J. Roth/English 102 Four-Essay Packet Short Essay Assignment

Peer-Editing Day, Thursday, May 17—must have a completed rough draft at the beginning of class to attend.

Due Date: Tuesday, May 22, by midnight in the “Four-Essay Packet Short Essay” ANGEL drop box.

Directions: Develop, write, edit, and submit a short essay (4 to 5 paragraphs—2 to 3 double-spaced pages) having to do with one of the essay prompts below. Please structure your essay by using as a model the student examples presented in class and available from the ANGEL calendar box. Be sure to blend words or ideas of the professional essay with your own where appropriate and use proper MLA or APA format to credit those words or ideas.

"The Dumbing of America" by Susan Jacoby

1. What is your opinion regarding allowing children to watch television and play video games? Write an essay discussing your viewpoint. The body of your essay should consist of paragraphs giving reasons for or against or both.

2. Write an essay discussing whether or not you agree with Susan Jacoby's thesis regarding Americans and their intellectualism. The body of your essay should consist of paragraphs giving reasons you agree or disagree or both.

“Your Mirror Image?” by Francine Russo

1. If you are a woman, think about how much influence your mother may have had on your body image. Write an essay discussing your experience. The body of your essay should consist of paragraphs giving examples of that influence.

2. Do you think men have body image issues? Write an essay discussing what you think some men experience with regard to weight, eating, and body image. The body of your essay should consist of paragraphs giving examples.

3. Write an essay discussing your views on the media's influence on body image. What role, if any, does the media play in shaping young girls or boys' image of themselves? The body of your essay should be paragraphs giving examples.

“The Species Called Homo-Simpsons” by Randy Alcorn

1. Write an essay either agreeing or disagreeing with Randy Alcorn's thesis. The body of your essay should consist of paragraphs giving reasons you agree or disagree.

2. Why do you think--according to the study conducted by the Max Planck Institute--that people will continue to believe gossip and rumors even if they are presented with clear evidence refuting them? The body of your essay should be paragraphs giving your reasons.

“Shut Up About My Truck” by Ace Atkins

1. Do you think it is acceptable to drive a gas-guzzling truck if you grow your own food and reduce your "carbon footprint" in other ways? In other words, do you agree or disagree with Atkins? Why or why not? The body of your essay should consist of paragraphs giving reasons you agree or disagree.