Essay 2: The American Dream
Context: As seen by our Unit 2 introduction, the idea of “The American Dream” is widely debated and given several definitions. Given that this is an abstract concept, many people not only search for its true meaning but attempt to determine whether it is still “alive” or not. With an unclear definition of this concept, it is easy for many people in power to persuade and motivate others for their own intentions (good or bad). While the American Dream can help people to fight for freedom, equality, and opportunity, it can also be used for more malicious intentions that exploit, separate, and limit others. As an educated college student, you must be aware of rhetoric that may be trying to persuade you! Rhetoric is not just in writing and speeches, it is everywhere. Can you find rhetoric and formulate it yourself?
Assignment: Moving on from understanding the choices other authors make in their writing, now is your chance to make choices and consider your rhetorical situation. You must persuade your reader to agree with your understanding of the American dream and determination of whether it is attainable or not. below:
You must persuade fellow college students that your definition of the American Dream is the most relevant/important and whether it is possible to attain the American Dream today or not.
Prewriting Reminders: Your essay is not to find an absolute definition of the American Dream and clearly determine whether it is real or not. You are more so trying to persuade others to believe that your idea of the American Dream is the most important, and that they should believe it is possible/attainable or not.
RHETORICAL SITUATION
Audience: The audience for your essay will be fellow college students around your age and situation. They are your peers, all working towards the same goal of attaining a future for themselves in the United States.
Purposes and Goals: The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate an understanding of the rhetoric and persuasion taking place in various texts and apply what you have learned from the course materials to your own persuasive construction. A persuasive essay offers readers a course of action that typically describes the issue/obstacle and solutions, then justifies the solutions in terms of values and consequences. A successful essay depends upon the readers’ agreement that the obstacle/issue exists and/or that the recommended action will have good results.
Genre: A 1,500 – 1,750 word (4-5 double-spaced pages) Persuasive essay in MLA format that is due by midnight of Sunday, April 7, 11:59 pm.
Getting Started: As we read and discuss the texts in class, pay attention to the ideas that interest you or get you to think about education from a new perspective. Use our group activities, class discussions, and drafts to further develop ideas. Together, these steps will help you brainstorm and generate ideas for the development of your essay.
Drafting and Revising: We will spend each class day drafting ideas, practicing analysis, and testing new organizational strategies. You are encouraged to meet with me or with a tutor in the Writing and Reading Success Center:
