Description:
In this essay you will develop a thesis about a work of literature (primary source) and you will support your thesis by referring to that primary source and 2additional secondary sources.
Format and Length:
-5 paragraphs or more, typed and double spaced
-Use MLA style citation for quotes in your essay
-Add a separate MLA style “Works Cited” page at the end
-Use MLA format heading on your first page:
Double spaced left align 1” down: Right Align Header ½” down: Last Name Page
Your Full Name
Title of Paper in Center of Page
Questions: Choose ONE of the two below.
Describe three (or more) difficulties migrant agricultural workers experienced in the mid-twentieth century, the ways that these difficulties are reflected in the narrator, Panchito’s experiences in “The Circuit” by Francisco Jimenez, and the ways Panchito copes with these difficulties.
Refer to “The Circuit” and the following secondary source context readings:
-“Mexican Migrant Workers in the 20th Century” by Jessica McBirney
-“Farmworker Issues: Child Labor,” a publication of the National Farm Worker Ministry
Format: How to set up your essay
Introductory Paragraph that creates interest in your topic, provides a brief summary of the plot of “The Circuit” and states your thesis at the end of the paragraph. (Your thesis is a short statement that lets your reader know what your essay will argue; it is your answer to the essay question. Your thesis will have some statement about the specific difficulties for migrant workers that you will be discussing.) Note that you should not mention the secondary sources in your opening paragraph.
Example of a thesis statement for this question: Some of the difficulties Panchito experiences as a migrant agricultural worker are X, X, and X; he copes with these difficulties by ____.
Body Paragraphs: Write 3 (or more) body paragraphs in which you support your thesis. Each body paragraph should prove ONE main point or main idea. (Each particular difficulty and Panchito’s way of coping should be developed in its own paragraph. If you find that your paragraph is becoming overly long, you could discuss Panchito’s way of coping in a separate paragraph.)
Concluding Paragraph that summarizes your overall argument.
*** NOTE THAT WHICHEVER QUESTION YOU CHOOSE, YOU MUST USE AN
EXAMPLE/S FROM YOUR PRIMARY SOURCE IN ALL OF YOUR BODY PARAGRAPHS. HOWEVER, YOU MAY NOT NEED TO REFER TO YOUR SECONDARY SOURCES IN ALL OF YOUR BODY PARAGRAPHS. ***
Your paper will be assessed in the following areas:
Interpretation and Critical Thinking:
-Clear and insightful thesis
-Argument is logical, insightful and convincing
Support:
-Concrete, relevant and accurate examples from the primary text (including quotes, and/or summary)
-Effective introduction and explanation of quotes
-Effective use of two sources
Organization and Structure:
-Structure shows a thoughtful progression of ideas
-Clear topic sentences
-Effective transitions between ideas
Formatting:
-Indenting of new paragraphs
-Correct and accurate citation
-Correct heading
-Correct Works Cited page
Grammar:
-Clear and correct sentences; correct word choice; correct spelling
“The Circuit” by Francisco Jimenez
https://www.wrschool.net/cms/lib/AZ02214740/Centricity/Domain/1614/The%20Circuit%20Text.pdf
