Drafting Your Product Analysis

Our goal for class on Thursday is to draft our first body paragraph for this essay (250 word minimum--if you need to go into a second paragraph to hit that minimum, then do so).

Here are some things to consider.

• Read the body paragraphs in the sample essay carefully. Note the clear topic sentences that answer the question "What does this iteration of this product reveal about America's values and beliefs." Look too for other key elements of a strong paragraph: a) support made up of specific details from the iteration and interpretations of how those details support the argument in the topic sentence. b) brief quotes and paraphrases from course readings integrated into your analysis, and c) clincher sentences that pull the argument in your paragraph together and reconnect your discussion of the product back to the larger American values and beliefs you have been discussing.
• This is a draft--do not worry about style, grammar, etc. Focus simply on putting as much down on paper as you can and working on connecting details and interpretations back to your larger argument.
• Check out Nicci's sample essay for some examples of how to integrate our course readings into your discussions.
• Remember, this does not need to be perfect--you will be getting lots of feedback in class.
• Read and reread the rubric--it lays out how to earn an A on this paper by achieving the "exemplary" criteria for focus, support, connection, using sources, and style.

Please print out your draft and bring it to class. Remember, too, to bring you Research Invention activity (the one that was due Tuesday). I will be collecting both from you at the end of class on Thursday.