Assignment: A Comparison and Contrast Essay

Read "Aria: Memoir of a Bilingual Childhood" by Richard Rodriguez. Rodriguez is not in favor of bilingual education and affirmative action.

Much of Rodriguez' essay is spent comparing the Spanish his parents spoke at home to the English they spoke outside it, "the language of their Mexican past" to "the English of puble society" (par9). What is the point of including this material? How do these comparisons support his argument?

Write about an experience you have had either good or bad, with language. It can be about English and another language or just about English. How did you handle it? What does this experience tell you about yourself? Limit your subject to one experience and one insight. Add the necessary details in chronological order so the story is clear.