Ducat ENG 101 - #1934 Fall 2012 - Mt. San Jacinto College
“Explaining a Concept” Assignment
Read
Chapter 4 in The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing, paying special attention to the explanatory strategies that pertain to this type of assignment: defining, using examples, reporting established cause and effect, narrating, classifying, and comparing/contrasting (130). Also focus on purpose and audience, which are the elements which will guide how you write your paper (131).In this assignment, you will be required to use the writing strategies we have covered – defining, narrating and using examples.
Start with some thoughts
After reading and considering the activities in “Choosing a Concept” (161), and “Invention and Research” (162-63), brainstorm (invention phase of the writing process) a list of concepts that you would like to consider using. You must select concepts of some complexity.
Now discuss
Share those ideas with peers and narrow the list to two. Now take some time to consider and write about the purpose and audience questions from p. 131 as they pertain to your two favorite ideas from your brainstorm
Research your concept
This assignment requires you to use two outside sources, neither of which may be unreliable sources such as, but not limited to: Wikipedia, Ask.com, Yahoo Answers, etc. You may use major national or international newspapers, magazines or other widely distributed, edited publications available online, including scholarly journals. Take notes and keep track of your sources, especially on the internet. Photocopy/print if necessary, but make sure the identifying info is included (name, date of access, url, etc.).
Plan
Using the strategies in SMG, consider what Explanatory strategies will work best for your purpose and audience, what main thesis you will present, and how you will format the essay (structure) by outlining in a way that makes sense for you – you do NOT have to use the Roman Numeral method (166-170). Return again to the questions on page 131 regarding purpose and audience to guide these choices:
Write
Write a paper in which you explain a concept of some complexity by defining, narrating and using examples. Your explanation should: maintain audience interest; develop logically, coherently, and fully; and transition smoothly between paragraphs and ideas. You must use two outside sources which support your explanation in a meaningful way.
Review, revise, and rewrite
We will reviewcollaboratively, and there will be time in-class to rethink and rework. The revised version of this paper must be substantially different from the first draft.
Details
The body of this paper must have at least 750 words. It must be typed in Times New Roman 12 point font and in MLA manuscript format, including works cited page. See syllabus for submission dates and other particulars. Ask me if you do not understand the expectations.