Assignment 1

Assignment

• Write an essay in which you describe—that is, remember in writing—a person that has had a significant impact on your life. Your classmates and I will be the audience for this essay. Make sure that the person you choose is truly worth writing about, somebody that has, for good reason, left a memorable impression in your mind. That means that you have to relate that person specifically to an experience, or a series of experiences, that you have had in the past. Your readers must be able to recognize your particular relationship with the person of your choice.
• At the same time, keep in mind that your readers do not only want to be enlightened but also entertained by your portrait. That means that you will have to keep your audience interested and eager to keep on reading. Thus, you will have to develop not only that person's special significance for your life but also his or her uniqueness as a person. To make your portrait truly vivid, you need to include suggestive anecdotes and scenes, visual details and physical features, to make that person come alive (and thus interesting) in your writing. Readers want to know a person's eccentricities and idiosyncrasies, those elements of character that distinguish that person (in terms of influence on you and in terms of appearance and behavior) from all the other people in your life. Only through detailed description can you engage the imagination of your audience.

Length and Due Dates

• 3-5 typed, double-spaced pages
• Mon 18 Sept First Draft (bring an extra copy). While I will not collect your first draft on that day, have it available for review during our revision workshop and for general inspection.
• Wed 20 Sept No class in lieu of office hours, 10:00–11:30; sign-up required.
• Fri 22 Sept in class. Second Draft and notebooks.
• Please note: Before handing in your materials, please have them stapled together so that your final/second draft is on top and labeled as such, followed by your earlier draft(s) and your notebook underneath.

Purpose and Goals

• Recognize the value of the various techniques of invention and inquiry;
• Learn how to work in discussion groups and workshops;
• Select & balance appropriate anecdotes and detail to communicate the person's significance;
• Write about a personal experience with some emotional distance

Evaluation

• The balanced use of appropriate examples and details to substantiate your portrait.
• Evidence of emotional distance.
• The organization of your essay into well developed and well connected paragraphs.
• Your attention to the audience for/to whom you are writing.
• Correct spelling and proper use of English.

Sincere Tips

• Review the chapter-specific "Guide to Writing" in our textbook for helpful hints
• Visit the Writing Center at whatever stages of the writing process you deem necessary
• Use the relevant portions of the Editing Checklist in the TOOLBOX to fine tune the basics of your paper
• Do not (try to) print out your paper (either at home or at school) on the morning your paper is due; I've heard too many stories about soft- and hardware failure . . . .  Proofread your paper carefully the day before.
• As always, think of me as a resource.