Prof Yi
English 93
Project 1, first draft
September 26, 2013
Paper Project 1: The Beginning
So far, we looked at many readings that presented original and thought-provoking views
on various topics that we may or may not have already been familiar with (See back for
list of readings by themes). As a writer with your first writing project in front of you,
please select a reading that we have already discussed in class and write a wellorganized discussion responding to a major issue, question, or idea that was presented
in the reading of your interest. In first your draft, I expect you to do the following:
-Mention the author’s name and reading’s title
-Give an introduction of the topic & reading
-Introduce a thesis at the end of your introduction
-Discuss major points in the reading that stand out for you
-Talk about how you may personally relate (whenever relevant) to the reading, or topic
-Take your time in your discussion of each point you want to make
-Be yourself and try your best with this project
Since this is a project that you will spend multiple drafts on, please take careful thought,
planning and consideration when selecting the reading that best meets your interests
and thoughts. The following things should be avoided in your first draft:
-Don’t write about something you are not interested about
-Don’t assume the reader has read the reading
-Don’t just summarize the entire reading throughout your paper
-Don’t talk about something that does not connect with your main idea
-Don’t rush through your discussion when writing your thoughts do
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to share your thoughts, concerns/questions,
insight, worldview(s) and wisdom with the world of readers so tap into that writer in you
and write with purpose. Above all else, have fun and explore! Remember - this is only
the beginning to something potentially great!
2
Personal Narrative & Identity:
“To Any Would-be Terrorists” by Naomi Shihab Nye
“Predictable Crises of Adulthood” by Gail Sheehy
“What is Poverty?” by Jo Goodwin Parker
“Living Like Weasels” by Annie Dillard
“Coming to an Awareness of Language” by Malcolm X
“Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder” by Katy Waldman
Family & Culture:
“Predictable Crises of Adulthood” by Gail Sheehy
“Pride” by Dagoberto Gilb
“Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder” by Katy Waldman
“To Any Would-be Terrorists” by Naomi Shihab Nye
“What is Poverty?” by Jo Goodwin Parker
Our Failures & Successes:
“Failure is a Good Thing” by Jon Carroll
“Coming to an Awareness of Language” by Malcolm X
“Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder” by Katy Waldman
“Living Like Weasels” by Annie Dillard
Power of Language:
“Coming to an Awareness of Language” by Malcolm X
“Envy” by Joseph Epstein
“Pride” by Dagoberto Gilb
“The Truth About Lying” by Judith Viorst
“What Secrets Tell” by Luc Sante
“To Any Would-be Terrorists” by Naomi Shihab Nye