English homework
Writing a Commentary – The Draft
Last week your assignment was to choose your topic, create a thesis statement and consider your arguments. This week you’ll be submitting a draft of the essay. Though sources are required, it is not a “research essay.” The research provides support (which can be a fact, a quote, etc.) for the main arguments in your commentary.
The assignment is to write an approx. 4-5 paragraph (approx. 350-400 word) commentary on the topic you have chosen. The essay should exhibit proper essay form and be written in MLA format. Remember, the commentary focuses on your opinion. This should be clear from the thesis statement in your introduction.
You will need to use two outside sources for this paper – this can range from information you find from researching your topic to support your thesis, to integrating an appropriate quote into your paper. The source should have appropriate MLA documentation – include in-citation and a works cited page (please see chapters 50-52 in your textbook). Keep in mind the sources just provide support for your paper – the paper reflects your opinion and its aim is to persuade your reader. See how Dailey and Ellin integrate their sources into their paper, though your commentary will use MLA format including a works cited page. You can find more background info in chapter 13 (Also, see the MacKay essay, p. 156).
The draft of this paper is due next Friday at noon. Post it to the Discussion Board where it will provide a basis for next week’s formal peer review. Do not use attachments.