Essay #1: “A Brother’s Murder” Essay
Select from the following essay questions we wrote in class:
1. Who was responsible for Blake’s death? Should Brent feel guilty for his brother’s death? Could
he have done more and if so, would it have helped?
2. Staples includes a section in his essay comparing the Vietnam War to street violence. What is
his argument? Is it valid?
3. Compare the two brother’s lifestyles. Use you comparison to make an argument concerning
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Essay Requirements
Sources: Cite from “A Brother’s Murder”
Length: 4 pages
Organization:
Introduction that sets up the context/background
Specific, arguable, non-triplicate thesis
Topic sentences that state the main point of each body paragraph
Textual support in each body paragraph
Introduce, cite, and explain your support
Sentences in focus
No run-ons or comma splices