ENGLISH 2202: INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE
CREATIVE NON-FICTION
PAPER ASSIGNMENT AND GRADING RUBRIC
Your assignment is to critically analyze the book Me Talk Pretty One Day, responding to one of the prompts
below. Remember that papers should NOT be reviews, and therefore should not examine or explain whether
you liked the book or not. Also, papers should not contain a synopsis of any of the chapters or character and
story descriptions; assume that the reader is familiar with the book. An academic approach is required of each
of the options.
1. It’s admittedly difficult to explain how and why something is funny. Analyze the different ways and
techniques through which David Sedaris accomplishes the humor in Me Talk Pretty One Day. Explain
how and why Sedaris is a witty writer.
2. David Sedaris writes in the creative non-fiction genre. From your reading of Me Talk Pretty One Day,
determine what the “rules” of creative non-fiction seem to be: Why isn’t it classified as purely nonfiction? How does it differ from autobiography? Where is the writer of creative non-fiction “allowed” to
exaggerate, or depart from the truth, and where does the reader rightfully expect him to be completely
honest?
3. David Sedaris is openly gay. Does his writing in Me Talk Pretty One Day amplify or diminish the
differences between gay and straight culture, lifestyles, and life experiences? How so?
4. David Sedaris talks about his loves and hates throughout Me Talk Pretty One Day. In what ways does
our course’s Love theme apply to this book? How does Sedaris successfully explore love both within
and outside of the traditional definition of the word?
5. What is the value of reading David Sedaris’ writing? What can readers gain from reading Me Talk
Pretty One Day?
For all papers, first come up with an overall theory that responds to the prompt you’ve chosen. State this
theory in an exceptionally clear, single sentence. Then support your thesis with every word you write. Present
a minimum of three specific reasons, one reason per paragraph, that prove the different ways in which your
thesis is valid.
As you present your argument, use specific textual citations from Me Talk Pretty One Day throughout the
paper as your supporting examples for your thesis and points. You must back up your opinion with a
minimum of 3 specific citations from the novel. You may either quote or paraphrase. In either case, put
the page number that you drew the quote, paraphrase, or example from in parentheses at the end of
the reference. All quotes must be introduced with a lead-in phrase or sentence of your own, and afterwards
they must be explained and interpreted in the context of your argument; they cannot stand all alone. Please
note that periods are placed after the parentheses.
Papers must be typed or word-processed, and follow the paper formatting guidelines handed out in class.
Your paper must be 500-600 words long to receive full credit (this word count must be noted in parenthesis at
the very end of your paper).
Remember to maintain a strict avoidance of self-conscious writing (the use of “I,” “we,” or “us” or reference to
the paper itself (“This paper/paragraph will prove that . . .”) and writing that directly addresses the reader (the
use of “you”).
Please see the Paper Formatting Guidelines handout for more detailed information.
ENGLISH 2202: INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE
PAPER-GRADING RUBRIC
AppearAnce,
Format, and
Length
Thesis
Clarity
Organization
Breadth
Content
Citations
Grammar
Mechanics
A
Very neat &
professional.
At required
B
Neat & professional.
At required
C
Slightly
unkempt.
At required
Outstanding. Very
clear
stance.
Single focus
Excellent
command of
lang. and
style
Exceptional.
Logical &
creative
All required
parts
included.
Goes above
and beyond
Creative,
thoughtful,
insightful,
moves far
beyond
class disc.
Contains
much
original
thought.
Exception-al
under
standing of
subject
All 3
included.
Excellent
support.
Correct
format
Very few, if
any, errors
Great. Very
clear
stance.
Single focus
Good.
Clear
stance.
Single focus
Very clear
Some
and easy-to- unclear
follow
parts
D
Unprofessional.
Slightly
below or
above
required
OK or
foggy.
Stance
unclear.
Multiple foci
Many
unclear
parts
F
Very
unprofessional.
Severely
below or
above
Missing.
Unclear.
Not focused
Major clarity
problems
Very good.
Logical and
easy-tofollow
All required
parts
included
Good.
Average.
Few
problems
Incomplete
or nonthorough
parts
Several
organizational
problems
Missing
several
required
parts
Major
organizational
problems
Missing
many
required
parts
Thoughtful,
demonstrates
some
original
thought.
Moves
beyond
class
discussion.
Clear under
standing of
subject
Mainly
repeats inclass or inreading
material.
Some or
average
understand
ing of
subject
Lacks indepth
thought or
insight.
Doesn’t
show much
understandi
ng of
subject
matter
Severely
lacking in
depth.
shows no
understandi
ng of
subject
All 3
included.
Good
support.
Few format
errors
Few errors
All 3
included.
Average
support.
Some format errors
Several
errors
All 3 not
included.
Inadequate
support.
Many format errors
Many errors
None used.
Many format errors
Major errors