english essay 260
I need two essays about two different topic, 4 pages each essay. If you can’t find the book online, I can find the articles and link them.
Overview:
Over the next several weeks, you will be working on four assignments that will result in a 1200-1800 word (4-6 page) research essay. The goal of this project is for you to learn effective research techniques, gain something meaningful from the process of both researching and writing about a topic that matters to you, and produce an essay that reflects your interpretation and analysis of that topic.
Assignment:
All of the readings in The Little, Brown Reader either comment directly on or relate to the aspects of our culture that pose challenges in our effort to understand our lives and environment. These include family, identity, teaching and learning, work and play, language and communication, social networking, law and disorder, consumerism, and our environment. Consider the readings on these topics that are of interest to you, and write an essay in which you argue why it’s important to examine this issue and what, if anything, can be done to solve it. Citing from one of the readings from our text and including three to five additional sources, synthesize the viewpoints of these sources, and argue the position you find most convincing. Be sure to adhere to MLA guidelines throughout the process.
Required Reading: “Writing an Argument” (83)
Recommended Sources: In your essay, you will cite from a minimum of four and a maximum of six sources. One of your sources must be any one of the readings from our textbook, The Little, Brown Reader. The remaining 3-5 sources must come from the SBCC Library databases. All of the sources in these databases have been screened and are credible options for your essay. No other source is an option (NO EXCEPTIONS). Keep in mind that source material published recently will likely be more relevant to your argument. To access the databases, go to the college website, select Current Students, Library, and Databases.
Possible Topics: Peruse the Table of Contents in our textbook as you consider a topic for your essay (see below for quick breakdown). Choose anything related to the topics listed here. Keep in mind, you must cite from at least one of the readings from our textbook in your essay.
Selecting a Topic: Choose a topic that honestly interests you—perhaps an issue you or someone you know has faced—something you genuinely care about; is researchable, involving a range of sources—journals, books, websites, interviews, etc.; can be covered fairly in 1200-1800 words (narrow your focus), and that you can build an argument around.
MLA Format:
- You must include in-text citations for ALL quotes, paraphrases, and summaries.
- List the four to six sources (alphabetically by author’s last name or title) that you actually cite in your essay in a Works Cited list.
- Include a Works Consulted list, if applicable: a list of the sources you consult but don’t actually cite in your paper. Like the sources you actually cite, the sources you simply consult will influence your thinking about a topic and also need to be identified.
For help with MLA format, go to the Purdue Owl online (the mother of all
online
Topics from our
book
- Chapter 6: “All in the Family†– Divorce, gay marriage, the “leisure gap†for working mothers, and other family and parenting issues.
- Chapter 7: “Identities†– the effects of racism, disabilities, and rigid gender roles
- Chapter 8: “Teaching and Learning†– Technology in the classroom, testing and grades, and other issues related to education.
- Chapter 9: “Work and Playâ€: essays on immigrant labor, steroids in sports, and other topics on work.
- Chapter 10: “Messagesâ€: essays on advertising and language
- Chapter 12: “Law and Disorderâ€: Bullying, torture, civil disobedience
- Chapter 13: “Consumer Cultureâ€: essays on Wal-Mart, food, veganism, etc…
- Chapter 14: “The Environmentâ€: essays on climate change
