Each response paper should be no less than one full page. Papers are to be formatted according to MLA requirements. They should cover one or more elements of the assigned reading, and should adhere to the following three paragraph format:
1. The first paragraph is a summary. (See the “Guidelines for Summaries” for further assistance in this area.) You must cite your summary appropriately using MLA format. Do not forget to use in-text citations and include a Works Cited page! 2. The second paragraph connects something from the readings to your lives. What strikes a chord with you? Have you ever felt a similar emotion/experienced a similar situation? 3. The third and final paragraph covers points of inquiry. What remains obscure or confusing? What do you wish had been included?
Responses should be grammatically and mechanically sound. First person is allowable. Response papers are due at the beginning of class and are to be submitted in hard copy format. Here is a checklist for you to use when proofreading your response papers. Do
mention the title of the piece in the first sentence
mention the author's name in the first sentence
keep your summary restricted in length to 4-6 sentences
use present verb tense when describing the content of a literary piece
follow MLA format/template
Don't
use contractions or colloquialisms
use second person
avoid vague language (things, stuff, everyone no one, people)
avoid vague pronouns
imprecise verbs/passive voice (get, got, forms of to be)
Summary Guidelines A summary is a condensed expression of a larger piece of writing, and for the purposes of our class, it should stay within the range of 4-6 sentences. A summary provides a concisely expressed explanation of the selection's content: what the author's main points are, what particular methods the author uses, etc. Your focus in summary writing is always on the primary and main supporting points rather than on the details of the novel/article/short story/poem/etc. You must cite your sources appropriately using MLA format! A summary requires documentation.
1. In the first sentence, mention the title of the piece, the name of the author, and the author’s thesis or central purpose. 2. Use a neutral tone; be as objective as possible. 3. Keep your focus on the author of the text. In other words, do not state the author’s argument as if it were your own. 4. Put all or most of your summary in your own words; if you borrow a phrase or a sentence from the author, put it in quotation marks. 5. Limit yourself to presenting the author’s key points. 6. Since a summary is a discussion with one central focus, treat the entire discussion as one single paragraph. 7. Be concise; make every word count. 8. Use no interrogatives (question marks) unless they belong to the author’s text.
Grading Content (3 paragraphs-one of summary-2 of response)/Meets length requirement: 10 points Style/Quality of Writing: 5 points Other Grammar and Mechanics/MLA Format: 5 points
Total: 20 points
Essay 1 MLA format 5 paragraphs, minimum
Consider all of the areas of your life through which you might be categorized (family, school, gender, neighborhood, economic circumstances, or other). Explain which group plays the biggest role in your life and your sense of where you are coming from. Select just one. Explain how that group influences how you feel about the events and people in your life.
You must have an arguable, stand alone thesis. Do not use first person in your thesis.
Use at least three paraphrases or citations from the texts we read together. You may NOT use a source from any of your response papers. Cite them appropriately, using MLA format.
Use one outside source. It may be either an academic, peer reviewed source (found through the library) or you may use a personal interview from someone who has VALUABLE contributions to the topic.
Do NOT use second person.
Proofread and revise prior to turning in your essay.
This essay is not long enough to merit the use of any blocked quotes. Nothing longer than three lines should be quoted.
The essay is due at the beginning of class in hard copy format.
Essay 2 MLA format 5 paragraphs, minimum
As Bowen McCoy says in "The Parable of the Sadhu," "Real moral dilemmas are ambiguous, and many of us hike right through them, unaware that they exist" (106). Write an essay exploring this idea through your own experiences, and relate it back to the larger question "Are We Responsible for Others."
You must have an arguable, stand alone thesis.
Use at least three paraphrases or citations from three different texts we read together. You may NOT use a source from any of your response papers. Cite them appropriately, using MLA format.
Use one outside source. It may be either an academic, peer reviewed source (found through the library) or you may use a personal interview from someone who has VALUABLE contributions to the topic.
Do NOT use second person.
Proofread and revise prior to turning in your essay.
Do not let quotes stand alone as their own sentences. They must be smoothly integrated into your own sentences via signal phrases.
The essay is due at the beginning of class in hard copy format.
Essay 3 MLA Format
This assignment is a departure from previous ones. Rather than write one long extended personal narrative, you will be writing a series of short reflections over a packet you compile. What you will be doing is going through your book and selecting one unit that strikes a chord with you. It need not be a unit we have covered yet. For the unit that you choose, locate 3 TIMELY, CREDIBLE articles that address the unit's overriding philosophical question. If you have questions concerning the articles validity and credibility, see me. Then, summarize each article, using proper MLA style--this requires an in-text citation for the summary and a Works Cited page. Refer to the directions for summarizing (above) should you need a refresher. Next, explain why you selected this article, and why it is a good fit for the unit. Articles should be no more than five years old--the more recent, the better. Each summary/reflection should be around a page. A Works Cited page is required. You will turn in hard copies of the articles, and you should staple your reflections to them. DO NOT rely on abstracts for your summaries. Your summaries must be your own. No one may choose the same articles! Article titles and names of whomever is covering them will be placed on an all-class google doc. Date your postings. Include the title, author, date, and your name.
MLA format is required
Spelling/grammar/mechanics/style count-proofread!
This is due at the beginning of the class in hard copy format.
Video Essay
Take one of your previous essays and create an interpretive video version of the written work. Your video must be no longer than 5 minutes and no shorter than 2 minutes. Your video must have a Works Cited page as the credits, and you will need to present a 1-2 minute discussion concerning how the video represents what your written work.
You will be graded on both your content and your delivery.
Content
1. Begin with an attention grabbing intro.
2. Utilize verbal transitions: "First I did this; then I did that; finally I..."
3. Make sure there is a clear and logical flow of ideas.
4. Have a bold conclusion that is clearly a conclusion. It should leave your audience thinking.
5. Keep the content within the time frame.
Delivery
Was the delivery clear and effective?
Was direct eye contact used?
Was the tone of voice varied to fit the presentation?
Was the volume appropriate for the room?
Were gestures appropriate but not overdone?
Did the posture further the message?
Were all the words clearly articulated?
Was the information presented too quickly? too slowly?
Are you familiar with the material?
Each response paper should be no less than one full page. Papers are to be formatted according to MLA requirements. They should cover one or more elements of the assigned reading, and should adhere to the following three paragraph format:
1. The first paragraph is a summary. (See the “Guidelines for Summaries” for further assistance in this area.) You must cite your summary appropriately using MLA format. Do not forget to use in-text citations and include a Works Cited page!
2. The second paragraph connects something from the readings to your lives. What strikes a chord with you? Have you ever felt a similar emotion/experienced a similar situation?
3. The third and final paragraph covers points of inquiry. What remains obscure or confusing? What do you wish had been included?
Responses should be grammatically and mechanically sound. First person is allowable. Response papers are due at the beginning of class and are to be submitted in hard copy format.
Here is a checklist for you to use when proofreading your response papers.
Do
Don't
Summary Guidelines
A summary is a condensed expression of a larger piece of writing, and for the purposes of our class, it should stay within the range of 4-6 sentences. A summary provides a concisely expressed explanation of the selection's content: what the author's main points are, what particular methods the author uses, etc. Your focus in summary writing is always on the primary and main supporting points rather than on the details of the novel/article/short story/poem/etc. You must cite your sources appropriately using MLA format! A summary requires documentation.
1. In the first sentence, mention the title of the piece, the name of the author, and the author’s thesis or central purpose.
2. Use a neutral tone; be as objective as possible.
3. Keep your focus on the author of the text. In other words, do not state the author’s argument as if it were your own.
4. Put all or most of your summary in your own words; if you borrow a phrase or a sentence from the author, put it in quotation marks.
5. Limit yourself to presenting the author’s key points.
6. Since a summary is a discussion with one central focus, treat the entire discussion as one single paragraph.
7. Be concise; make every word count.
8. Use no interrogatives (question marks) unless they belong to the author’s text.
Grading
Content (3 paragraphs-one of summary-2 of response)/Meets length requirement: 10 points
Style/Quality of Writing: 5 points
Other Grammar and Mechanics/MLA Format: 5 points
Total: 20 points
Essay Rubric for all three formal essays:
Essay 1
MLA format
5 paragraphs, minimum
Consider all of the areas of your life through which you might be categorized (family, school, gender, neighborhood, economic circumstances, or other). Explain which group plays the biggest role in your life and your sense of where you are coming from. Select just one. Explain how that group influences how you feel about the events and people in your life.
Essay 2
MLA format
5 paragraphs, minimum
As Bowen McCoy says in "The Parable of the Sadhu," "Real moral dilemmas are ambiguous, and many of us hike right through them, unaware that they exist" (106). Write an essay exploring this idea through your own experiences, and relate it back to the larger question "Are We Responsible for Others."
Essay 3
MLA Format
This assignment is a departure from previous ones. Rather than write one long extended personal narrative, you will be writing a series of short reflections over a packet you compile. What you will be doing is going through your book and selecting one unit that strikes a chord with you. It need not be a unit we have covered yet. For the unit that you choose, locate 3 TIMELY, CREDIBLE articles that address the unit's overriding philosophical question. If you have questions concerning the articles validity and credibility, see me. Then, summarize each article, using proper MLA style--this requires an in-text citation for the summary and a Works Cited page. Refer to the directions for summarizing (above) should you need a refresher. Next, explain why you selected this article, and why it is a good fit for the unit. Articles should be no more than five years old--the more recent, the better. Each summary/reflection should be around a page. A Works Cited page is required. You will turn in hard copies of the articles, and you should staple your reflections to them. DO NOT rely on abstracts for your summaries. Your summaries must be your own. No one may choose the same articles! Article titles and names of whomever is covering them will be placed on an all-class google doc. Date your postings. Include the title, author, date, and your name.
Video Essay
Take one of your previous essays and create an interpretive video version of the written work. Your video must be no longer than 5 minutes and no shorter than 2 minutes. Your video must have a Works Cited page as the credits, and you will need to present a 1-2 minute discussion concerning how the video represents what your written work.
Here are some samples:
http://www.pbs.org/food/kitchen-vignettes/pickled-eggplant/
Here is a website with helpful instructions/ideas:
https://sites.google.com/site/videoessays/home
Here is a website that elaborates on video essays:
https://designlab.wisc.edu/video-essay
You will be graded on both your content and your delivery.
Content
1. Begin with an attention grabbing intro.
2. Utilize verbal transitions: "First I did this; then I did that; finally I..."
3. Make sure there is a clear and logical flow of ideas.
4. Have a bold conclusion that is clearly a conclusion. It should leave your audience thinking.
5. Keep the content within the time frame.
Delivery
Was the delivery clear and effective?
Was direct eye contact used?
Was the tone of voice varied to fit the presentation?
Was the volume appropriate for the room?
Were gestures appropriate but not overdone?
Did the posture further the message?
Were all the words clearly articulated?
Was the information presented too quickly? too slowly?
Are you familiar with the material?