English 1A Essay 1 Rough Draft Due May 1
Eng 1aessay 1rough Draft Due May 1stfinal D
Choose one of the five articles read so far (“Shakespeare’s Sister”, “Christmas to Me”, “Confessions of a Juggler”, “Flirting With Justice”, or “Take Teen Girls Seriously”) to address the “they” say of your essay. Then, respond with your own perspective—what “you” say. Do you agree with the author's main argument? Why or why not? Provide at least two examples, drawing on personal experience or class discussions.
Your essay should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced, using 12pt font. It must include both in-text citations and a Works Cited page; failure to do so will result in a grade of F. Submit by May 6th at 11:59PM; late submissions will be penalized, and essays are not accepted after three days past the deadline unless prior arrangements are made.
Paper For Above instruction
The assignment for this essay is rooted in the rhetorical practice of engaging with existing arguments—often referred to as the "they say"—and then developing and articulating your own response, or the "I say." This task encourages critical thinking, personal reflection, and analytical reasoning by examining a selected article from the list provided. The core intention is to develop a nuanced understanding of the author's position and to clearly articulate whether you agree or disagree, substantiating your stance with relevant examples.
Choosing one of the specified articles—“Shakespeare’s Sister,” “Christmas to Me,” “Confessions of a Juggler,” “Flirting With Justice,” or “Take Teen Girls Seriously”—allows you to narrow your focus to a specific argument or perspective. Each of these texts presents unique viewpoints on social, cultural, or personal issues, and your task is to critically evaluate these perspectives in relation to your own experiences and beliefs.
For example, if you select Harper Lee’s “Christmas to Me,” which suggests that accepting help or handouts can be a pragmatic step toward success, you might question the ethical implications of such a stance. You could argue that relying on handouts might undermine personal effort or integrity, or alternatively, that accepting help reflects community support and resilience. Supporting your stance with concrete examples—such as personal experiences, observations from your community, or classroom discussions—will strengthen your analysis.
Structurally, your essay should clearly introduce the article and its main argument, followed by a well-developed body where you respond to the author's claims with your own reasoning and examples. Ensure your conclusion synthesizes your insights and reaffirms your position. Proper MLA formatting—including in-text citations and a Works Cited page—is essential for academic integrity and clarity.
This exercise not only hones your argumentative skills but also encourages reflection on societal norms, ethical considerations, and personal values. Engaging thoughtfully with existing texts helps to develop your voice as a writer and thinker.
References
- Harper Lee. (Year). Christmas to Me. Title of the Journal or Book, Volume(Issue), pages. Publisher.
- Author Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of "Shakespeare’s Sister". Source details.
- Author Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of "Confessions of a Juggler". Source details.
- Author Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of "Flirting With Justice". Source details.
- Author Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of "Take Teen Girls Seriously". Source details.
- Additional credible sources related to the themes discussed, formatted in APA style.