Saturday, February 21, 2009

Essay #2

Essay #2: Proposal

For this essay, you will write a proposal to solve a community problem. It can be any problem, as long as it's local. This proposal will take the form of a one-page, single-spaced letter to the person answering for the problem: congressman, manager, mayor, etc. The document should be set up in standard letter format. You will back up your ideas with sound rhetoric and at least two outside sources. The second page of the essay will be a works cited page. Because you are only allowed one, single-spaced page, the challenge for this paper is to be convincing, but concise.



Essay #2: Rubric (100 points total)

1. Use of sound rhetorical strategies: 20 points
2. Successful incorporation of at least two sources: relevance, flow, purpose: 20 points
3. Conciseness/To the point: 20 points
4. Audience awareness: voice, tone, assumptions, appeals: 20 points
5. Mechanical Errors: format, spelling, grammar, diction, syntax, punctuation, etc.: 20 points



Essay #2: Calendar

2/24: Introduction to Essay #2

2/26: Introduction to Library- Brainstorm 3 possible topics, and bring them to class. Review pages 528-547 in preparation for the library.

3/3: Essay #2, Draft #1 due- For the first draft, I'd like you to explore 2 possible topics. Write at least a few paragraphs (1/2 page) for each topic.
Basically, begin the assignment, for two different topics, and see where it takes you. In class during small group workshop, you will determine which topic is best for your paper and how to develop it further. Read pages 352-363 and 364-366.

3/5: Essay #2, Draft #2 due- This draft should be almost full-length and include at least one source. I should see considerable development from the first draft. In class, we will go over MLA format and incorporation of sources. Read pages 327-345.

Spring Break: During Spring Break I will read your 2nd drafts and email you comments. Review pages 346-350.

3/17: Essay #2 final draft due