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Know the Parts of a Prompt Most essay prompts consist of the following sections. In order to understand what a prompt is asking you to do, it is important that you know what each part of the prompt is asking you to do!

Example Essay #1 Directions

Background information

Write an analytical essay on the following quote in which you express your thoughts carefully, logically, and effectively. Provide examples and evidence to support your ideas.

Ernest Hemingway once commented, “As you get older, it is harder to have heroes, but it is sort of necessary.” Some today say there are no more heroes in the world. Are heroes necessary in modern society? Why or why not?

Support

Support your response with examples using your personal experience and/or your reading.

Essential question/ statement

2 English 100 Writing Assignment #1: Advertising Analysis Style: Analysis and synthesis. This assignment is an extension of our classroom discussions analyzing primary sources and visual texts, identifying and using rhetorical situations, and integrating secondary sources as appropriate support. Length: 3.5 to 4 typed pages, double spaced. See Syllabus for specific formatting. Due Dates:

Draft and Bibliography (two copies for peer review) _________________________ Draft #2 and Works Cited (two copies) _________________________ Final Paper (all related work in folder) _________________________

Required Secondary Sources: “Advertising’s Fifteen Basic Appeals” by Jib Fowles Additional Secondary Sources: Appropriate sections in EE textbook and/or sources found through your own independent research. Wikipedia or other reference sites will not be considered valid secondary sources. Writing Objectives: • Use of the three steps of analysis (objective observation, interpretation, and evaluation) to demonstrate critical thinking abilities • Smooth and logical integration of paraphrases and direct quotes • Correct use of MLA formatting, documenting and citing of sources • Identification and defense (support) of a solid thesis • Clear communication style, relatively free of major grammatical errors Additional Final Paper Requirements (all will be included in submitted folder) • Include primary source (print or copy of advertisement). • Outline, including thesis statement. Each paragraph must be represented • A Works Cited containing two to three secondary sources (one must be the Fowles essay). • Include at least one student and/or instructor commented draft and bibliography to show writing process and your own progress. Assignment: Find a print advertisement that you find amusing, absurd, disturbing or particularly effective or interesting. Through observation, interpretation, and application of various critical thinking techniques (discussed in class) analyze the primary source by looking at such details as color, form, positioning, focus, celebrity endorsement, word choice, etc. If you will be evaluating your source, you must choose criteria for your analysis. You will also want to consider how the viewers are being manipulated to want or need the product or experience advertised. What specific techniques are being used according to Jib Fowles or other analysts? Start collecting your ideas as well as other’s ideas on the advertisement. Writing need not be a solitary venture! Create a thesis based on your own analysis and evaluation. Once you have created a working thesis, you can begin outlining your paper. Since you will be using Jib Fowles’ essay as a major tool for analysis, you will want to provide credit and context for that source in your introduction and use other sources to support your analysis. Major body paragraphs will represent the criteria you have chosen. Be sure to use specific details in the advertisement as evidence and provide additional support by integrating at least two secondary sources (including the Fowles essay). Do

3 not consult secondary sources until you have solidified your own thesis. Research should support your ideas, not create or write them. Some questions you may want to consider in your essay: How do the details in the advertisement support your own opinions (by accepting, rejecting or amending them) about Fowles appeals? What insights have you gained, or do you hope your readers will gain, by analyzing the advertisement in this way? From your standpoint, is the advertisement successful? Why or why not? What criteria must be present to make such an evaluation?

4 English 099 - In Class Essay Prompt Style: Compare and Contrast.

Pass / No Pass

Passing Paper Requirements. You will need: • A brief outline (which includes thesis and keywords for each paragraph)  A limited, clear thesis which must be underlined.  A double spaced, 6 paragraph (minimum), academic (3rd person) essay Passing Essays Will Also Demonstrate:  Coherency by using strong transitions and topic sentences  Unified paragraphs by fully developing ideas and supporting them with specific details from essays, poems, lyrics or film. Not providing enough detail and analysis can affect the success of your essay. • Avoidance of errors in confused words (homophones), fragments, and run-ons.  Overall clear communication and college level vocabulary. Special Tips: • You may use your Sparks textbook, but do so sparingly! Watch the time!  Create a time “budget” which allows for brainstorming and proofreading. This is not a race! Use your time to develop your ideas fully. No essays will be accepted before an hour has passed.  Do not write a rough draft; you will not have time to rewrite your essay! Create a strong outline instead!  Double space and do not write on the back of your paper. • Present a paper that is relatively clean and legible. If you make a mistake simply cross it out and rewrite that section on the skipped line above. • Dictionaries will not be allowed during the first hour of the exam. • Ask me if you have questions! Assignment: Respond to the topic below. 1. Compare and contrast how the authors come to terms with sexuality or gender roles in the essays “Burls” and “Disposable Rocket.” You may wish to discuss the tone of each and address what makes each essay unique and insightful, or consider the success of these essays in terms of author’s purpose and intended audience. Use details and examples from the essays to support your opinion.

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Essay Prompt

America is a country with many diverse beliefs and moral standards. Each year there are several works of literature that are attacked, protested, disapproved of, or banned in American schools. Some educators argue that books with questionable content, language, or tone should not be encouraged in elementary schools. Others argue the artistic purpose and value of these books makes them worth reading.

A recent book that has stirred controversy is J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Although American children rush to read this book, some in education believe that Harry Potter books should be banned because of their fantastic nature and embrace of magic; others, however, are thrilled that children are reading anything.

What are the advantages or disadvantages of monitoring children’s reading habits by banning books in schools? Write an analytical essay in which you provide examples and evidence to support your ideas.