ENGLISH 151

Core Essay Overview

Dr. Amy Berry October 2012

Essay 1 Explain a Concept

Essay 1 is an informative essay. You will not argue any point of view in this essay.

You will explore the facts, concepts, and theories that form the basis of the topic using some basic questions and techniques

The most essential question is ‘What is X?” What is the Death Penalty? You can develop the essay by beginning to answer this question. A definition, factual content, and examples are the best way to start.

What is the importance of this topic? College essays are written on topics of importance

Essay 1 Inquiry

What is the scope of the issue or topic? How large an impact does the issue or topic have on American society? How many people are affected by the issue or topic? How seriously or strongly are they affected? Who is affected—demographics

What are the important facts, concepts, and ideas related to the topic?

What are the factual, legal, and ethical details that are important to know about the topic?

Your goal is to first educate yourself and then to inform your reader about the topic.

Essay 2 Explain Opposing Positions

Essay 1 is an informative essay. You will not argue any point of view in this essay

The purpose of this essay is to explore two diametrically opposed points of view on the debatable issue topic and to explain those two points of view to your reader. It is well to use block style organization

The essential question is, What are the two most important opposing positions on the topic of X?

Essay 2 Inquiry

What facts, concepts, opinions, logical arguments, ethical arguments, and legal arguments support these two opposing viewpoints?

Essay 3 Annotated Bibliography

You will create an annotated bibliography of 7 to 10 sources with content and application to the essay notes

The annotated bibliography is a record of your scholarship and proof of your ability to frame academic inquiry and to conduct academic research at the university level

The annotated bibliography is evidence to your professor and to the university discourse community of your efforts in conducting research and supporting expository and persuasive essays with university credible library sources

Essay 4 Taking a Stand on an Issue

Essay 4 is a persuasive essay in which you take a stand on an issue and express your opinion supported by academic research to convince your reader to agree with your point of view

The persuasive essay is driven by a an affirmative/negative question that states the case

For example, ‘The Death Penalty in the United States Constitutes Cruel and Unusual Punishment and should be Abolished’ is an affirmative/negative question

Essay 5 Bringing it Home

Essay 5 is a problem statement essay that places the debatable issue topic in the context of one’s family, neighborhood, community, state, or nation

The informing question positions the topic as a problem that affects your family or community

The informing question is, “How does the death penalty affect my family (neighborhood, town/city, state, etc.)

“Essay” 6

Daily assignments, formal and informal casual assignments including essay planning documents and essays reflecting on the research and writing process and product