LAS 325, Spring 2003, Matibag
Term Essay Description
 Assignment: Write an interpretive/expository essay on one of the Asian American themes you studied during the
semestre. You can work on one of several possible areas: a cultural theme such as those introduced in Eastern
Standard Time; one of the authors studied in the course or on a group of stories. Some library and internet research
is required. If you choose literary works, read more than one text for interpretation.
Approach: You should develop an interpretation that elucidates some intellectual problem presented Inferences
and conclusions should be supported with textual evidence in the form of examples, illustrations, details and
occasional quotes. All quotes and specific references to texts should be credited: you can use a parenthetical citation
at the end of the quote and after the closing quote mark, in this way: (Watkatsuki Houston 85).
Requirements: The essay must have good grammar, good essay format and logical argumentation. The lack of any
of these elements will lower the essay grade.
Length: The essay should have a minimum of 1,250 words, which comes to about five double-spaced pages with
12-point font.
Components: The text of the essay should include notes, either at the foot of the pages or at the end of the essay
text. A Works Cited page should cite all of the sources, and with good academic format. Provide a good title to the
essay: it serves to frame the discussion and to give you and the reader a focus. It is not necessary to place a cover
page, but give your name, the course number, "Professor Matibag," and the date in the upper left-hand corner of the
first page. Then you can give the title (centered) and begin the discussion.
Structure: As a general rule, every academic exposition should have a strong and clear thesis statement. This
thesis statement is a sentence or two that expresses the central idea of the argument. It should make a claim that is
not immediately obvious to the reader: it should be argumentative and require demonstration. Here is the generic
outline for the interpretive/expository essay you should write:
Introduction
I. Lead-in (to catch the reader's attention and present the background in order to pose an intellectual problem)
II. Thesis statement (establishing the central idea, it argues an interpretation that is not immediately obvious and requires
substantiation)
III. Modus Operandi (or Division, indicating the approach to or break-down of your argument)
Body, which should have
IV. Paragraphs that develop the thesis (with examples, illustrations, details, quotes, etc.)
V. Logical Organization (which can be Chronological or Spatial Order; Exemplification; Parts, Process or Sequence Analysis;
Comparison and Contrast; Development of a Definition, etc.)
VI. Logical transitions, to ensure the flow of the discussion
Conclusion
VII. Signal (E.g., "The foregoing instances have shown," "As A, B, and C clearly demonstrate," etc.)
VIII. Link (or Expansion, indicating the wider implications of the developed idea, or its significance)
IX. Closer (or Clincher, the striking phrase or statement of fact or memorable quote that finishes off your discussion)
Recommendations: Begin the project now. Take the "Swiss Cheese Approach." Get the materials you need to
work with which they're available, and leave sufficient time to finish the project.
Due Dates: Turn in a sheet with the working Thesis Statement, Outline and Bibliography on Thursday, March 6.
Submit the final version of the essay on Tuesday, April 15.