Self-Study Essay 1
For Self-Study Essay 1, you are tasked with writing a summary and response essay that
includes the following minimum content for the Learn English with TED Talks app unit
"How to design a library that makes kids want to read” with Michael Bierut (Advanced):
Paragraph 1: Introduction
* Introduce the topic.(consider using a hook to get the reader's attention)
* Summarize the content of the TED Talk. (Focus on the main idea and important details
from the talk.)
* Provide a thesis statement for your response essay.
* Preview the content you plan to discuss (ideas # 1 & 2) in your thesis statement.
Paragraph 2: Response to IDEA #1 (Body Paragraph 1)
* Clear topic sentence for IDEA #1.
* Respond to one idea from the talk.
* Support your reasoning with evidence (details, facts, examples)
* I am interested in seeing a sophisticated reaction to an idea from the TED Talk.
Paragraph 3: Response to IDEA #2 (Body Paragraph 2)
* Clear topic sentence for IDEA #2.
* Respond to a second idea from the talk.
* Support your reasoning with evidence (details, facts, examples)
* I am interested in seeing a sophisticated reaction to an idea from the TED Talk.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion
* Topic sentence (you can rephrase your thesis statement from the introduction)
* Highlight important points from your essay and explain how they fit together to to say
something of value that the reader can take away from this essay.
* Say something powerful to bring your essay to a conclusion. (e.g. leave the reader
wanting to learn more or take action)
**** Paraphrase for this essay - Use your own words. Do not plagiarize by simply
repeating the same language from the talk. (You can use a maximum of one quote for the
TED Talk in this essay.)
**** Include a ‘References' page that cites the original TED Talk (as well as any other
sources you wish to integrate into your response - see below).
*** Please use APA format for this essay (including references page). I recommend using
the following website to assist you with the general format and “References” page:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_g
uide/general_format.html
**** OPTIONAL: You are welcome to use expert opinions and data as evidence to
support your reasoning, but you should cite the source if you choose to do so.