Richard Rodriquez ( Aria: Memoir of a Bilingual Childhood ), write about their early experiences growing up with a language other than English.  They show how their language contributed to their identity; their memoir-style essays record how their language development explains who they are.  For Essay One, write a two page, documented essay answering the questions, “What if the author had always spoken and written standard (American) English?  How would his or her work be different?”

Next, do some library research and read more about the author – about his or her life and about what scholars say about his or her work.  You will need at least two outside (outside of your textbook) references for this paper.  After you’ve read and thought about your author, determine your thesis statement – a sentence which answers the assignment questions.  The bulk of your paper will explain, elaborate and support your theory (thesis statement).  Document your points with citations from your references and direct quotes from your author’s works. Your two or more references must be cited in an accurate Works Cited page, which will be the third page of your paper.

Use your best English to answer the questions based on your research and your imagination.

Use manuscript form for your paper; double space.