Writing Prompt Essay # 3 English 201 Body Image A quotation from Charles Cooley

Writing Prompt
Essay # 3
English 201
Body Image
A quotation from Charles Cooley states: “Our sense of ourselves…is formed by our imagination of the way we appear in the eyes of others.  Other people are a looking glass in which we see not merely our own reflection but a judgment about the value of that reflection” (Elements of Argument).
Carefully analyze Cooley’s quotation. Here are some optional thought-starters to assist in your analysis:
What exactly is Cooley saying? How does our “imagination” factor into our self-image? How much of our self-image is based on how we wish other people to view us? Do we see ourselves in or through the reflection of others?  Are we truly the “architect” of who we are as individuals, or do the views and opinions of others create who we are? Is there a blending of these ideas? If so, how much of our own identity is in our control and how much of our identity is controlled by others? Why is there such a powerful trend in plastic surgery? Is the plastic surgery arena dominated by female clients or are men joining in the trend?
In this essay, decide if you agree or disagree with Cooley. The focus of the essay does not need to be on the Cooley quotation. The quotation may be used as much or as little as you choose, but I do need to see that you address the quotation at some point in the essay.
Special Note: It is tempting to agree AND disagree with parts of the quotation, but for this essay, I am requiring that you make a choice! Part of Critical Thinking is making the choice. Remember, the Counterpoint is a great place for you to present the opposition!!
Once you decide on your position, make your case as strong as possible.  Be sure to write a strong Syllogism, direct topic sentences and clear, well-thought-out points. Your ideas should build upon themselves, and your essay should end on your strongest point.  Incorporate your research smoothly and effectively. Remember, you are making an argument or a case for your beliefs; therefore, try to be as persuasive as possible.
Essay Should Include:
Interesting Introduction with arguable Thesis in the form of a Syllogism—See Lecture # 3 for more information on Syllogisms.
Well-developed Counterpoint
Body paragraphs with Topic Sentence, Lead-ins, Example or Research, Analysis
Signal Phrases that are clear and developed and distinguish the critic’s ideas from the student’s ideas
Claim of Policy, or Claim of Fact or Claim of Value or any combination as the last paragraph before the Conclusion.
Strong Conclusion that wraps up the essay and places it into a broader context
This essay should be 4-4 ½ pages in length and include 4 credible sources.  The essay must be written in accurate MLA format.
Be sure to check DUE DATES to remain current on your assignments!!
Special Note: As you have probably noticed, I write broad questions for the essays. The reason is to assist you in your critical thinking process. When students have a lot of latitude with the topic, it is definitely challenging, but it also gives the student plenty of room to develop their own opinions, voice and creativity. When there is a lot of information, then the student exercises strong decision making or critical thinking skills. Only the best-of-the best information fits into the essay.
When you read Lecture # 3 on Syllogism, you will find that my sample Syllogism does not seem to focus on Body Language, initially. But as you study the sample Syllogism, you will see that the two main premises lead to the ultimate topic of Body Image.
This essay is designed to reinforce the process of students developing a Theory! When the student designs or creates a Theory, then the student is truly in control of the essay, and the research is used as a support. This leads to strong, academic writing.
For this essay, you may follow one of two outlines, and the two options are below:
Option # 1 Outline: In Option # 1, you will notice that the 3 sentence Syllogism serves as the Thesis statement and appears in the traditional place for a Thesis—last sentence(s) of the Introduction.
Informal Outline (Option # 1)
I. Introduction
A. Broad Overview
B. More focused Lead-In Sentences
C. Clear and Focused Thesis (Syllogism). Over the years, forms of commitment, permanence and uniqueness have eroded in American culture leading to a lack of self-identification. Tattoos are distinct and express commitment as well as demonstrate permanence and individualism. Therefore, getting tattoos is the individual’s attempt to reclaim commitment, permanence and individualism in his or her life.
II. Body Paragraph—Counterpoint—Acknowledge the Opposition (Ethos)
A. Topic Sentence
B. Lead-in Sentences/Bridge
C. Example and/or Research
D. Analysis and/or Reflection
E. Transitional Sentence
III. Body Paragraph (Point 1)
A. Topic Sentence
B. Lead-in Sentences/Bridge
C. Example and/or Research
D. Analysis and/or Reflection
E. Transitional Sentence
(Use as many Body Paragraphs as needed to establish your position in the essay following the above pattern).
*Prior to the Conclusion, be sure to add a Claim—either Claim of Fact, Policy or Value or a blend of the three–to the essay following the same paragraph-pattern as above.
IV. Conclusion (Ideas to consider)
A. Place the essay into a broader context
B. What is gained or learned from studying this topic
C. What is in store for future generations?
Option # 2 Outline: In Option # 2, you will notice that the traditional Thesis is replaces with a “general” thesis, and the 3-part Syllogism is divided throughout the essay. In this case, the Major Premise, Minor Premise and the Conclusion to the Syllogism serve as Topic Sentences and are followed by paragraphs that support each part of the Syllogism.
Informal Outline (Option # 2)
I. Introduction
A. Broad Overview
B. More focused Lead-In Sentences
C. Clear and Focused Thesis (Syllogism). Broad and General Thesis that captures the overall direction of the essay.
II. Body Paragraph—Counterpoint—Acknowledge the Opposition (Ethos)
A. Topic Sentence
B. Lead-in Sentences/Bridge
C. Example and/or Research
D. Analysis and/or Reflection
E. Transitional Sentence
III. Body Paragraph (Point 1)
A. Topic Sentence = (Major Premise):
Over the years, forms of commitment, permanence and uniqueness have eroded in American culture leading to a lack of self-identification.
B. Lead-in Sentences/Bridge
C. Example and/or Research
D. Analysis and/or Reflection
E. Transitional Sentence
(Use as many Body Paragraphs as needed to establish your position in the essay following the above pattern).
A. Topic Sentence = (Minor Premise):
Tattoos are distinct and express commitment as well as demonstrate permanence and individualism.
B. Lead-in Sentences/Bridge
C. Example and/or Research
D. Analysis and/or Reflection
E. Transitional Sentence
(Use as many Body Paragraphs as needed to establish your position in the essay following the above pattern).
A. Topic Sentence = (Conclusion –conclusion to the Syllogism; not conclusion to the essay!!):
Therefore, getting tattoos is the individual’s attempt to reclaim commitment, permanence and individualism in his or her life.
B. Lead-in Sentences/Bridge
C. Example and/or Research
D. Analysis and/or Reflection
E. Transitional Sentence
(Use as many Body Paragraphs as needed to establish your position in the essay following the above pattern).
*Prior to the Conclusion, be sure to add a Claim—either Claim of Fact, Policy or Value or a blend of the three–to the essay following the same paragraph-pattern as above.
IV. Conclusion (Ideas to consider)
A. Place the essay into a broader context
B. What is gained or learned from studying this topic
C. What is in store for future generations?
Essay # 3 is worth 100 Points.
Important!!!
Before you send in Essay # 3, be sure to highlight the 3 sentences of your Syllogism.
There will be a 5-point reduction for essays that do not have the 3 sentences of the Syllogism highlighted!!