Essay #2: The Power of Reading and Writing

1
K. George/ English 1B / Summer 2015
Essay #2: But What Is It Really Saying?? (Interpreting Implicit Arguments)
DUE DATES
Reading Notes:
Topic Proposal:
Outline:
Tuesday 6/23
Wednesday 6/24
Thursday 6/25
Annotated Bib:
Rough Draft:
Final Draft in Packet:
Monday 6/29
Tuesday 6/30
Thursday 6/25
Topic
Anna Deavere Smith described Twilight Los Angeles, 1992 as “first and foremost a document of
what an actress heard in Los Angeles” and an “examination of the problems” that led to the LA Riots
(xxiv). Smith insists her text “is not a solution” (xxiv), but, within the multiple and sometimes opposing
perspectives revealed through her selection of interviews, a messages begins to take shape throughout
the novel. For Essay 2 (5+ pages, 6+ paragraphs, 3+ outside sources), you’ll have an opportunity to further
interpret the intent or argument implicit in Twilight Los Angeles, 1992. Consider the following prompts:
1. Develop an argument about the significance of the multiple interview used in Twilight Los
Angeles, 1992. How does this structure contribute to the meaning or purpose of the text? Does
this relate or apply to the world today?
-
Questions to get you thinking: Is there a hidden argument the structure reveals? Consider:
How does the structure of the book complicate or convey the relationship between race and
class in the United States? Does the book reveal an inherent flaw or inherent power with
multiple perspectives and witness accounts? Be sure to limit your topic and thoroughly
analyze specific examples from the book to support your point.
2. Examine two opposing perspectives from the text. What do these reveal about Los Angeles/
California at the time? How does this compare or relate to the world/ California today?
-
Questions to get you thinking: What was each perspective? How was each conveyed? What
are the hidden assumptions or biases you can infer from the text? Thoroughly analyze
specific examples from the book to support your point.
3. Compare another piece of art (a novel, movie, song, visual art, etc.) with related themes or topics
to Twilight Los Angeles, 1992? Do they make similar arguments or present conflicting
perspectives? Do arguments relate to or reveal anything about the world today?
-
Questions to get you thinking: How do the purpose and intent of these works compare? How
are the mediums functioning differently or effectively? Do the audiences differ? If so, how
does that change their message or presentation? Thoroughly analyze specific examples from
each text/work of art to support your point.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Structure and Content Checklist
Does my essay have…?
□ A title that is creative and informative?
□ An introduction with a compelling hook and
clear thesis that clearly states my central
position and forecasts important sub-points?
□ Specific examples from both the text/ art I’m
analyzing and my research to support my
points/ position?
□ Well-organized paragraphs with
sophisticated topic/conclusion sentences?
□ A conclusion that leaves readers with a larger
insight?
□ Well-edited and proofread sentences?
□ At least 5 pages, properly formatted,
followed by a works cited page with at least 2
sources beyond the text/ art being analyzed?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2
K. George/ English 1B / Summer 2015
Parts of the Process
□ Reading Notes (4 points):
You may type or handwrite your notes. Additional handouts are posted at englishwithkimg.weebly.com.
□ Topic Proposal (2 points):
Answer the following in at least 1 full page, typed in MLA format. Please write in paragraph form.
1.
What topic do you plan on writing about? (Be specific! What specific argument/ theme, which perspectives, or which
works of art will you focus on?) Why did you choose this topic?
2.
What specific passages, scenes or moments in the book will help you answer or address these questions? Currently,
what do you think the structure, the specific opposing perspectives, or the two works of art argue/ reveal?
3.
What questions do you have that you can explore more deeply through research?
□ Outline (2 points):
At least one page typed. You may use any outline format you feel most comfortable with. Please include a thesis, topic
sentences for each body paragraph and supporting details. Check out Purdue OWL or From Critical Thinking to Argument
(194-196) for suggestions and samples.
□ Annotated Bibliography (3 points):
At least two sources. Please include the MLA Works Cited entry (see From Critical Thinking to Argument 253-266). Then
write a paragraph that summarizes and evaluates the source (see CTA 236-237 for more info).
□ Rough Draft (5 points):
Bring in two hard copies of you essay and be prepared to provide questions about your draft.
□ Peer Review (5 points):
Peer reviews will take place in class and count for 5 of your 10 rough draft points.
□ Final Draft (40 points= 14% of total grade):
Final drafts packets include the following: final draft, rough draft, peer review sheets (completed for your essay), outline,
annotated bib, topic proposal, and reading notes. These should be stapled with your final draft on top.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resources to Help You
The Language Center:
Writing Center tutors can help with any part of the planning, researching, drafting or revising process. Go online to make
an appointment.
(909-652-6820), BEB 101, https://chaffey.mywconline.com/
Twilight Los Angeles, 1992
Think back to discussions in class, re-read your reading notes, and re-read passages of the book. What arguments,
assumptions, biases, problems or solutions can you infer? What argument or purpose do you see?
From Critical Thinking to Argument
Process (168-171)
Thesis (178)
Outlines (194-196)
Annotated Bib (236-237)
Finding Sources (219-221)
Integrating Sources (241-253)
Analyzing Arguments (147-155)
Evaluating Sources & Taking Notes (223-232)
Titles, Openings, Closings (184-188, 192-194)
Class Website (englishwithkimg.weebly.com):
Links are available for Purdue OWL (general writing questions), as well as sites focused on using sources.
Yours Truly! 
I’m happy to talk with you about your writing! Feel free to email me, schedule an appointment, or talk to me after class
about your paper-in-progress.