Description

The topic of this assignment is “Myths of the Schooling system” and my two broad options to choose from are, “More Homework Means More Learning” or “More money Means Better Schools” I will copy and past the directions for the assignment under here.

Research directions

The prompt: YOU will create your own essay prompt examining a myth about the public education system.  You will aim for it to be narrow enough for a short essay but broad enough to allow for plentiful and thoughtful research and analysis.   The basic requirements: This is an analytical, argumentative essay.  You will have a clear position that is based on research. 3 (min) to 5 (max) page essay.  It will need to be in Modern Language Association (MLA) format and contain an additional Works Cited page with multiple sources. Review MLA format in my presentation: https://spark.adobe.com/page/XUXT0cS4Cmvv6/ Or, use your own handbook Or, go online (Purdue OWL is the best!) https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_and_style_guide.html) I will expect a VARIETY of support.

 What is “support”?  It is the following (there’s more, but this is a start): personal experiences (which you of course already have on this topic, but should ALWAYS use in connection with evidence) statistics/research/known facts (which gives numbers, data, and other proven information about the topic) examples (detailed examinations of texts or events–something TANGIBLE and concrete) allusions (reference to a well-known person, text, event or place) authority (someone with credentials who demonstrates expertise on the topic) analogies (which may also be metaphors–this is the comparison of two distinct scenarios in order to draw similarities).  Analyze and contextualize while incorporating evidence.

 Research Guidelines

You will then make sense of this evidence through explanation, contextualization, personal experiences, and so on.  You will assert the significance of these findings in the larger context of the thesis.  I would like you to use a variety of evidence as your basis while exploring your own ideas about your selected MYTH. related to the education system in the United States.  Your final draft should demonstrate careful reading and analysis of those readings, research and comprehension of the topic.  You will need to develop points using a variety of evidence (review the Types of Evidence handout as well as the student essay samples in this module for more guidance).   Basic Structure: In the introduction. You should draw in your reader (there are a variety of ways to do this, but storytelling or fascinating facts are two ways).

Give an overview of the issue and background with mention of the research you’ve done (introducing key articles, videos, or essays is useful here).  Assert your main point/thesis/subpoints.  It is usually effective to assert a thesis that gives a plan of development. AND a “so what” assertion about why the audience should care about this overarching claim and reasons you assert. Sometimes, the overt thesis can come later, but be sure to give direction of your essay early on. In the body paragraphs (which varies, but there should be more than three—please move beyond the “5 paragraph essay”). You should develop your argument with assertions, evidence, analysis of the evidence, and overall commentary.

Further directions on Myths of the schooling system

Please use evidence to ANALYZE rather than summarize (review AXES, if needed: assertion, example, explanation, significance, repeat). Introduce articles or essays from the textbook or Resources in the if you haven’t already in the introduction. Then, incorporate them with thoughtful commentary and analysis.  Again, review the Types of Evidence handout. Only use quotes from the text to support YOUR argument.  Generally, aim for 25% outside evidence and 75% of your own development, commentary, and analysis. Use MLA format to cite sources properly throughout and in the Works Cited page. Remember that the best writing engages the reader.  We usually engage our readers through storytelling and vivid imagery.

Please use the skills you practiced while writing your Personal Narrative Essay #1. to make these issues come alive.  Persuade your reader with stories, details, images, analogies, and other illustrative methods. On the other hand, this can be a heated issue, so be very aware of your tone and your own biases about the system.  Your voice should be reasonable and respectful.  Show your position through evidence and stories rather than overtly attacking the other side. The conclusion… is your opportunity to reflect, reiterate, and persuade.  For out-of-class essays, the conclusion is the most important section because it is the last thing your readers see.  This is a great place for personal stories that relate to the issue This is also a place to give a “rally” cry for change, and heartfelt plea to care about this issue.  This is NOT simply a place to restate your thesis.

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