With my computer still busted, I can't put any new documents on the web. Still, I can post things and all the remaining grammar exercises are already on my website. So…
And here's the essay 3 prompt:
EWRT211-27- Essay 3- Media Cause and Effect
In these next few weeks we are reading essays about media and its effect on our lives. The authors of these essays have begun a conversation that I would like you to take part in with an essay of your own. What I’d like you to do in your own essay is to synthesize the ideas about the effects of media conveyed in two or more of these essays and evaluate them. Choose one of the prompts below.
1. Many of the authors argue that media, especially television and advertising, has taken over more and more of our personal space. Things that used to be off limits to media are now fair game. This shift has had major effects on family togetherness, personal desire, and public space. Do you agree with the authors that the proliferation of media has had a negative effect on personal space? Please be specific about which effects you wish to discuss. Use examples from at least two authors. Either use their evidence to support your opinion or show how they are wrong.
2. Jack Shaheen and Joan Morgan both discuss how the media encourages certain types of stereotypes, fueling racism and sexism. Do you agree that the media tends to encourage stereotypes? Or do you feel that the media more often combats stereotypes? Be specific about which stereotypes you are discussing and which type of media. Use examples from at least two essays to either support your opinion or to argue against. You do not have to use only Shaheen and Morgan. Feel free to use examples from previous authors.
In your essay, I want you to use examples from at least two essays in our reader. You will either be using these examples to help prove your thesis or you will be showing how these examples are wrong. Be sure to explain the ideas from the essays clearly. Don’t simply describe what each author says, but explain how each author’s idea relates to another’s and to your own. When quoting, remember the quotation sandwich. You may also use your own experience and observation as evidence.
Generating ideas. The first step is to read actively. Keep the above questions in mind as you read the essays in this section. Make notes in the margins of your book when you come across answers to the above questions. Also, when you strongly agree or disagree with an author, mark down that reaction in your book. Bring these ideas up in class when we discuss the essays. Use class discussion as prewriting.
If you find yourself disagreeing with an author, try to figure out why. Do you have an experience or other information that contradicts the author? Is the author assuming too much? Is the author’s evidence unconvincing? Write these things down.
Drafting. Your paper will basically be a cause and effect paper focusing mostly on effects. See pages 40-47 in our book for advice about ways to handle this.
The most challenging part will probably be developing a specific, consistent focus. Don’t simply summarize the authors’ ideas. Instead, use their ideas to prove your own point. Your point may simply be a synthesis of their ideas, but this synthesis is your voice. Keep focused on it.
Requirements. The essay should be typed, double-spaced, and three to four pages in length. Use MLA documentation when discussing the essays. Remember that you will need to hand the first draft in with your final draft, so keep a hold of it. Both drafts are required.
first draft due November 11
final draft due November 18
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