AP Language
Readings from Patterns for College Writing
Week # 6
Theme: Race and Culture
For each essay you read, including the required piece, you must briefly answer the prompt that
follows the piece. Please do not write an intro or conclusion. Keep your response to one or two
paragraphs.
Required:
BRENT STAPLES, Just Walk On By: A Black Man Ponders His Power to Alter Public Space 236
Rhetorical Analysis Prompt: In paragraphs 1-5, Staples describes his experience of being
stereotyped on the basis of sex and race. Write an essay analyzing the rhetorical strategies he
uses to achieve his purpose.
Choose 2 (one must have an ARGUMENT prompt):
BHARATI MUKHERJEE, Two Ways to Belong in America 411
Rhetorical Analysis Prompt: In this essay, Mukherjee compares her own experience as an Indian
coming to live and work in North America with that of her sister. Write an essay in which you
analyze the rhetorical strategies she uses to draw her comparison and generalize it beyond her
immediate experience.
LARS EIGHNER, On Dumpster Diving 714
Argument Prompt: Carefully re-read paragraphs 74-80. Write an essay that defends, qualifies, or
challenges Eighner’s attitudes toward materialism and wealth. Use evidence from your
observation, experience, or reading to support your position.
JUDITH ORTIZ COFER, The Myth of the Latin Woman: I Just Met a Girl Named Maria 730
Argument Prompt: In paragraph 6 of her essay, Cofer makes the following statement:
Mixed cultural signals have perpetuated certain stereotypes—for example, that of the
Hispanic woman as the “Hot Tamale” or sexual firebrand. It is a one-dimensional view
that the media have found easy to promote. In her special vocabulary, advertisers have
designated “sizzling” and “smoldering” as the adjective of choice for describing not only
the foods but also the women of Latin America.
Write an argument explaining whether you agree or disagree with the assertion as it applies to the
media today. You may work with Cofer’s example of Latin American women, or you may
choose another group (e.g., African Americans, older people, persons from the Middle East) to
consider in terms of stereotypes that the media promotes. Support your opinion with evidence
from your experience, observations, or reading.
Typed response due Thursday, September 25, 2014.