English 1301 Writing Assignments (Summer 2025)
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT & PLAGIARISM
All acts of plagiarism and scholastic dishonesty, including having someone complete assignments for you, are violations of academic integrity subjected to disciplinary action.
Plagiarism is intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one's own.
Self-Plagiarism, which is submitting a paper you completed in another class (K-12 or college), is also forbidden.
If you plagiarize and it is unintentional, you will be given a warning. You may be asked to choose another topic. After the second incident, you will either be asked to withdraw from the course or face disciplinary action. However, if you commit an act of plagiarism or scholastic dishonesty and it is intentional, you will receive an F in the course and face disciplinary action. Click here to read my paper guidelines and policies.
USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot be used to write papers, create presentations, or complete graded coursework. Any improper use of AI-programs, including but not limited to ChatGPT or DALL-E, is subject to due process and disciplinary action. However, the use of programs that assist in translating, formatting your papers, improving word choices, and utilizing proper grammar and spelling, such as Grammarly, Quillboth, and Packback, is encouraged.
Each paper is assessed based on the criteria set by this grading rubric. Click Here for Paper Guidelines and Policies.
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Note: There are three major papers (3500+ words) and two journals (1000+ words) assigned for this class, totaling 4500+ words.
Paper One: Expressive Paper (Minimum 1000 words)--Maximum 150 points
For the first paper, choose one of the topics below (or submit an alternate topic for approval).
Using the tools of narration and description (engaging the five senses) and the first-person point of view, write an EXPRESSIVE essay on one of the topics below (or submit one for approval). Try to bring your topic to life by providing concrete supporting details and using figurative language. Be sure to make clear the SIGNIFICANCE of the person, place, or event.
your first time away from home
a memorable vacation
a memorable wedding or funeral
an unforgettable experience that happened during the pandemic, lockdown, or "snovid"
one minute of a football game (or other sporting event)
your first day at a new school or college
a text you shouldn't have sent
your first day at a new job
your last day on a job
a place that has special significance to you (past or present)
an experience that led to renewed faith
an occasion when you experienced rejection
your first visit to the country (or to a large city)
a memorable vacation experience
the breakup of a friendship
an experience that showed how we should be careful of what we wish for
a significant event that influenced the person you have become
a significant misunderstanding
an experience that showed how appearances can be deceiving
a person who left a strong impression upon you
an account of a difficult decision that you had to make
a brush with death
an account of a visit to a fictional place
a memorable date
a traffic accident
a day when everything went right (or wrong)
a disagreement about religion or politics that affected a relationship with a friend or family member
Basically, your essay should tell a story. There should be a beginning, middle, and an end. There should be some sort of conflict and a resolution in the end. Don't worry about traditional essay structure such as introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs beginning with topic sentences, and a formal conclusion for expressive narratives.
Here is a format you might want to use for your outline (see the example outline and paper below):
I. Introduction--set the scene
II. Rising Action
III. Climax
IV. Falling Action
V. Resolution
VI. Conclusion
Do NOT use outside sources or research for this first paper.
Once you have a good foundation for your paper, I will need to see your outline. The outline should be no longer than one-half page and you do not have to use Roman numerals. The purpose of the outline is to examine the organization of your paper to make sure that you are on the right track. Submit your outline via Blackboard. I will review your outline and then let you know whether or not you need to make alterations. If I say that everything looks just fine (in the Gradebook and Feedback tab of the course menu), you can begin writing the paper. Once you have drafted and revised your paper, it's time to peer edit in the Discussion Board.
For all papers, please follow instructions as well as paper guidelines and policies. Your essay must be free of mechanical, grammatical, and spelling errors and you must use original ideas and thoughts. Furthermore, your essay should utilize a variety of sentence structures and word choices, as well as transitional phrases and sentences. You also need to study the grammar review where the specifics of grammar and mechanics are covered in detail and the MLA lecture to see how to format your papers properly (double-spaced, heading, headers, etc.).
The final version of this paper and all future papers (including the works cited when there is one) must be submitted as a single document file (PDF, DOC, or DOCX) via Blackboard (SafeAssign) by the date noted on the schedule (no links, TXT, or Pages for Apple files).
Please insert the screenshot for the results of any required tutorial(s) underneath Works Cited page (and make a notation of any extra credit earned).
Each paper is assessed based on the criteria set by the grading rubric.
Click here to view sample papers and outlines for this paper.
Paper Two: Proposal Argument Paper (Minimum 1500 words) -- Maximum 150 points
Have you ever wanted to write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper or an op-ed piece about a pressing issue for which you have a solution? Keep this in mind when choosing a Proposal Paper topic.
Below are some suggestions for topics (stay away from polarizing and overdone topics like gun control and abortion--unless you can convince me that you have fresh ideas that will not further divide our state and country).
Note: Try not to write about the same topic as another student in the class. Also, you cannot self-plagiarize or use a paper you submitted in a previous course.
Before you begin writing your paper, you need to send me a short outline (see format below) via the portal. I must approve your outline before you begin writing your draft.
Americans are historically monolingual. Propose a K-12 foreign language curriculum that will change that.
Should we limit our use and reliance on social media? Is social media destroying the human connection? How can we restrict it to protect children and/or to make people come together?
How should academic institutions deal with students who are using Artificial Intelligence to write papers and do homework-- against the academic integrity policies set by their teachers?
How should employers deal with workers who are using Artificial Intelligence to write speeches and scripts, design projects, think for them, etc. etc.-- against the company policy?
Should the government provide daycare centers for students and working parents? Make a proposal that will help working parents and/or students with small children.
How can we combat the crisis with fentanyl and other drugs that are killing young people?
How can the government make mental health care more affordable and accessible?
Should our country adopt a single-payer healthcare plan-- Medicare for All? How can we make the Affordable Healthcare Act more affordable, effective, and accessible?
How can we improve overcrowding in prisons and juvenile detention centers?
Develop a unique, positive plan for immigration reform.
What is the best method for losing weight and keeping it off?
Should Austin build an above ground train system to reduce traffic all over the city and surrounding areas? If so, propose a solution.
Is a college education too expensive? If so, propose a solution.
Propose a solution for public school funding in Texas.
Books are being banned in states such as Florida and, unfortunately, Texas. Propose a positive solution that will ensure students continue to have access. Be sure to give examples of favorite authors who are targets, such as: Maya Angelou, MLK, Jr., James Baldwin, Kate Chopin. Sherman Alexie, Margaret Atwood, Anne Frank, George Orwell, etc.
If you cannot come up with a current topic of your own or from the list above, check out Opposing Viewpoints (you will need to log in with your ACCeID and password) for inspiration. These are BROAD topics, so you will need to narrow and focus on common sense solutions.
Here is the format for your paper and outline:
I. Introduction: Begin with a strong hook (emotional appeal). Give background information and include a thesis statement, taking a position on the topic and proposing a solution.
II. Body paragraphs (at least three): Using research, make your case, using logical, ethical, and emotional appeals (your strongest appeal will generally be logical).
A. Clearly define the problem in one or two body paragraphs. Be sure to include background information about the problem and give an example (logical and/or emotional appeal).
B. Develop a well-explained and supported solution in one or two body paragraphs. Your objective is to persuade your audience that your proposal is the best solution to the problem. Your solution should be easy to understand, viable, and affordable (logical and/or ethical appeal).
C. Address anticipated objections and refute them in one or two body paragraphs (logical, ethical, and/or emotional appeals).
IV. Conclusion: must be a first-person reflection and/or call to action (emotional appeal).
V. Works Cited (at least three scholarly articles).
Integrate 3-6 library or scholarly sources into your paper and include at three direct quotes or more using in-text citations (one must be a long quote in block quote format). Your block quote should be 4-10 lines long (see the MLA lecture and sample paper for examples). All other quotes should be no more than a couple of lines and add significant meaning to the paper. It is important that you properly introduce and integrate all quotes. You must cite sources even when paraphrasing.
Be careful not to overuse quoted material. If you incorporate quotes that dominate more than 25 percent of the body of your paper, you may be penalized or asked to make revisions.Therefore, the bulk of your paper should consist of paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as your input.
Always try to add commentary after longer quotes.
Finally, do not begin a paragraph with a quote. You need to write topic sentences that tell the audience the purpose of the paragraph.
Your library sources should support your thesis, passing the CRAAP Test. Please use scholarly articles or library sources (don't Google and use unacceptable sources such as SparkNotes, Wikipedia, Shmoop, Bookrags, or other Content Farms). To access online databases, go to the ACC Library and click A-Z list of databases, then click Subject). Most topics can be accessed from the subject list, via Multi-Subject. At some point, you will be prompted to type in your ACCeID and password. If you need help, Ask a Librarian.
The final draft must incorporate MLA documentation and include a Works Cited. With the exception of the introduction and conclusion and your input, all information in this paper must be supported by research.
Once you have a good foundation for your paper, I will need to see your outline. The outline should be no longer than one-half page and you do not have to use Roman numerals. The purpose of the outline is to examine the organization of your paper to make sure that you are on the right track. Submit your outline via the portal in the folder for this paper. I will review your outline and then let you know whether or not you need to make alterations. If I say that everything looks just fine, you can begin writing the paper. Once you have drafted and revised your paper, it's time to peer edit in the Discussion Board.
Please use the third person point of view (in the intro and body paragraphs) and follow paper guidelines and policies. There must be a clear thesis statement (the last sentence of the introduction), topic sentences in the body paragraphs that each express a main point of the thesis, and a conclusion. You must use original ideas and thoughts and give credit to sources, using in-text citations, even when paraphrasing. In addition, your essay should utilize a variety of sentence structures and word choices, as well as transitional phrases and sentences. You also need to study the grammar review where the specifics of grammar and mechanics are covered in detail. Your conclusion must be written in the first person; you will reflect upon any insight gleaned from the topic.
The final version of this paper and all future papers (including the works cited) must be submitted as a single file (PDF, DOC, or DOCX) via Blackboard.
Please insert the screenshot for the results of any required tutorial(s) underneath Works Cited page (and make a notation of any extra credit earned).
Each paper is assessed based on the criteria set by the grading rubric.
Click here to view sample papers and outlines for this paper.
Paper Three: Rhetorical Analysis (Minimum 1000 words) -- Maximum 150 points
For this paper, you will read an opinion piece and then write an analysis of the essay’s main ideas, rhetorical appeals, and writing strategies. Below are some pre-approved articles:
"The Meaning of Friendship in a Socially Networked World"
"Can a Playground be too Safe?"
"What's Lurking in Stadium Food?"
"Two Years are Better than Four"
"Sex Predators Can't be Saved"
"Why I Stopped Being a Vegetarian"
"Social Media Endangers Knowledge"
"Climate Action and Social Justice"
"No Accountability: Voucher Wreak Havoc on States"
"Dangerous Cracks in US Democracy"
If none of the above works are appealing, you may analyze an editorial, argumentative essay, or op-ed from a major newspaper, news source, or journal.
You can find a professionally written persuasive piece by googling, using the library databases, combing the NYT, Washington Post, and Medium Archives, etc. Also, you might want to check out Opposing Viewpoints . In this database, you will be prompted to enter your ACCeID and password. Once you are in, just type in the issue and search for an opinion piece or editorial.
Here is the format that you must use for your paper and outline:
Paragraph One: Introduction
Identify the author and the title of the essay and then provide a brief summary of the essay’s key ideas. Conclude with the author’s use of appeals and primary method of development to establish their position or THESIS.
Paragraphs Two and Three (analyze two appeals--logos, pathos, and/or ethos):
Discuss how the author supports his or her argumentative claims through two of the following types of appeals:
Appeal based on logic (logos). Discuss the essay’s process of reasoning. Identify the types of evidence presented in support of the essay’s claims, and give examples (e.g. personal experience, facts & statistics, expert testimony, anecdotal evidence, examples from history or current events, etc.).
Appeal based on emotion (pathos). Discuss how the essay appeals to readers’ emotions (needs, fears, feelings, beliefs/values, and sympathies).
Appeal based on author’s character/credibility/ethical appeal (ethos). Consider his or her word choice, selection of evidence, credentials or personal experience, presentation of opposing viewpoints, etc.
Paragraph Four: Analyze One Method of Development (comparison/contrast, cause and effect, or description)
Discuss one method of development used by the author in constructing the essay’s argument (e.g. cause & effect, comparison/contrast, description, classification, definition, illustration, narration, process analysis) and give examples. In persuasive essays, the primary method of development is generally cause and effect, comparison/contrast, or description.
Paragraph Five: First person reflection
V. Works Cited (just list the article you analyzed--no need for a separate page)
Once you have a good foundation for your paper, I will need to see your outline. The outline should be no longer than one-half page and you do not have to use Roman numerals. The purpose of the outline is to examine the organization of your paper to make sure that you are on the right track. Submit your outline via the portal in the Assignment folder for your paper in Blackboard. I will review your outline and then let you know whether or not you need to make alterations. If I say that everything looks just fine (in the Gradebook and Feedback tab of the course menu), you can begin writing the paper. Once you have drafted and revised your paper, it's time to peer edit in the Discussion Board.
Please use the third person point of view (in the intro and body paragraphs) and follow paper guidelines and policies. There must be a clear thesis statement (the last sentence of the introduction), topic sentences in the body paragraphs that each express a main point of the thesis, and a conclusion. You must use original ideas and thoughts and give credit to sources, using in-text citations, even when paraphrasing. In addition, your essay should utilize a variety of sentence structures and word choices, as well as transitional phrases and sentences. You also need to study the grammar review where the specifics of grammar and mechanics are covered in detail. Your conclusion must be written in the first person; you will reflect upon any insight gleaned from the topic.
The final version of this paper and all future papers (including the works cited) must be submitted as a single file (PDF, DOC, or DOCX) via Blackboard.
Please insert the screenshot for the results of any required tutorial(s) underneath Works Cited page (and make a notation of any extra credit earned). If you participated in two hours or more of an approved Service Learning Activity, screenshot and attach proof of your service underneath the WC.
Each paper is assessed based on the criteria set by the grading rubric.
Click here to view sample papers and outlines for this paper.