Write an essay in which you explain a social problem. What is your view of the problem? Make sure write examples to illustrate the issue.  Your examples must be descriptive—use sensory details—and elements of a narrative.

In an illustrative essay, the writer supports his or her main idea through examples.  In class, we have discussed four types of examples: personal experience, typical-case (observational), generalized, and extended.  However, remember that to establish credibility as a writer, you must use specific and descriptive examples, primarily from your personal experience or typical-case.  Do not write generalized examples.

ASSIGNMENT: Write an illustrative essay on any of the topics below.  Use personal experience and typical case examples.

 

  1. Write an essay in which you explain a social problem. What is your view of the problem? Make sure write examples to illustrate the issue.  Your examples must be descriptive—use sensory details—and elements of a narrative.
  2. Write an essay in which you narrate a conflict. You may use 1st person or 3rd person (if it happened to someone else).  For this type of representation, you will use the narrative format.  Throughout the essay, you must illustrate the problem, the experience, and how the person changed towards the end of the story.  As a conclusion, explain the meaning behind this experience.

 

Essay Criteria  

  1. Add a creative hook that captures your reader’s attention.
  2. Summarize one of the articles you read this week. Imbed the summary to the introduction.
  3. Write an explicit thesis statement. Tell your readers specifically what you will discuss.
  4. Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that supports your thesis statement.
  5. Use personal experience or typical case examples. Your examples must be specific, detailed, and descriptive.
  6. Your essay must be unified. Add transitions between paragraphs, examples, and concluding sentences. Remember that each example should support the central idea and be focused.
  7. Written in the past tense, 1st or 3rd Do not use 2nd person “you”
  8. Write an interesting title
  9. Edit the essay carefully to avoid conventional errors (spelling, punctuation, grammar or word choice/usage)
  10. Write a well-developed conclusion paragraph. Remember to summarize your thesis statement and supporting points. Remember to add any final comments you may have on the topic, and remind your readers of your hook.

 

Topics to avoid: Do not write about any topics you do not want others to read.

REMINDER: I am a mandated reporter. By law, I am to report any information I receive on actual criminal cases or acts of violence. The information you write will not be confidential in this case.