In a short essay of 3-4 pages, write a response to one of the readings from Digging In that we have done in Part Three of the class. Specify which reading you are responding to by naming the essay and the author. You may expand on the journal writes you have done, or your essay may be an outgrowth of the discussions we have had in class, but it must be your own personal response to the reading. You may agree or disagree with the points the writer makes, but be sure to explain why. Do not just summarize the essay or explain what you think the author was trying to say.

1. Assume that the reader has not read the reading. Write a brief summary of the main points of the reading.
2. Take a stand in support of, or in opposition to, the author's main points.
3. Briefly explain any references you make to the reading.
4. Organize your essay with an introduction, a main body of as many paragraphs as you need to make your point.
5. Finish with a conclusion that adheres to the guidelines discussed in class.
6. Include in the folder a photocopy of the annotated original reading.

Purpose: To write an essay where you do the following:

• Formulate a thesis by analyzing an issue raised in the essay that interests you
• Support your thesis with convincing evidence from the essay and/or your own experiences
• Develop and organize your ideas logically through exploration and revision
• Demonstrate your understanding of essay structure
• Expand thoroughly in your examples: show, don’t tell.
• To consider your audience, and remember, that while you may be writing to those that share your values (community, peers) you need to consider readers in other contexts.

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• The first rough draft is due on November 4
• The second rough draft is due on November 6
• The final draft is due on November 13
• Format: 1" margins; 12 point type; double-spaced; approximately 250 words/page
• You MUST visit the Learning Resource Center at least once.
• Put your clean, revised essay in a folder, right-hand pocket. Put the copy of the annotated reading behind the essay. Place all rough drafts and peer workshop sheets, LRC sheets, email evaluations, etc in the left-hand pocket along with homework, quizzes and writing exercises from Part 3.

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