Essay Assignment: Textual Analysis Prompt: In English 101, you had to write expository essays. A textual analysis is an expository piece of writing that evaluates and explains a text communicates or makes meaning. Pick a topic related to a text selected by that faculty that you deem interesting and analyze it according to the way concepts such as authorial intent, symbols, or patterns. Use specific textual evidence to establish a general argument (i.e., thesis) about how the text “works.” You should not simply paraphrase or summarize what the writer/composer says or composes; rather, your goal is to provide a way of understanding the measure of persuasive effect by analyzing the rhetorical situation. To do this, first identify the author, intended reader, message, and significance (or meaning) of the text. You can take your cues from the readings included in the book, class discussions, or discussions with your instructor. This information will set the foundation for the rest of your analysis. Consequently, your essay will textually analyze a piece of writing in terms of its: • articulates its significance or meaning; • employs the textual/literary techniques (symbolism, patterns, references, characterization, dialogue, if applicable) Process: Before proceeding with your work on the assignment you must present your topic and text for your instructor’s review and explain what makes this text an interesting subject (i.e., what is not rhetorically obvious) for rhetorical analysis through a 1-page Statement on Planned Research. This statement will layout the topic and three questions about the topic you want to study. It will also layout why you are interested in studying the topic and what you expect to learn through this analysis. The topic must be approved by your instructor. Doing research is fundamental to putting together an effective paper. To this end you must conduct research on your topic and develop an Annotated Bibliography of at least four sources (see Annotated Bibliography Assignment Sheet). The bibliography can be changed in the final paper, but the annotated bibliography text you submitted will be a graded assignment separate from your Essay Assignment. As you are drafting, consider how you are supporting your claims about the text. Refer to specific moments in the text (using quotes and other concrete details) for your explanation of how the writer uses writing strategies. Consider the balance between description and analysis. Describe moments in the text in order to make your argument. Your job is to evaluate the text by analyzing these details and making an argument about their rhetorical effect. After drafting, revise and edit the Final Draft. Consider carefully the organization and coherence of your piece. Develop clear paragraphs that support your thesis. It is essential you incorporate feedback (from peers, from the SVWC, or Smartthinking) at this step off the process based on two completed Feedback Sheets. You must also reflect on this process and develop a Review Memo laying out your steps. The Review Memo is meant to make you cognizant about the writing process. Based on the feedback you received, lay out your process of incorporating feedback and what you learned about the writing process as such in a 1-page memo. Your answers will not be graded for grammar, but you should try to answer as specifically and clearly as possible. The memo should explicitly answer these four questions: • What did you understand about the changes asked for in your essay by your reviewers? Be specific. • What changes did you make during the revision process and why? • What changes did you not make and why not? • What did you learn about the research process and how will you use it in the next assignment? Format: Your final draft should be three to four pages (double-spaced, TNR font, 1” margins). When citing your outside source(s), follow MLA format (see IC Part 6 or Bowie State Course Library Guide for English 102.). Deliverables: Deliverables: 1) Statement on Planned Research, 2) Annotated Bibliography, 3) Rough Draft 4) 2Completed Feedback Sheets, 4) Final Draft , and 6) Revision Memo Suggested Themes and Topics • Social Media • NFL protests • Black Lives Matter • Black Lives Matter • Ad campaigns by athletic gear companies • Immigration controversies • Ad campaigns by fashion • Poverty and inequality • Social movement campaigns • Climate change • Essay by famous authors • Student debt • Media campaigns by politicians • Internet addiction • Presidential campaigns • Student athletes and unpaid labor • Amazon ad campaigns • Sports injuries – NFL concussions • Marijuana policies • Texting and driving • Specific topics in Hip Hop • Drunk driving • Objectification of women in advertising • Public transportation Additional Themes and Topics: Textual Analysis Argument Rubric – 100 Points A Introduction B C D F 10-9 8 7 6 5-0 It does a great job of connecting to the prompt, setting the context, and stating the audience. It does a good job of connecting to the prompt and stating the audience. It does not do an adequate job of connecting to the prompt and stating the audience. It does not connect to the prompt, the subject or state the audience. It does not fulfill either function regarding the prompt or audience. 5 4 3 2 1-0 A very specific closed 3point thesis that provides a clear position and outlines the structure of the paper. A closed 3-point thesis that presents an position being talked about in the paper. It does not present an position or the outline of the paper. No thesis. No thesis. Content of Argument 20-18 17-15 14-13 12-11 10-0 Uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to illustrate competence of the topic and analysis; explains using the appropriate terminology and with sourced evidence. Illustrates competence of the topic and analysis; use of appropriate terminology and with sourced evidence needs to be stronger. Inadequate handling of the topic and analysis; no use of appropriate terminology. Poor handling of the topic and analytical process. Organization Uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to illustrate profiency of the topic and analysis; explains using the appropriate terminology and with sourced evidence. 10-9 8 7 6 5-0 Presents ideas in a logical and cohesive sequence, with paragraphs using topic sentences and transition words or phrases well and reflecting the assigned argument. Presents ideas in a cohesive sequence, with paragraphs using topic sentences and transition words or phrases that need to be strengthened; logic of sequence is not explicit but argument type is clear. Presents ideas in a sequence of pars with vague transitions. Topic sentences are present but need to be revised for clarity. Ideas are not presented in a sequence; transitions and topic sentences are not effectively used. The essay does not represent the required argument in either sequence or ideas. Transitions and topic sentences are missing. 20-18 17-15 14-13 12-11 10-0 The essay demonstrates The essay demonstrates The essay demonstrates Thesis Mechanics and Style The essay displays a lack of The essay displays no Conclusion mastery in grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay has only 1-2 major errors and only 1-2 minor errors in its use of SAE proficiency over grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay has 3-4 major errors and 3-4 minor errors in its use of SAE. some competence over grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay has 5 major errors and 5 minor errors in its use of SAE. competence over grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay has 6 or more major errors and 6 or more minor errors in its use of SAE. competence over grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay demonstrates a lack of control over SAE in both major and minor errors. 10-9 8 7 6 5-0 It does a great job summing up the points of the arguments, restating the position, and articulates what it means for future work. It does a good job summing up the points of the arguments, restates the position, and articulates what it means for future work. It does a adequate job summing up the points of the arguments and position. But it does not talk about significance to future work. It does not sum up the points of the arguments, restates the position, and articulates what it means for future work. It does not fulfill any of the functions of the conclusion or is missing one completely. 4 3 2 1-0 MLA citations & formatting 5 All sources are introduced and cited. Essay is formatted in Times New Roman, 12 pt. type. Includes a properly formatted Work Cited Page. Most sources are introduced but all of them are cited. Essay is formatted in Times New Roman, 12 pt. type. Includes a properly formatted Work Cited Page Only a couple of sources are introduced but all are cited. Essay is formatted in Times New Roman, 12 pt. type. Work cited page is not satisfactory. Sources are introduced and most of them are cited. Margins are not consistent and pars are not clearly delineated. Essay may be in a type face other than Times New Roman, 12 pt. No work cited page. Sources are neither introduced nor cited. Portions of the paper are plagiarized. No Work Cited page. Review Memo 20-18 17-15 14-13 12-11 10-0 The memo clearly lists the changes made on the basis of reviewer’s feedback. It lists why the changes were made and reflects on the process. It also articulates how future work will build-off what was learned. The memo lists the changes made. It lists why the changes were made and reflects on the process. The memo lists the chances made. Does not list any changes or reflections. Memo is too brief or does not include a memo. Annotated Bibliography Due: Genre/Medium: Annotated Bibliography Prompt: The writer of an annotated bibliography complies a list of sources to build research. The form includes a brief summary of the source and your own critical assessment of its relevance, objectivity, appropriateness, and usefulness. This write-up will be similar to the writing activities you had to do in English 101. To do this assignment use the currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose (CRAAP) framework in evaluating your resources. It is a tool that helps you keep an organized and thoughtful record of the research process and relevant information about the topic. To this end, you will put together an annotated bibliography of four sources in preparation for Assignment 1. The bibliography will include three types of textual information: 1) Two mainstream and accredited news/ magazine article, 2) One scholarly/academic “peer reviewed” article, 3) One legitimate web-based multimedia or blog-style article. Format: Your annotated bibliographies must paragraphs must contain a topic sentence, clear evidence from the reading, and coherent sentences on a topic. It will use transitions affectively to cohere the overall piece together. It must answer: 1) What is the information in the article you are summarizing?, 2) What is your critical assessment of the article?, and 3) How you will use it in your assignment? Instructions: 1. Cite in MLA-citation format the name of the article. 2. Draft one or two paragraphs for each of the sources you list in your annotated bibliography. 3. Review the information in the bibliographies with your classmates to improve the grammar of the text and consider points that might help you build your argument in Assignment 3. Grading Rubric (50 Points): Content & evidence Information Literacy 25-21 Excellent annotated bibliographies. It lays out the aspects of the topic well, evaluates the sources effectively, and/or lays out how it will be used in the argument. Citation is correct. It also provides specific evaluations about the appropriateness of the medium and the information for academic research. 20-16 Good annotated bibliographies. It lays out the aspects of the topic well, evaluates the sources, and/or lays out its use in the argument. 15-11 It is an adequate annotated bibliographies. It lays out the aspects of the topic, but does not evaluates the sources or lay out its use in the argument. 10-6 Does not fulfill the requirements of an annotated bibliographies. 5-0 Paragraphs are too poorly written to be useful or no paragraphs presented. Citation is correct. It provides specific evaluations about the appropriateness of the medium. Citation is correct. Citation is accurate. It needs to speak to the appropriateness of the medium and the information for academic research. Citation is not correct. Does not include any information about the medium and appropriateness for academic research. Citation and assessment are not adequate or no citations provided. Tips for Developing a Research Question 1. Research questions that begin with “How” or “Why” are usually better than those that begin with “Who,” “Where,” or “When.” BEST How Why GOOD What LESS GOOD Who Where When 2. The question should include two or more aspects, concepts, or variables. The concepts may be phrased in relationship to each other, such as: Why does ______________ effect ___________________? What is the role of ______________ in _______________? How is the use of ____________in ___________ managed? 3. Consider approaches: • Historic – consider a time period “How have gender roles changed since World War II ?” • Geographical – consider a geographical area “How are gender roles expressed in Eastern urban areas of the USA compared to the rural Midwest?” • Sociological – consider a group of people “How do gender roles within the African American community impact child-rearing practices?” Prepared by Barbara Cheadle, Librarian, Bowie State University 11/2018
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