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ENG 101 / Mlady
November 12, 2010
Assignment #3.1: The Final Paper Process
For your final graded essay you will write a reflective, analytical essay in response to a set of
materials that have been prepared for you. This final paper embodies the analytical type of
writing you have done throughout this entire semester; this paper will be what is often called a
“thesis-driven” essay. The project will unfold over the remaining weeks of the semester during
which time we will engage in all of the stages of composition that we have practiced so far,
including note-taking, short responses, peer-reviewing and working with multiple drafts.
Since this is a piecemeal process, there will be a number of deadlines which will need to be met
in order for this project to be completed successfully. Because you will be engaging in group
work, it is critical that you keep up with the assigned deadlines and readings. As always, the
small assignments are designed to build up to and prepare you for the final draft of your
essay.
To successfully complete this assignment, you should expect to write a minimum of five (5)
pages for your final draft. Your final essay should present your opinion or main idea on the topic
by also referring to at least three (3) of the other authors and their ideas on the issue.
For Monday, November 15th, please first skim through the following materials that comprise
each “packet” as listed below:
Packet #1: These readings can be found in the class text Acting Out Culture.
A) "Two Cheers for Materialism" p28
B) "Preparing Minds for Markets" p530
C) "Patriarchy Gets Funky: The Triumph of Identity Marketing" p114
D) "America’s Wandering Families” p249
Packet #2:
A) "Against School" p506
B) "Preparing Minds for Markets" p530
C) "College Pressures" by William Zinsser – Please access and print this reading from the
class website’s Resources page.
D) “Finding a Coach in the Land of Oz” p278
Once you have skimmed through the contents of each packet, please choose the packet you would
like to work with for your final essay. I recommend that you take some time deciding which
packet you want to dedicate your energy to for the remainder of the semester. Because it would
be unwise to change topics once you get started in the reading, note-taking, and writing process, I
recommend that you choose the packet that interests and engages you the most.
Then, for Monday, November 15th, please read and take double-entry notes on the FIRST
essay listed above within your packet. You should choose at least 10 passages from the reading,
and your right-hand engagement with each quotation should be substantial in order to prepare
yourself for Monday’s group work and your future essay. Please remember that we are no longer
primarily focused on the effectiveness of the author’s writing; instead, you should be explaining
your thoughts and responses to the author’s ideas s/he is presenting in the essay.