Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Choose a reading sample from
the text from this list:
· “Why Mars is the
Best Planet,” p. 278 (This article is also available online here (Links to an external site.)),
· “The College
Advantage” p. 269 (This article is also available online here (Links to an external site.)), or
· “No More Classes:
No More Books” p. 311.
2. After you complete your reading,
select an essay question from the choices below. Reflect on what you have
learned in the course so far, and in your field of study. Include references to
the reading throughout your essay.
Essay Questions (Select one):
For sample 1: “Why Mars is the Best
Planet”
1. Review the ways the
author describes the ways Mars mimics the Earth’s terrain. How does the author
make comparisons? What is similar between Mars and Earth? What is different?
Does this make a convincing case that the fate of Mars is Earth’s future? Why
or why not?
OR
2. According to the
article, Mars is not inhabitable by human beings. Yet, currently there are many
people exploring that possibility. Using some examples from the article, what
is the appeal of exploring Mars? Why does Mars ignite imaginations?
For sample 2: “The College
Advantage”
1. In this magazine
article, the writer suggests there are benefits to going to university, then
college – rather than graduate school (more University studies). Considering
some of the points the writer makes about college, what are the advantages of
combining university and college education? Do you agree? Are there any points
the writer didn’t consider?
OR
2. Considering the
points the writer makes about college, what are the advantages to a college
education? Are there any points the writer didn’t consider?
For sample 3: “No More Classes; No
More Books”
1. Considering the
writer’s use of language, determine the intended audience for the article: who
is she writing to? Identify three points or writing strategies she uses that
indicate she is writing to the audience you identified.
OR
2. Consider the pros
and cons of on-line learning the writer identifies. Online learning might be
the education model of the future. Is this good or not? Select one side and
create an argument essay to support that viewpoint.
Draft an outline of your essay.
Here is a Word version that
you can manipulate:
Sample
Reading-Response Essay Outline
Instructions: Use this template to help you draft an
outline for your five-paragraph reading-response essay.
I.
Introductory
Paragraph (Use the funnel method)
a.
Start
with a hook
b.
Narrow
your focus
c.
Thesis statement (Include your
controlling idea/argument and three main points)
II.
A.
Body Paragraph 1 (Must support
thesis statement)
a.
Include
a topic sentence
b.
Include
supporting details
c.
Include
specific examples (Consider using a direct quotation from the article)
B. Body Paragraph 2 (Must support thesis statement)
a.
Include
a topic sentence
b.
Include
supporting details
c.
Include
specific examples (Consider using a direct quotation from the article)
C. Body Paragraph 3 (Must support thesis statement)
a.
Include
a topic sentence
b.
Include
supporting details
c.
Include
specific examples (Consider using a direct quotation from the article)
III.
Concluding Paragraph (Invert the funnel)
a.
Revisit
thesis statement
b.
Sum
up main points
c.
Include
concluding thoughts
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