Category: English

Context
Throughout the first half of this course, you have been introduced to key rhetorical concepts such as kairos, the rhetorical situation, and salience. You have applied these concepts to your writing and thinking, both in your weekly Kairos Journal entries and in your major assignments.
As we reach the midpoint of the semester, it’s important to pause and reflect on your learning journey so far. This Midterm Reflection assignment is an opportunity for you to consider how your understanding of rhetoric has developed and how you’ve applied course concepts to your work.
Purpose
The purpose of the Midterm Reflection is for you to critically examine your learning in the first half of the course, demonstrating your understanding of key rhetorical concepts and their application to your writing and thinking.
This assignment allows you to identify moments of insight, analyze your growth as a writer and thinker, and consider how you might apply your learning to upcoming assignments and projects. By engaging in self-reflection, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your intellectual journey and set goals for the remainder of the course.
Audience
The primary audience for your Midterm Reflection me, your instructor, who will assess your understanding and application of course concepts, as well as your ability to engage in meaningful self-reflection. While your classmates will not read your reflection, you may choose to discuss your insights and experiences with them to foster a collaborative learning environment.
Genre
A reflective essay is a type of writing that explores your personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings about a particular topic or event.
In this case, your Midterm Reflection should focus on your learning in the first half of the course, analyzing how your understanding of key rhetorical concepts has developed and how you’ve applied these concepts to your writing and thinking. Your reflection should be introspective, thoughtful, and well-supported by specific examples from your work and course readings.
Requirements
To complete this assignment, follow these steps:
Review your Kairos Journal entries and major assignments completed in the first half of the semester.Note: Consistent participation in the Kairos Journal (i.e., completing all weekly entries) is required to pass this assignment. Missing more than three entries will result in a failing grade, regardless of the quality of completed entries.
Write a thoughtful reflection (300-600 words) that:Identifies key moments of learning or insight from the course so far
Analyzes how your understanding of kairos, audience, and rhetoric has developed
Discusses how you’ve applied course concepts to your writing and thinking
Considers how you might apply your learning to upcoming assignments and projects
Include specific examples from your work and course readings to support your reflection.
Format your issue proposal following these guidelines:
300-600 words
Double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font
1-inch margins
MLA format for in-text citations
Submission Requirements
Submit your Midterm Reflection as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or PDF file to this assignment page. Late submissions will be penalized according to the course policy listed in the Syllabus.
Evaluation Criteria
Mid-Term Reflections will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Depth of Reflection and Self Analysis
Understanding of Course Concepts Covered in First Half of Course
Quality of Examples and Connections to Course Material
Insight into Personal Growth and Goals for the Rest of the Semester
Writing quality and organization

Prompt
Trace the development of Annie Proulx’s “Brokeback Mountain” as it was adapted from her original short story into a film and subsequently into an opera. How does each iteration of Brokeback Mountain offer a different portrayal of the same characters? Your essay MUST QUOTE AT LEAST 5 TIMES FROM THE SHORT STORY while incorporating one direct reference to the film and one direct reference to the opera. You must also incorporate one quote from a relevant, reliable resource you locate on your own.
ESSAY CHECKLIST
Use this valuable checklist throughout your entire writing process for both the Play Analysis and Fiction Research Essay.
-My work shows that I followed instructions and learned from class discussions, the assignment prompt, and supporting materials. The essay is my own original writing, free from unauthorized use of AI or other sources.
-My essay is fully formatted in MLA style, with correctly formatted in-text citations, headers and heading, double-spacing, and Works Cited page. I followed MLA guidelines. My essay has a centered, meaningful, and original title that reflects its intent. All other titles are properly presented throughout (see Punctuating Titles).
-My essay has a strong introduction that begins with a relevant “hook” and sets up a clear, precise, original thesis argument in response to the assigned prompt. I applied techniques from UNC’s guide to composing effective introductions.
-My thesis argument and claims are defended in body paragraphs structured according to the “sandwich” method (https://tacomacc.libguides.com/c.php?g=373176&p=2523552) . Each body paragraph includes substantial, relevant references to the primary literature and secondary sources as required. The paragraphs are well-balanced and consistently developed, using evidence to support my claims and deepen my analysis of the primary text.
-My essay has a conclusion that begins with an original, meaningful transition and synthesizes my claims and reiterates my thesis in the context of all evidence provided. I use techniques from UNC’s guide to composing effective conclusions.
-My essay “flows” because I integrated evidence smoothly and composed meaningful transitions between paragraphs.
-My essay is at least 1000 words that demonstrate my best critical and analytical thinking, with appropriate vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and mechanics.

Create an essay following the directions in literacy biography 5 full paragraphs long it doesn’t have to be long. I’m very simple but should correctly written. It does not have to have so many intellectual wordings. I will send you one of my drafts and you can just reconfigure it. Rewrite it based on what I have already. you can also title it if you please. Down below is my discussion on my rough draft.
: Anne Lamott’s 2005 essay taught me that drafting papers are very important. Making first drafts, no matter how bad they are, allows you to form opening thoughts. It is a way to freely express yourself (Lamott 2005). Allowing you to look over and reevaluate what you have written. I am the type of person that gets frustrated when I start writing because the ideas don’t seem to come clearly right away and I’m not that enthusiastic about. As such, I reread my work, organize my thought and ideas start to flood my head like I’m in a racetrack, and as if cars are just flying past me on a highway. It’s demonstrated that this way of writing helps me to finish my papers a lot better. Sometimes I may have to start from scratch a few times, but “hey,” it works!
Lamott’s way of writing may help me in class and with other writing projects by providing me with an option. Should I get stuck using my usual writing method, I can always follow Lamott’s example. This way is logical and helps me to write better and finish sooner.
: This is my first Rough Draft down bellow
Anne Lamott’s 2005 essay taught me that drafting papers is very important. Making first drafts, no matter how bad they may be, allows the documentation of initial thoughts. Drafting papers is a way of free expression (Lamott, 2005). The method allows the writer to explore any thought they might have on the subject, no matter how flimsy the correlation with the topic might be. With this free expression, many ideas are associated and expressed, thus setting an expansive area on which to base the work. Drafting allows the incorporation of feelings and moods into the piece (Lamott, 2005). The method gives the writer the chance to see ideas not realized at the initial impression. With the number of options, the writer does not get stuck on what writing direction to take. In addition, making first drafts starts a writer with the initial stages of the writing. Making first drafts helps writers begin writing. Furthermore, drafting papers gives the writer a chance to refine and elevate their work and keep from others the imperfections of the work (Lamott, 2005).   
I am the type of person who gets bored with staring at paper and doing little to nothing. Writing down very little or too much frustrates me. When I get frustrated in said manner, I write haphazardly. Often I end up with a piece with which I am not content or happy. As such, I organize my thoughts in my head before I dare to actually write down something. I thought this way of writing helped me finish papers better. However, I often forget ideas I already organized in my head. Organizing my writing in my head also subjects me to the constant loss of train of thought. My concept of preparing to write a paper often means I have to start from scratch many times.
Lamott’s way of writing might help me in this class and with other writing projects by providing me with an option. Should I get stuck using my usual writing method, I can always follow Lamont’s example. The method is logical. I bet Lamott’s way of writing can help me write better and finish sooner.
 
 
Reference
Lamott, A. (2005). Shitty first drafts. University of Kentucky. https://wrd.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/1-Shitty First Drafts.pdf

After reading “I Stand Here Ironing,” please respond to these questions by numbering them in Word, put in MLA format, and upload by following the directions.
1. Please examine the significance of the setting in this story in 3-6 sentences. Examine the role setting has when Emily is born and how it changes as she grows up.
2. Can the case be made for the mother doing the best she could for Emily given the circumstances?
3. Determine the tone and explain of this story in 3-6 sentences.

Essay #2: Fiction Comparative Analysis
First Draft Conferences — March 6-10
For this essay assignment, you’ll select one story from those we have discussed in class during this unit, and compare it critically to another story of your choosing:
Column A (pick one)
Chopin, “The Story of an Hour” (582)
Saunders, “Puppy” (188)
Nutting, “Model’s Assistant” (238)
Russell, “St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised By Wolves” (263)
Column B (pick one)
Hemingway, “Hills Like White Elephants” (699)
Sedaris, “Jesus Shaves” (490)
Marquez, “A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings” (428)
O’Connor, “A Good Man is Hard to Find”(498)
Wallace, “Good People” (232)
While a brief discussion of each story’s plot is relevant and necessary, the main focus of your comparison should focus upon two things:
the stories’ thematic commentaries and the relationship between the two
formal elements, such as setting, tone/tension, characterization, narrative POV, etc.
Planning
A suggested outline:
Intro paragraph:
First, engage your audience in a way that will make them interested in your topic and set the tone for what is to come; avoid over-generalization and vague rhetorical questions.
Second, connect your opening remarks to the topic and purpose of your essay (ie. the comparison of your chosen stories).
Finally, establish a thesis that makes clear the thematic relationship that will be discussed throughout the essay.
Do not use any version of the phrase “This essay will” or “The assignment is to” or “In this essay, I will” to accomplish this.
Summary:
No more than two paragraphs that capture the general settings and plots of the two stories being compared.
Paraphrase major passages, quote supportively, and rephrase the stories’ content without bias or judgement
Analysis:
At least one paragraph should discuss the thematic relationships between the stories — ie. the “under the surface” forces and systems at play in the story and how they intersect and diverge from each other in interesting ways.
At least one other paragraph should discuss one other literary device and its unique or similar deployment or effect in the stories.
Show a couple of examples of each instance you identify, discuss how they work to convey the stories’ meanings.
Be sure to utilize quotes and effective paraphrase from supportive textual moments. Don’t be too general, but not too specific, either – think carefully and economically about the details you cite.
Conclusion:
A final word on the overall relationship between the stories.
Begin by recapturing (not restating or repeating) your thesis, and try to connect back to the thoughts you opened the essay with in your intro
Specifics
The following criteria must be met in order to receive a score:
• Essays should be at least three typed pages
• MLA style documentation and work cited page is required
• No outside sources beyond the two chosen texts are to be used in this essay

I want to write about UVA’s role in the desegregation of American higher education. In the 1950s, Gregory Swanson became the first African American admitted to the university’s law school after a court ruling that ended segregation at Virginia’s public institutions. I’m inspired by his courage and want to follow in his footsteps

essay #2-Pick one of the prompts below to construct your essay.
Contrasting Visions of Civil Disobedience: Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.
Prompt 1: Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. are often seen as representing contrasting approaches to civil disobedience and activism. In your essay, compare and contrast the views of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. on civil disobedience, using “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” and “Letter From Birmingham Jail” as primary texts. How do their differing philosophies reflect their unique experiences, goals, and visions for the African American community? Discuss the strengths and limitations of each approach in the context of the broader civil rights movement.
The Intersection of Race and Gender: Analyzing Shirley Chisholm’s “Equal Rights for Women”
Prompt 2: In her speech “Equal Rights for Women,” Shirley Chisholm addresses the challenges of being both African American and a woman in a society that often marginalizes both identities. In your essay, analyze how Chisholm articulates the intersection of race and gender in her advocacy for equal rights. How does she address the specific obstacles faced by African American women, and what strategies does she propose for overcoming these challenges? Discuss the significance of her speech within the broader context of the civil rights and feminist movements.
Your essay should be 3-5 pages and written in MLA format. Be sure to include at least three sources (your textbook can be one of the sources).

Causes of Childhood Obesity
In the next module we will be discussing the causes and effects of childhood obesity, as well as current research in the area. For this assignment, research four articles on the causes of childhood obesity. I would like you to use whatever way you get everyday news and information to find these articles. You can also use anywhere that you go to get health, fitness, medical information. You will need to post links or attach the articles or information when you submit your assignment. In addition to attaching the links or the actual documents of the articles, you will need to answer the following questions:
What is the title of the article?
Who wrote the article and what is their profession?
Where did you find this information?
Write a 4 sentence summary of the information.
What did you learn that was new information or what did you find most interesting about this article?
These questions will need to be submitted as a text entry in this assignment and the link can be included when you answer number three or can be added as an attachment if it is the complete article. You can use the Resources pagefor some ideas of where you can find information.

The Impact of Marketing
The Impact of Marketing
Explore how food marketing and advertising contribute to childhood obesity. Reference a specific campaign or study that highlights this issue and include it in your initial post. Post two replies to other students after reviewing their reference. Your initial post is due on Tuesday and your replies due by Sunday. For more information, check out 99 Examples of Innovative Food Marketing.Links to an external site.
How do I get the most points for this discussion?
Discussions should be 8-12 complete sentences long and reference something that we discussed in the module or something that you looked up online (with the exception of this one which is just to get to know you). Main Discussions are worth 20 points, and replies to discussions are 5 points each. This discussion requires two replies to other students. These replies are worth 5 points each with the option for five extra credit points for an additional reply. For example, if the discussion is worth 20 points and you need two replies, then the initial post is worth 10 points and each reply is worth 5 points each for a total of 20 points. You can then write a third reply to another post in that discussion for an additional 5 points, which would give you 25 out of 20 points for the assignment.
Refer to the syllabus for more information and click on pulldown bar in upper right corner to review Discussion Rubric. Main Discussions are worth 10 points, reply Discussions are the “reply” discussion posts made to another student in the course and are worth 5 points; no points are awarded for late or short Reply discussions. Reply Discussions need to be at least 4 informative sentences.
Student response 1 (iman)
Food marketing and advertising play a significant role in contributing to childhood obesity. One notable campaign is the ‘Happy Meal’ marketing by McDonald’s, which targets children with toys and colorful packaging. Studies have shown that such marketing strategies can influence children’s food preferences and increase their consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. According to a study by the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, children exposed to food advertising consume more unhealthy snacks. This highlights the need for stricter regulations on food marketing to children to promote healthier eating habits and combat obesity.
Student response 2 (azita)
The pervasive influence of food marketing and advertising on children’s dietary choices contributes significantly to childhood obesity. Advertisers employ tactics like colorful packaging, catchy slogans and strategic product placement to capture young minds, often prioritizing unhealthy options.
Consider the iconic “Tony the Tiger” campaign, which effectively targets children with Frosted Flakes cereal. This campaign exemplifies how marketing shapes preferences for sugary foods.
Research supports this concern. Harris et al. (2009) found food marketing to children significantly contributes to childhood obesity, emphasizing the need for responsible marketing practices.
References:
Harris, J. L., Schwartz, M. B., & Brownell, K. D. (2009). Evaluating the nutritional quality of children’s cereals. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 109(4), 631-635.

Please identify and choose an example of promotional writing and analyse it critically according to selected rhetorical principles and persuasion theories. Assessment Criteria (Please refer to marking rubrics below) The assignment will be assessed according to the following criteria: • Critical ability to evaluate the promotional writing example • Application of relevant communication / advertising theories covered in lectures and readings • Written communication skills i.e. grammar, spelling, style, logical coherent argument • Information content of the answer i.e. avoid one word answers Instructions Find a written example of promotional writing in English (i.e. it can be a sales letter; a flyer, a leaflet; a brochure; an email broadcast; an advertisement; an annual report; a website/page, etc.) and analyze it by referring to the following questions: 1. What makes this an example of promotional writing? 2. What is the creative concept being adopted in this piece and how well is it being executed? Can you reconstruct the creative concept likely involved? 3. Which organization, service or person is this promotional writing example working for, and is it playing a role in the overall Integrated Marketing Communication process of the organization concerned? How? 4. Who are the intended audience of the piece? Can you identify their key characteristics – demographically and psychographically? What are their needs, interests, and concerns? Why would they be interested in this promotional message? 5. What motivational appeals (see Maslow’s hierarchy of needs) does this persuasive message use to raise awareness amongst its audiences and to sustain their interest? 6. What is/are the key promotional messages? What are the main points that the example is making and how are these being framed? 7. How well are the headline and body of the copy developed judged by length, conciseness and word choice? Which particular aspect of the writing you appreciate the most from this example? Do you have any suggestion on making them better? 8. How do the visual elements of your chosen piece help to supplement the text in communicating the message? Do the colors, typography and graphic elements adopted reflect a high standard in visual communications? 9. How does this piece rate in terms of overall style, clarity, tone, sentence length and structure, wordiness, use of jargon, puffery and stereotyping?