Paper # 1

Paper # 1: Writing to Reflect

Paper Schedule:

R 9/4: Paper Assigned

T 9/9: Prewriting / Plan / Working Thesis

R: 9/11: Draft (clean, typed copy)

T: 9/23: Revised Paper due

Your purpose in this essay is to reflect on a relationship, space, or experience and to explain and illustrate its significance. You will base your paper on one of the topics given below. You should first explore the topic (you may use some of the methods suggested in PH ch. 3 & 8). Your exploration should lead you to a working thesis (3c) and a plan to develop that thesis (3d). Please bring your working thesis and plan to class on 9/9. After we review these plans in class, you will write a first draft. Your first draft is due on 9/11. I will return your draft the following week. The final draft, revised in light of the feedback you get from me and from your own careful review (ch. 5), is due on 9/23.

Length: 2.5-4 pages, proofread, double spaced and stapled

Introduction stating your main point (thesis)

Body Paragraph presenting evidence that supports, illustrates, and explains your main point

Conclusion that restates your main point

Backing up your ideas with examples rather than summarizing

Specifics – not generalizations

Consideration of the issues covered in your PH

Attention to language, grammar, and mechanics

Original thought / Independent intellectual effort

Essay Title

Choose one of the following topics:

1.) In “Inspired Eccentricity” bell hooks considers her relationship with her grandparents and reflects on the influence of these relationships. In her reflection, hooks identifies and analyzes her grandparents’ “eccentricities” and claims that their life together taught her that “it was possible for women and men to fashion households around their own needs.” Reflect on the role of a friend or family member (or a similar figure) in your development. Why is his or her influence significant? Be sure to use analysis to illustrate and support your thesis.

2.) In “The Ghetto Cityscape,” Camilo José Vergara considers urban spaces and reflects on the “spatial restructuring of their ghettos.” In his reflection, Vergara identifies and analyzes three types of ghettos and claims their existence illustrates persisting societal injustices. He also argues that if people wish to abolish the ghetto “we must go beyond the statistics and into the streets, alleys, and buildings.” Reflect on a space you know well. Have you seen it change? What is the effect of this space? What are the politics? Be sure to use analysis to illustrate and support your thesis.

3.) In “My Sister and Me on Grandma’s Lap,” Melissa Dodd considers a family photograph and reflects on the photograph’s occasion. In her reflection, Dodd identifies and analyzes the dynamics of the photograph and argues that the picture is also about what is left out or disruptive. Reflect on a childhood photograph. Why is this photograph significant? Does it confirm of conflict with your impressions and memories? Be sure to use analysis to illustrate and support your thesis.