What kind of language does the author use? Is it formal or casual, technical or personal, funny or serious, simple or complicated? INFER the author’s reasoning behind this style of writing.

“Sometimes questions came, making allusions to history. That was another aspect of the identity. Events that had happened quite apart from the me who stood silent in that moment connected my face with an incomprehensible past. “Your parents were in California? Were they in those camps during the war?” And sometimes there were phrases or nicknames: “Lotus Blossom.” I was sometimes addressed or referred to as racially Japanese, sometimes as Japanese American, and sometimes as an Asian woman. Confusions and distortions abounded.”

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

1. Carefully Read and Understand the Assignment Prompt

   • Identify the main task: Are you analyzing identity, history, or language style?

   • Note keywords like identity, personal reflection, historical context.

2. Break Down the Main Ideas in the Post

   • Highlight key points in the passage:

     • Confusion of racial identity (“racially Japanese, Japanese American, Asian woman”)

     • Connection to historical events (parents in California camps during the war)

     • Personal reactions (“stood silent in that moment”)

   • Take note of examples and quotes you might want to reference.

3. Decide Your Paper’s Focus

   • Will your paper focus on identity, historical context, or writing style?

   • Choose one clear lens to keep your essay cohesive.

4. Create an Outline

   • Introduction:

     • Briefly summarize the passage.

     • State your thesis: e.g., “The author’s use of reflective, personal language highlights the complexities of racial identity in historical context.”

   • Body Paragraphs:

     • Paragraph 1: Discuss identity confusion with quotes.

     • Paragraph 2: Examine historical connections and their impact on personal identity.

     • Paragraph 3: Analyze language style and tone, supporting why it’s effective.

   • Conclusion:

     • Summarize key points.

     • Reflect on the significance of identity and historical awareness.

5. Write in Your Own Words

   • Paraphrase when possible.

   • Use direct quotes sparingly, only for strong support.

   • Keep your tone formal but reflective, matching the passage’s style.

6. Use Evidence from the Text

   • Incorporate quotes like:

     • “Events that had happened quite apart from the me who stood silent in that moment…”

     • “I was sometimes addressed or referred to as racially Japanese, sometimes as Japanese American, and sometimes as an Asian woman.”

   • Explain how each quote supports your thesis.

7. Edit and Revise

   • Check clarity, grammar, and flow.

   • Ensure each paragraph connects to your thesis.

   • Confirm quotes are cited properly.

8. Add References and Resources

   • Include historical context if needed. Some reliable sources:

     • Densho: Japanese American Incarceration

     • History.com: Japanese Internment Camps

     • Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Identity