Formal Essays – Assignment Sheet – Brief Overview
NOTE: Dates may change
WR 121 Fall 2003
#1 - Analyzing a Text
Select one of the readings assigned for this term (see master list) and read several times. Write an analysis
(not exactly an essay though you may be arguing a point for your evaluation) analyzing it rhetorically and
evaluating it critically, according to the suggestions in Presence 20-21 and those in WIP "Guidelines for
Analyzing the Argument of a Text" (71) as well as our in-class discussion of such concepts as PurposeAudience-Technique / Aristotle's Three Appeals / Claim-Support-Warrants, literary style, effectiveness, etc
An example of critical evaluation is Jennifer E. Smith's essay "Questioning the Promises of Science"
(Presence 38-40) of J. Michael Bishop's essay "Enemies of Promise" (Presence 237-242), though Smith
does not include the rhetorical analysis aspect that you are asked to include.
Bring a typed draft to class for group discussion on Wed Oct 15
Strongly recommended ~ visit Writing Center and/or me for feedback
Final Version due ~ Monday October 20 in class.
#2 – Exploring an Idea
Select an abstract noun such as "integrity" or "morality" that is important in your major field of study and
analyze it. You might use such techniques as "compare and contrast" (what is the idea like and not like),
"illustration by examples" (which might include narrated vignettes), "cause and/or effect." You are, in
essence, arguing for your interpretation of the meaning of this idea. You may support your interpretation
with quotes, etymology, history, etc. Write at least some of your paper in the style used by professionals in
your academic discipline.
Stephen L. Carter's essay on integrity, "The Rules about the Rules" (Presence 157-168) and Joan Didion's
essay "On Morality" (Presence 179-185) offer two ways to do this. Other texts in Presence that could
provide models are David Brooks' "Conscientious Consumption" (200-204), Dave Barry's "Guys vs. Men"
(372-383), Gwendolyn Brooks' poem "We Real Cool" (133) and Edward O. Wilson's "The Biological Basis
of Morality" (322-339).
Conference draft due Oct 31
Writing Group draft due November 12 (with conference report) - visit Writing Center
Final draft due November 17 (with writing group report and writing center report)
#3 – Arguing a Position
Select a topic relating to one of the essays on our reading list and create an argument for a position. This
paper requires research to support your position (books, articles, etc) which you will report in Library
Assignment #4 (research log) and #5 (annotated bibliography).
Many of our readings in Presence are arguments and can provide examples. Likewise, consult WIP for
argument style.
Conference draft due Nov 21
Writing Group draft due December 3 (with conference report) - visit Writing Center
Final draft due December 8 (with writing group report and writing center report)