Assignment:
Write a formal essay in response to To Kill a Mockingbird. For your assignment, respond to the following prompt:
What is the purpose of education?
Scout makes several references to education and her opinion of the formal system in the first part of the novel. Refer to To Kill a Mockingbird, either paraphrasing an event or directly quoting it (no longer than 2 sentences quoted, please) and include in-text citation (Last Name page number). You are required to make mention of TKM in at least one of your body paragraphs; you may do more, if desired. Also consider using other sources, either read in this class or those you've read on your own, to help defend your answer to the prompt. Keep in mind that there are several types of education a person may receive in his or her lifetime, not just “book smarts.”
Requirements:
·Your paper needs to be 500-1,000 words, broken down into 5 paragraphs
o Although I will not require your essay to be typed, I highly suggest it. If you choose to handwrite your paper, it must be legible, above all else, and double-spaced with writing on every other line (no writing on the backs of pages, either). If you choose to type your paper, it must be double-spaced, Times New Roman font, size 12-point only.
·Your paper needs to be in MLA format (this includes a heading in the top, left-hand corner; an appropriate title; and a header) *ask if you need help with this! :)
·Your paper must have a Works Cited page (also in correct MLA format)
·You must use formal, standard English (No Slang! This is a formal essay, not a note, text message or IM to a friend!)
·You need to include your word count after the last sentence of your final paragraph. Be honest. (Do not include the Works Cited in the word count.)
Helpful Tips:
·Do not use the second person (you) in this essay
·Do not use statements such as “In this essay I will tell you about…,” “In the following paragraph you will read about…,” etc.
·Your first paragraph should briefly introduce your topic, starting with an exciting and interesting attention grabber. Consider starting with a quote (not necessarily from TKM), as long as it is appropriate for your topic. Your introduction should end with a three part thesis. (Ex: The purpose of education is to _______, _______, and _______.)
·Your body paragraphs should follow in the same order you listed them in your thesis. Make sure to provide enough detail to support your answer to the prompt.
·Your conclusion should review the main points in your essay. Rephrase your thesis and include it at the beginning of your conclusion.
**In-class work time will depend on you. We will work on this today (Thurs. 5/8), and your work ethic will determine the amount of time you receive tomorrow. You will also need to keep up with the assigned reading, study guide questions, and vocabulary.
Final copy due: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Total points: 150