A. 800-1000 words (3 to 4 pages).
B. Typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, in a Word document.
C. You may use the first person (I) when writing about a personal example or experience—but
remember that your essay should focus on the texts, not on your own life.
D. You may NOT use the second person (you).
E. You must follow the essay conventions discussed in class.
F. Your essay must include proper in-text citations (quotes) and a works cited page.
Write a thesis-driven paper in which you attempt to advance the discussion on a social issue.
(“Just Walk on By” by Brent Staples)
Pick a topic or issue we’ve discussed in this unit (“Just Walk on By” by Brent Staples) such as
racial stereotyping (as in “Just Walk on By” by Brent Staples). Then pick two texts that deal with
that issue and compare the insights that each brings to it. You could argue, for instance, which
text, in your opinion, is the most effective or most accurately portrays a certain issue. As
before, your argument should attempt to add to or advance the conversation on a social issue.
Things to keep in mind:
1. One of these texts must come from this unit (“Just Walk on By” by Brent Staples). Both may
come from class discussion, but you’re also free to look at, another work of literature, song
lyrics, or the like. Sources that are off-limits: Wikipedia, eHow, message boards, Facebook, and
any kind of article that does NOT have an author. You should also stick to shorter texts. Avoid
novels and larger works.
2. No fewer than four quotations in your essays. And the quotations must be properly
integrated.
3. The way you say something is as important as what you say. In other words, your prose is as
important as your ideas. So: strive to be clear, concise, and error-free.
4. To do well on this paper, you must have an arguable thesis, write without grammatical
errors, and use valid textual evidence to back up your claims. The body of your essay should
provide specific support for that thesis statement in as many paragraphs as you need.
5. Avoid too much summary of the texts and focus instead on clear analysis.