DESCRIBING A LARGER CONVERSATION

INSTRUCTIONS:

ESSAY #3: DESCRIBING A LARGER CONVERSATION (4 PAGES)

IS COLLEGE FOR EVERYONE? OR WHETHER COLLEGE IS THE BEST OPTION

  • Explain the different perspectives on this issue. Rather than presenting the issue as having two sides (for or against), explain more than two points of view, showing the complexity of the issue.

 

  • At some point in the paper, take your own stand, but the majority of the paper should explain the larger conversation about the issue.

 

  • Your paper should have at least 3 sources using the readings but no more than five sources. You are welcome to look for sources outside of those readings if you want.

 

  • You will want to present multiple sides of the issue so that it shows how complex it is. In other words, there are more opinions out there than just the “yes! Everyone should go to college!” and “No! Most people shouldn’t go to college!” right? Your goal is to figure out what the varieties of opinions on this topic are. You’re researching the controversy.

 

Link to the readings that you will use:

(Please use this one) Mike Rose “Blue-Collar Brilliance” https://theamericanscholar.org/blue-collar-brilliance/#

(Please use this one too) Freeman Hrabowski “Colleges Prepare People for Life” http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-hrabowski-20131221-story.html

Charles Murray “Are Too Many People Going to College?”

Michelle Obama “Bowie State University Commencement Speech”

Gerald Graff “Hidden Intellectualism”

 

SCORING RUBRIC:

  • The issue at the center of this paper is explained in such a way as to show its complexity. Multiple perspectives (or “sides”) are presented.30 points.
  • At least three (but no more than five) different sources are used. The nature of each of these sources is made clear, and each is used responsibly. 20 points.
  • You take a stand, explaining your own position in relationship to the ongoing conversation. 15 points.
  • The essay is well-organized. It leads readers from one point to the next, makes connection between ideas, and makes those connections easy to follow. 15 points.
  • The essay is well-written from start to finish, without errors in spelling, grammar, or use of English. 10 points.
  • The paper is presented using MLA format. Any references used are cited using MLA guidelines, with proper in-text citations as well as a Works Cited Page. 10 points.