Greene and Lidinsky present four helpful models for formulating a working thesis (see pages 141 to 148 in From Inquiry to Academic Writing):

• The Misinterpretations model: “Although many have argued X, a careful examination suggests Z.”
• The Gap model: “Although others have noted X, they have overlooked the importance of Y.”
• The Modification model: “Although I agree with the X and Y ideas of other writers, it is important to extend/refine/limit their ideas in this way…”
• The Hypothesis-testing model: “While some writers explain X by suggesting Y, a close analysis of the problem reveals several competing explanations…”

These thesis models are certainly not the only options available to you, but they do offer ways to enter an academic conversation and make a contribution that extends beyond merely summarizing or echoing someone else’s ideas.

In your initial post, do the following:

• Use one of the thesis models above to create one potential working thesis statement (or purpose statement) you could use in this unit’s essay
• Write a paragraph or so defining the audience for whom you intend to write your essay. Explain who this audience is, why you have chosen this audience, and what techniques you plan to use in your essay to connect with this audience.

In your follow-up posts, respond to at least two classmate’s posts by doing both of the following:

• Explain the types of supporting evidence you would expect to see for each working thesis statement. 
• Suggest at least one way your classmates could appeal to their chosen audience for Essay #2.

For all references, use an appropriate form of documentation (MLA, APA, or another standard academic style discussed in Easy Writer.) 

DUE: Thursday,  27 June by  Noon CST. 

************************************************************

In Essay #2, write an essay that makes a thesis-based argument about education. Your essay must respond specifically to at least one of the assigned articles from Ch. 14. 

These articles are “Who Are You and What Are You Doing Here? A Word to the Incoming Class,” by Mark Edmundson, and “How Big-Time Sports Ate College Life,” by Laura Pappano; these essays are found on pages 405-426 of your course text.

You will choose the audience for your essay, but remember: your job is to “enter the conversation” about education begun by your sources.   

Note that this essay is a logical follow-on to your first essay.  That is, you will be continuing to discuss the topic of the essay you selected to summarize in Essay #1.  Only in this essay, you will be adding your ideas on the subject.  

Your essay should include all of the following features:

• A precise thesis, or main claim
• A clearly defined audience (usually students like yourself)
• Direct quotations or paraphrases from the article to which you are responding from Ch. 14 of From Inquiry to Academic Writing 

Guidelines for Essay #2

Length/Due Date: approximately 800-1,000 words, due Sunday midnight Central Standard Time (CST).

Style/Format: This, as all essays in EN106, should be formatted in a standard scholarly format. (Most students follow MLA or APA guidelines, which are outlined in Easy Writer.) No matter what format you follow, be sure to do the following:

• Use 12 point, Times New Roman font, double-spaced.
• Use 1-inch margins top, bottom, and sides.
• Although no cover page is needed, you should include your name, my name, the course number/title, and date at the upper left-hand corner of the manuscript. 
• Essays should be single-spaced.  

References: Your essay must use at least one source — the article from Ch. 14 that has begun the conversation. Most likely, you will also refer to additional outside sources. For each source you cite or reference in your essay, include in-text citations, using MLA or APA guidelines. 

File format: Please submit your essay as a .doc or .docx file. These formats are available in most word processors, including Google Docs and Open Office, and will ensure that your instructor is able to comment on your work.

Works Cited/References: Please create an appropriate bibliography that lists each source you cite or reference in your essay. Use MLA or APA guidelines for your bibliography.

Titles: Include a descriptive title at the beginning of your essay that tips your readers off to your thesis. Do not format your title with quotation marks, boldface, underlining or italics. Quotation marks or underlining are only appropriate if the title borrows words from another source.

Deadline: Sunday “Noon”