HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT #20

English 1 – MEEKS                

(Due November 10)

 

Turn in two pieces of research.  I want actual articles that you find, the full text.  If it’s a book, then photocopy the cover as well as the copyright page, which has all the information you’ll need for a Works Cited page. Two more pieces of your research are due on Thursday.

 

If you haven’t given me your research paper topic, write me at chrismeeks@gmail.com.

 

 

 

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT #21

English 1 - MEEKS

(Due November 12)

 

1)   In 75 Readings Plus, read Chapter 11 “Mixed Strategies” (459-460) plus “On Dumpster Diving” (476). Answer questions a, b, and k.

 

2)   Two more pieces of your research are due.  All four pieces should be turned in by now.  If you’ve switched topics and have the new topic approved by me, then I need research for the new topic.

 

3)   Start writing your research essay.  I urge you to create at least a rough outline so that you have an idea of what you want to cover in your paper.  On Tuesday, November 17, you will bring to class your introduction and opening paragraphs or more—try for at least a page, if not more.  Certainly get to the point where we get your thesis statement.  Your opening needs to tell the reader what your paper is about.  My goal here is to get you started and to focus on how your opening needs to be interesting and engaging.  With a good opening, your paper has a chance of being a great one.  The more you bring to class, the more help and feedback you will get.

 

On November 17, bring what you have to class because you will work with it in a small group.  In fact, bring two copies so that two people at a time can be reading and commenting on your work.  This group work is to help aim you correctly for creating a truly good, if not great, paper.  It’s better to find out early if you need to do some adjusting.  You won’t be graded on any content at this point but if you don’t bring in an opening, you will lose points against your final research paper grade. 

 

After this, as you continue writing your research paper—or perhaps best, after your first draft—consider these following points.   

 

Introduction:

• Does it draw reader's interest?
• Does it set tone, mood?
• Does it state the thesis? (Is there a thesis?)
• Does it forecast the plan for the rest of the paper?

Body:

• Is it well-organized? Is the subject focused and adequately covered?
• No unimportant, unnecessary information.
• Is enough information given to establish the problem for the reader?
• Does the author deal with the problem set up in the introduction?
• Is enough evidence offered? Is it relevant?
• Is evidence documented? Are borrowed ideas given proper credit?
• If there is contradictory evidence, is it dealt with adequately and fairly?
• If an expert is used, is the expert's validity established?

Conclusion:

• Does the author summarize findings adequately?
• Is the conclusion directly follow all that has come before it?
• Is the conclusion a bold fresh statement and not simply a restatement of the thesis?  (Remember, this isn’t a mere report, but am essay that comes to some sort of final meaning.)

Form:

• Meets the MLA format exactly
• Spelling
• Grammar
• Appropriate use of words
• Paragraph form
• Citations within text understandable, consistent, and proper form.
• Works Cited also consistent, proper form.
• Typing errors. Has paper been proofread for errors?

Content:

• Is the content appropriate to the topic, the writer’s purpose, and the reader?
• Is there adequate support and appropriate detail to support the generalizations?
• Does the writer display critical thinking?
• Does the writer present fresh insights?
• Does the writer avoid logical fallacies?