COMPOSITION 1
MLA STYLE FOR ALL ASSIGNMENTS
Underline All thesis statement on all the work that has a thesis.
ASSIGNMENT 1
Topic and Structure:
Character Evolution - Explain how a character from a novel, film, television show, or another medium of your choice evolves-either good or bad-from the beginning to the end of the story.
Your introduction will provide a brief synopsis of the story and then smoothly transition into the last sentence of your introduction-the thesis statement. Next, you will develop at least three body paragraphs, each dedicated to one example (such as a scene) in your chosen medium that serves as support for your thesis claim. Finally, you will compile a conclusion paragraph that synthesizes your findings.
Format Requirements:
? MLA style documentation
? Double-spacing throughout
? Title, centered after heading
? Standard font (Times New Roman or Calibri)
? 1" margins on all sides
Length: This assignment should be at least 500 words.
ASSIGNMENT 2
Topic and Structure:
Outdoor Experience Description - Detail a real or imaginary experience walking through an outdoor event or activity, such as a zoo, open-air market, festival, etc.
You only need to develop one paragraph for this assignment, but it should include many sensory details and directional transitions. Start with a topic sentence, which will also serve as the thesis statement, that explains the exhibition you are experiencing as well as mentions how the adventure ignites your senses. In the sentences following, describe your journey. What do you see? Hear? Feel? Smell? Taste? Where are these experiences located (directional transitions)? To the right? Just above? The reader should be able to build the environment around you and take part in the sensory experience you illustrate as he or she reads along, so be as descriptive as necessary, touching upon all five senses within the body paragraph. Finally, complete your paragraph with a concluding sentence that summarizes your outing, and make sure it has a point! In other words, what did you take away from this excursion?
Sample thesis statement: As I walk toward the Brookfield Zoo entrance gate for my first zoo experience, I notice a flurry of lively activity in front of me, so on my way to the gorilla den, I can feel my excitement building, and as I get closer, the sounds and smells strengthen, making the chill of my cold beverage much more apparent; I hope I am ready for this.
Length: This assignment should be at least 15 sentences in a single paragraph.
ASSIGNMENT 3
Topic and Structure:
Annotated Bibliography - Review four potential sources for your research paper project (you should already have your research essay topic chosen), and select two to explore further.
This assignment does not follow the standard introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion format; instead, you will simply create three well-developed paragraphs per source, each with a specific objective, for six paragraphs total. For each of your two chosen resources, you will summarize the material, assess the source's content, and reflect on its value for your research paper project. Some sources are long and contain main ideas and subtopics, so be sure to focus your assignment on ideas that are relevant to your research paper topic.
Notes: Make the title of your annotated bibliography your research paper project's topic.
On the line under your title, but left-aligned on the page, include your proposed research essay's thesis so that graders can provide some preliminary feedback.
Length: This assignment should have three full paragraphs per two sources for a total of six paragraphs, with at least 500 words minimum overall.
ASSIGNMENT 4
Topic and Structure: Compare/Contrast Essay - Choose one topic provided in these instructions to compare and/or contrast. (Public School vs. Home School)is my two topics to compare.
Write an essay comparing or contrasting the two topics in your selection using EITHER the point-by-point OR the subject-by-subject method to organize the details and specific examples. Consider focusing on three to five subtopics and generate ideas through prewriting. Develop a strong thesis statement for your essay that includes your two topics from the list above; your three to five subtopics; and a claim about how they are similar, different, or both.
Format Requirements:
Remember to apply the concepts you're learning in the course, including elements of grammar, punctuation, thesis development, and other skills.
Length: This assignment should be at least 500 words.
Sources: You need a bare minimum of two credible sources for this assignment.
Underline your thesis statement.
ASSIGNMENT 5
Topic and Structure:
Multimodal Personal Narrative - Develop a multimodal document to both visually illustrate and verbally express a personal transformation.
Use a one-page newspaper or single-panel brochure format to present a personal narration of a transformation of your choice from a point in your childhood to today. You might discuss a career aspiration you had as a child, transition to the job you held as a teenager, and lastly, explain the profession you maintain today. Use connecting ideas to ensure you have a cohesive essay, which will ultimately (in the conclusion) explain what you learned from this transformation. For example, how and why did you go from point A (job 1) to point B (job 2) and then on to point C (job 3)? Or, you might consider illustrating a transformation based on a way of life or philosophy.
Implement three photos to represent your ideas, feelings, etc., at the three focal points in your life. You may use personal photos, clip art, or other images, but be sure you use and/or attribute the them appropriately. For example, you are free to use your personal photos as you'd like, but make sure to choose clip art or other images that you either have permission to use freely or that you cite adequately. Equally consider your document's layout, such as text sizes, photo placement (near the related essay text), and colors, in addition to how you present your content, to include thesis, support, and organization.
Sample thesis statement: Growing up in Sedona, Arizona, I was constantly looking up into the clear night sky, viewing multiple constellations and shimmering stars, which had me yearning to reach them-literally-so when I turned 16, I began working as a camp counselor at a space camp, which ultimately led to a career at NASA; my journey taught me that if I reached for the stars, nothing could stop me.
Length: This assignment should be at least 500 words.
Underline your thesis statement.
ASSIGNMENT 6
Topic and Structure:
Personal Letter - Construct a letter focused on persuading the reader to change his or her stance or opinion.
Think about a personal opinion you hold in which someone close to you (friend, family member, etc.) disagrees. Appeal to your reader in an emotional manner using appropriate language and strategies such as motivation, inspiration, etc., to write a personal, passionate letter in an effort to get your reader to agree with your perspective. Kindly play off the reader's emotions to draw him or her into your argument. Make sure your appeals are legitimate and straightforward so that you avoid using logical fallacies in your efforts.
Use letter format, provided at the end of these instructions, and begin with an introduction that explains your topic. Make a fluid transition into the thesis where you issue your opinion as well as three reasons that support your claim. Present and argue each of the three reasons in three separate body paragraphs. Finish with a conclusion that summarizes your appeals and makes one final effort to sway your reader.
Sample Thesis Statement: Therefore, Carol, my dear friend, please reconsider homeschooling your children because this approach can stunt a child's social development; it tends to be subpar to nationally recognized curriculum, ultimately becoming a hindrance to college acceptance; and lastly, the chosen teacher, whether that ends up being you or another qualified instructor, will not have the resources that public-school teachers have available to continuously enhance and advance instruction.
Length: This assignment should be at least 750 words.
Underline your thesis statement.
ASSIGNMENT 7
Topic and Structure:
Argumentative Essay - Choose one of two topics provided in these instructions to develop an argumentative essay. You must choose one of the topics listed, or your submission will not be graded.
Option #1: Does Technology Promote Loneliness?
Develop a thesis statement built upon whether or not technology promotes loneliness. You should focus on either one form of hardware or one type of software. For example, you could target cell phones or laptops. If you want to look more into software, you could narrow your discussions to one type of social media or one gaming app. These are just a handful of a vast array of options you could choose.
Develop at least three strong arguments in addition to a counterargument and refutation. This organization should yield four body paragraphs. Using argumentative topic sentences that include your opinion for each section can help ensure the majority of your essay is argumentative. The beginning of a sample topic sentence might be, "First, Facebook does not promote loneliness because...." Then, be sure to support that claim with a point or two of researched data, followed by mostly original material that helps to explain how your research supports your claims as well as provides new insights and perspectives. Conclude each paragraph with a sentence that synthesizes the paragraph's main ideas.
Option #2: Is Citizen Privacy or National Security More Important?
Develop a thesis statement focused on determining if citizen privacy or national security is more important. You can choose any country or region. Your chosen topic needs to be specific and might address a question like the ones you see in these examples:
? Should officials make citizens' privacy more of a priority than national security? Why or why not?
? Is national security likely to pose a risk for citizen privacy? Why or why not?
? You may choose another topic regarding the relationship between citizen privacy and national security as well; just be sure that your main thesis addresses the association between these two ideas.
Develop at least three strong arguments in addition to a counterargument and refutation. This organization should yield four body paragraphs. Using argumentative topic sentences that include your opinion for each section can help ensure the majority of your essay is argumentative. The beginning of a sample topic sentence might be, "Primarily, exceptional national security is likely to reduce citizen privacy because...." Then, be sure to support that claim with a point or two of researched data, followed by mostly original material that helps to explain how your research supports your claims as well as provides new insights and perspectives. Conclude each paragraph with a sentence that synthesizes the paragraph's main ideas.
Use at least three credible sources
Length: This assignment should be at least 750 words.
Underline your thesis statement.
ASSIGNMENT 8
RESEARCH PAPER: Choose a research topic of your choice.
You will need a good, comprehensive thesis statement that states your claim (what will you prove? Keep in mind that the purpose of this assignment is to support a claim, which means you must do more than merely inform the reader. You must take a stance on your topic and make/support claims that go beyond mere facts) and at least three supporting details (how will you prove your point?).
Length: This assignment should be a minimum of 800 words. However, you should aim for a minimum of 1,250 words. All length guidelines are excluding the Works Cited page
At least four credible sources used and documented in MLA style.