Task:
You will compose a 3 page narrative essay (750 words) in which you will (1) develop a detailed description of your specific group to which you belong, one that is significant to you. Your description may include a significant story that will help your readers to fully experience it (make your reader see, hear). Then (2) consider all the different parts that might have meaning for the group—from the ordinary to the unusual; here you’ll develop your main focus or idea, your thesis.
For ways into this topic, you might want to describe and explain the answer to any of the following questions. Take your time to explore your topic/questions. Ultimately, you will pick and write on only ONE question!
1. In what ways this group helped me shape my sense of identity?
2. What important events make me particularly aware of my race, gender, social class, sexual orientation? (how you view yourself; how others view you);
3. What is unique about the special events or social aspects like language or activities of my group? (how and when you gather; the special language you speak; the activities you engage in; the particular objects you use; the special events you attend);
4. What is the particular psychology of my group? (what sets me apart from others; how being a part of that group has affected my character; what special challenges and/or rewards come from being a part of that group);
5. What different attitudes do men, women or members of other cultural groups have towards shopping, parties, internet surfing, dating?
6. What symbols do they associate with themselves and what is unique about them? (cars, dress, chores, professions, activities, roles);
7. How does where I live—Martinez, the suburbs, northern California, West Coast vs. East Coast—affect how I see myself and how others see me?;
Your Thesis:
Your thesis will be your response to the above prompt and will, of course, assert your thoughtful opinion on the subject—your two or more reasons for your belief. Your thesis will show your readers why your group matters; why you chose to write about it. You will need to know why you believe what you believe and use your reasons as the basis of the organization of your paper. Think of your thesis as an “organizing tool.”
Your Evidence:
I encourage you to use any relevant support you can to make your point, including but not limited to the following: your personal experience, the experience of others, key quotations from the readings, examples about identity from the media (movies, documentaries, news items). In general, the more types of evidence you can wield to make your point, the more convincing your opinion and answer to the question.
AUDIENCE—attempt to engage your reader in the very first paragraph (probably even before that with an engaging title). Do this by using a story, description or dialog. Plan to generalize about your group or situation after that through the use of transition. Your readers are your classmates and your teacher;
PURPOSE—to explore the ‘meaning’ of something about one of the many groups you belong to. The specificity and detailed insights will be a major factor in your evaluation (along with the success of your group description);
VOICE (TONE)—select a voice appropriate to the material. There is a chance that a light, humorous tone might be best for what you want to express. However, if your message is concerned or frustrated one, make sure your word choices reflect that mood;
RULES—minimum three typed pages (750 words).
Essay Organization Suggestions:
1) Your essay should have a clear introduction paragraph(s), body paragraphs, and finally, a conclusion paragraph if needed.
2) Your introduction paragraph(s) should include your thesis as the last sentence in your introduction paragraph(s).
3) Your body paragraphs should be full of narrative and descriptive detail about your group; you will focus on one point per paragraph.
4) Your conclusion may add to the big “So What?” question: Why does this group matter to you and why are you telling it to your reader?
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