English 101—Dr. Koch (Bob)

PAPER #2

This paper will be an examples essay, which you will write in class. Before you come, please choose one of the following topics and plan what you will say. You will need to narrow your topic. All of advertising, for example, is too big a subject. You will also need to say something about your subject. What you say should not be obvious or bland, such as “Advertising is often misleading.” Find something more specific and interesting to say, such as “Much advertising encourages women to buy shoes that are bad for their feet.” Remember that your examples should illustrate a generalization, which you should express as your thesis. Include at least two well-developed examples as major elements. You can choose any one of the following topics:

Racial or ethnic stereotypes Restrictions on free speech

Advertising Dangers to children

You may bring to class an outline of no more than one page but not a draft. I’ll be asking to see your outline, which should consist of words or phrases arranged to show the organizational plan for the essay. A written-out paragraph is not acceptable. Any drafts or previously composed paragraphs will be removed from your possession during the class period and returned to you afterwards. No use of cell phones or other electronic devices will be permitted.

The paper should be at least 500 words. Center a title at the top of your essay. Write on every other line. Please leave at least a one-inch margin for my comments.

Your paper will be graded as follows:

40% on development.

Have you written a clear thesis that you can develop well?

Have you discussed all the points your audience will expect you to discuss?

Have you elaborated on your main points by providing adequate details?

Have you used appropriate methods of development for each paragraph?

Are you sure that everything in the essay supports the thesis?

Have you reasoned well?

Does one idea lead naturally to the next?

10% on organization.

Do you have a good introduction, containing your claim statement, and a satisfying conclusion?

Have you divided your materials logically into paragraphs?

Have you written unified paragraphs?

Have you made the topic of each paragraph clear by writing a topic sentence or by other means?

50% on grammar and style.

Have you written any sentence fragments or comma splices?

Does your paper contain any subject-verb agreement errors?

Have you achieved variety in vocabulary and sentence structure?

Have you selected the words that best express your thoughts?

Have you avoided verbosity and redundancy?

The questions above cover the main points but not everything that might affect your grade.

If you cannot come to class to write your paper, you may not write it at home and turn it in. You must arrange to write the paper in my presence or in the presence of another person I appoint. Late papers will receive reduced grades, as specified on the syllabus.