Kong
Movies * TV Show transcripts * Free TV online *
Paper #5 – Theory
Based Analysis
Students select an idea or theory from an approved or
assigned source and apply it to another “text”
or collection of texts (these may be written, visual, or oral or a
combination). The theory acts as a
lens for interpretation. Papers should briefly summarize the theory and then
apply it to the text or texts in a
point-by-point fashion. The thesis, which in most cases should be
argumentative, should take a
position on the “texts,” or on the theory based upon what the attempt to apply
it reveals to the student. (Theory-based
analysis) Skeleton # 7
For this, your last writing assignment of the semester, you will explore
several gender theories and then apply a theory of your choice to a film or
films/ television show or shows of your choice.
In class, you will receive two articles (listed below) that make
interesting claims about gender. You
will read both of these short articles and summarize the claims that each makes
in order to extract possible theories.
Although you will find there is probably more than one theory to take
from each article, you will simply choose one theory from one article to act as
your interpretive lens for this assignment.
You will use the theory of your choice as an analytical device to
examine a film(s) or television show(s).
We will discuss both of the articles and potential theories at length, in
class.
You will then need to choose a film or television show that helps prove
the theory you have selected. You will
apply the theory to the “text(s)” in order to examine the
film(s)/show(s) on a deeper level. The
theory should aid you in discussing how gender is portrayed in the film(s) or
show(s) you have chosen. If you feel you
have chosen a film or show to which the theory doesn't really apply, then you
need to pick a different film or show, or decide if one of the other possible theories
(we will discuss these in class) is more applicable.
Your paper will take a position on the film(s)/show(s). For example, you could argue whether
you agree or disagree with the gender message being sent by the film or show,
or whether you agree or disagree with the theory’s assumptions in a broader
sense (so beyond the specific film and television examples you feel demonstrate
the theory). The articles themselves can
be really helpful here. After all, they
are each an example theory-based analysis (they each apply a theory about gender
to either film or television.)
You should also be sure to briefly summarize the theory and identify its context and source, then apply it to your film(s)/show(s) in a point-by-point fashion. A strong paper will go beyond simply paraphrasing events and describing characters, it will analyze specific elements of the “text(s).” This paper should be between 4-6 pages, and use 3+ sources.
Note:
Finding one instance of something that seems to contradict the theory
does not prove the theory to be flawed.
If you find examples that seem to contradict the theory, or to which the
theory does not apply, it is important to explore the consequences of
this. Think about why the theory may or
may not be applicable in that particular instance.
The Articles:
Wells, Pete. “Jungle
Fever.” Details. Jan/ Feb. 2006:
66-69.
Gordinier, Jeff. “Admit it:
Nothing’s Sexier Than a Woman in the Kitchen.” Details.
Oct. 2006: 172-177
Here are some other relevant articles regarding film and
media portrayals of gender, image, and identity. You may find these helpful in your own
analysis. Take a browse.
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Portfolios
For midterm
and final portfolio requirements click HERE.
Sarah Minegar, 2007-2008