Essay #2
English 101 (Perri)
The second formal writing assignment will be a Summary & Response essay, due <DATE>.
Students will summarize one essay from 75Readings, and respond to its ideas and techniques.
Students may choose from the following, and only the following, list of essays:
“Writing Drafts” by Richard Marius
“Coming to an Awareness of Language” by Malcolm X
“Doublespeak” by William Lutz
“The Truth About Lying” by Judith Viorst
“Superman and Me” by Sherman Alexie
“Dumpster Diving” by Lars Eighner
“What Is Poverty” by Jo Goodwin Parker
“37 Who Saw Murder Didn’t Call the Police” by Martin Gansberg
“If Hitler Asked You to Electrocute a Stranger, Would You? Probably” by Philip Meyer
“Black Men and Public Space” by Brent Staples
Over the next two weeks we will discuss all of these essays during class (1-2 per day; consult
syllabus for exact dates & titles). This time will additionally be spent going over the finer
details of summary & response.
Summary is an invaluable skill in oral or written communication, as it relies heavily on
complete comprehension and controlled expression. An effective summary will exhibit a
thorough understanding of content (what’s in the essay), context (when it was written, by who,
and for whom), and style (how it’s written). And it will do so through a careful, thoughtful
reduction of these essential parts into as few words as possible.
Response is, basically, a summary of your reaction to what you read, meaning it too relies on
focused, purposeful construction. This isn’t simply a matter of “liking/not liking” what you read.
These responses are required to include more than your personal preference. They will also
include an assessment of how the essay’s design and strategies influence its overall goals.
Again, papers are due <DATE>. Minimum length: three (3) full pages. Standard format
and rules for submitting papers apply. Let me know, ASAP, of any questions or concerns.