Tenn/English 101B/ fall 2011
Essay #1: Symbols of America
You may choose one of the following topics:
1. Write an essay expressing your feelings about the American flag. How should the flag
be displayed and treated? Should there be limits to what one can do with the flag?
Review the class readings and address major issues, promoting positions you agree with
and refuting those you oppose.
2. Is the flag the best symbol of the United States? Other symbols? Is there irony to some
American symbols? (Remember that irony is when the reality of something contrasts
sharply with one’s assumption or expectations). Review the class readings, so that you
can reference their stories and words to explain your points.
3. What does being patriotic mean to you? Make your definition come to life by providing
examples of what a patriotic person looks and acts like. For example, do actions speak
louder than words? Is displaying a U.S. flag in itself patriotic? Does it make you a good
citizen?
Page length: 3-4 pages
Note: Assume that you are writing this essay for a reader who is not in our class. When you
refer to something from a class reading, introduce it by title and author, explain or quote
clearly, and after you quote or paraphrase from a reading, provide the page number from the
original article in parentheses.
Ex. As Anchee Min says in the article “Footprints on the Flag,” “This consciousness of the
individual … was the essence of American art” (426).
How I’ll evaluate your essay:
Content:
Does your essay address the topic directly, and are your ideas supported and explained well?
Does your essay show a good understanding of our class readings?
Structure and Organization:
Is your essay organized and easy to follow? Is the main idea of your essay (thesis) clear? Are
your paragraphs focused? Do they flow logically so that the essay feels unified?
Language and Mechanics:
Are your sentences well-worded and structured? Is the essay relatively “clean” in terms of
spelling, punctuation, and grammar? Are your quotations and paraphrases done correctly?
Tenn/English 101B/ fall 2011
 With your final draft you must include:
At least one page of brainstorming and/or outlining (pre-writing).
One copy of your rough draft (marked or unmarked)
The essay checklist from peer review (filled out as completely as possible)
An “author’s note” commenting on how this assignment went for you.
Rough Draft Due for Peer Review: __________ (print 3 copies)
Final Draft Due: _____________