Discussion of Model Essay
If you will go to the class homepage, you will find a Model
(gender) Essay. This essay, though not perfect, is a good example of what is expected
of you. You will note these items (I hope):
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the introduction is geared to an informal audience; it also established who the writer
is, so that we can identify easily with the writer and understand where she is coming
from;
the introduction has a thesis statement as the last sentence of the introduction: a
thesis statement states the topic of the paper with the writer's opinion, in this case,
the pervasiveness of objectification of women;
the first body paragraph uses both example and citation from one of the articles the
writer read...note the citation supports the author's point-of-view rather than the other
way around --- most of the paragraph centers around the writer's ideas, as it should be --
remember the best essays stick to one idea that is fully developed...using an extended
example is great;
in the next body paragraph, the author continues to use the Wonder Woman example to
further her opinion -- once again she uses an outside opinion to support her point;
the third body paragraph relies upon outside opinion for its development -- this is
probably the weakest part of this essay as it depends too much on someone else;
however, the author brings us back around with her next paragraph when she uses another
example from her own life to reinforce her point...showing the effects on a buddy reminds
us that the author indeed knows something about the topic;
| finally, she ends by reminding us that we need to be open-minded and not fall prey to
the same stereotyping that many women are subjected to.
Things to remember when writing your own essay:
- Write from your own voice...trying to sound like you are a book or professor will lead
to stuffy writing...use what's in your life in your essays...your thoughts, your ideas,
your experiences are wells from which you should draw when writing.
- Find one small area of the topic under consideration to develop...the more focused, the
better the paper, and the more interested you are in the topic, the better the paper will
be.
- Take risks. Try out new ideas and thoughts. Be brave...try to say exactly what you mean.
- Trust yourself...you have a lot to say, so have patience with your writer...your
experience and wisdom are important.
- Have fun....
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