English IV--Satire Essay: A Modest Proposal
Prompt Background
Following in the model presented by Jonathan Swift, I’d like you to write a
modest proposal of your own, a satirical critique of a major problem faced
by society (either local, domestic, or international). One of the most
important things to keep in mind is that Swift did more than write a funny
essay; his purpose was to offer a serious solution to a pressing problem in
the Ireland of his time.
Your language can be contemporary, but you should use the same
argumentative strategies that characterized Swift’s work.
Requirements
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Learn more on your subject (journal observations, Ted Talks, CNN
etc)
Create a comic for your subject.
MLA Format
Rough draft, workshop, peer edit, and final draft
The essay should be between 500-700 words and will be read aloud in class, so choose a subject that
you are comfortable sharing.
5 Satirical/Comedic Devices with footnotes
Suggested Outline
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
Introduce the problem/background/works towards a thesis
Thesis/proposal/process
Refute/concede
Benefits
Real solutions
Conclude/distance
Voice: 1st Person
Tone: Aggressive, passive
Deadlines
1.
2.
3.
4.
Rough draft—
Workshop—
Peer edit—
Final draft—
Special thanks to Mr. Pogreba