Keshishyan
English
Essay Prompt
Culture and Self
In Amy Tan’s “A Pair of Tickets,” she describes an adolescence in which she feels somewhat distant from
her Chinese roots; her mother, however, tells her, “Someday you will see … it’s in your blood, waiting to
be let go.” Do you think that one’s ethnicity, culture, and family history play a role self-development?
In a carefully constructed 2-3-page essay, argue whether or not one’s culture and ethnicity
influence one’s self, his/her decisions, actions, and values.
Before You Begin
1. Read the text closely several times. Focus on the ideas that are being presented. Think about the characters’ development
and the author’s writing technique. What might be considered interesting, unusual, or important?
2. Brainstorm a list of potential topics. Take notes on important passages in the text. When writing the paper, these notes
should help you remember which aspects of the story caught your attention and guide you toward developing an argument
about the story’s theme. While we will discuss all readings in class, your essay should express your unique perspective and
interpretation.
3. Read Scholarship and Literary Criticism of the work. visit the Library website for research (optional for English 21)
(http://www.lamission.edu/library/.
Requirements:
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5.
Must be 2-3 pages
Typed, double-spaced, 12-pt font in Times New Roman
1 inch margins all around
MLA format
Must have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion and demonstrate the ability to
write an effective thesis statement
DUE DATES:
First Draft:
Second Draft:
FINAL DRAFT DUE: