Essay #2: “Against School”
Requirements:
Format Requirements
Final Essay due July 14th
800 words minimum, not including the Works Cited Page
MLA format (header, 12 point font, Times New Roman): MLA Format Template:
MLA format in-text citations and separate Works Cited page
Naysayer and Rebuttal
Formal, Standard English (no contractions or slang)
Do not use the first (me, me I, we) or second person (you, your)
MLAStyleGuide (1).pdf: Short MLA style guide
Possible Writing Prompts
Select one of the following prompts as the basis of your essay. You can combine ideas if you like.
Gatto argues that public schools essentially disable students leading to a diminished adulthood, Do you agree or disagree?
Gatto’s article does not discuss school funding or the unequal access to quality public education between rich and poor. Is the low quality schooling that Gatto discusses a class issue that impacts working class schools?
Gatto argues that mass public schooling makes adults immature in various ways. Is schooling the only or main reason that this may be true? Are there other social forces at play here?
Instructions: You can use the outline/guide below to help you organize the paper. Each section provides ideas for what you can write.
I. INTRODUCTION
*Attention Getter is IMPORTANT (anecdote from your life, shocking statistic, meaningful quotation, rhetorical question)
*Next, explain the current situation (occasion). What is the world like “as is” in relation to your issue? Why is it important?
*Mention misconceptions people have related to your topic, if any.
II. Background
*Next you need to provide background information
* What is the history of the problem?
*What are the details to your problem? What are the various perspectives on how to solve the problem?
*Why is it a unique and complicated issue? Why do people disagree? (audience)
*Include examples to illustrate the struggle or issue.
*You can provide official statistics on the problem, current laws related to the topic, or the position the majority has. This information should be coming from your research.
* CLEARLY establish your thesis.
*Explain the WHY of your thesis in a simple way (i.e. it will solve ____ issue).
III. REFUTATION & CONCESSION
*Now you need to consider the other side of the issue or the opposing argument.
Respectfully summarize opposing perspectives. Clearly explain that this is the opposing side’s perspective (Many argue, the opposition would claim, those who disagree, etc.)
IV. ARGUMENTS/ YOUR SIDE OF THE ISSUE
*Introduce the first perspective you are willing to look at. Explain how your solution will help the situation.
*Explore one main side of the issue.
*Provide evidence for any mini claim you make.
* Facts: data that have been objectively proven and are generally accepted (such as historical facts, scientific data, statistics etc.) Examples: should be sufficient number of examples to prove the case.
*Opinions of experts
Repeat Step IV as many times as necessary. Keep in mind the length requirements of the essay.
VI. CONCLUSION
*Here is where you review the main points.
*Restate your thesis.
*Call to action. If you haven’t introduced any sort of solution in your essay, perhaps encourage others to become more aware of your topic.
* Discuss the implications for the future. What might happen if things continue the way they are going? Is this good or bad? Try to be impactful without being overly dramatic.
*Discuss other related topics that warrant further research and discussion.
*Make a historical parallel regarding a similar issue that can help to strengthen your argument.
*Urge a continued conversation of the topic for the future.
