Barney/Eng 90
ESSAY ONE
Essay Topic:
After reading the chapter “Is There an Ethics of Eating?” in America Now, evaluate your
knowledge of and relationship to the food industry. What is your philosophy on food
consumption in our society today? Write a persuasive essay in which you take a stand on
the issues concerning food consumption. Support your point of view with examples from
America Now and personal experience.
Questions To Consider:
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How does your culture influence your personal philosophy towards food?
Do Americans need to be more educated about the food industry? Why?
Do you believe the poor have a harder time eating healthy? Why?
Do you believe fast food companies should alter their business practices to promote
better health for their customers? Should individuals be solely responsible for their own
health?
Does society place too much emphasis on consumption?
Format Requirements:
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MLA Format
12 point Times New Roman font
double-spaced
1 inch margins
2-3 pages (2 full pages minimum)
Due Dates:
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Thesis statement and outline
3 copies of typed, completed rough draft
Final draft (include the rough draft)
Tuesday, February 5th
Thursday, February 7th
Thursday, February 14th
Guidelines:
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Proofread carefully!
Directly refer to at least one of the articles in America Now by quoting or paraphrasing.
Do not use any outside resources other than the articles in America Now.
Turn in final essay to turnitin.com
Grading Rubric
THESIS and CONTENT (Development)
The essay has a thesis—a single, central point that is interesting, original, debatable and substantial.
The central idea is developed in the essay through well-chosen, appropriate, concrete details that show
originality and freshness. Author shows rather than merely tells. Generalizations and assertions are
defended. Arguments are logical and supported with at least one direct reference to America Now.
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ORGANIZATION
The essay is organized and well structured (there is a beginning, a body, and a conclusion).
Paragraphs are organized, unified and coherent. Each supporting paragraph has a controlling idea
(which may be expressed in a topic sentence). Transitions help the paper flow smoothly.
Introductory paragraph is interesting and appropriate. Concluding paragraph is satisfying.
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STYLE
Sentences are mature and parallel. Sentences show variety of pattern and are rhetorically effective.
The essay is written in a style and tone appropriate to the audience, topic and purpose. Words are
appropriate and well chosen. Writer avoids jargon and slang. Writer seems to be speaking in an
authentic voice. Paper is enjoyable and interesting.
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GRAMMAR, SPELLING, MECHANICS
Substantially free of errors in grammar (comma splices, fragments, run-on sentences, agreement, etc.),
spelling, and mechanics (margins, format, etc.).
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