Choice Number 1: Baker S Mother and Mcbride S the Color of Water

ICRC I Out-of class Essay #3

Due Tuesday, 11/8/11

Choose one of the following:

Choice Number 1: Baker’s “Mother” and McBride’s The Color of Water

Introduction

 Be sure to mention the titles of the works and the authors

 Briefly introduce the mothers and how they are portrayed by their sons

 Are they similar? Different? How are you going to support your thesis?

Support Paragraph #1

Discuss how the mothers are similar – for example, what are their views on education? How do they feel about their children? Add any other details you can think of.

Discuss how the mothers are different – for example, what are their views on religion and going to church? How old are they? What kind of physical/mental shape are they in? Add any other details you can think of.

Discuss the ways that both works can be considered “tributes.” Are the authors ironic? Sarcastic? Loving? How do they express their love for their mothers?

Conclusion

 Restate your thesis, but in slightly different words

 Summarize your main points

 Add something about the honor that both sons pay to their mothers Choice # 2: What is a Man? (Using Rodriguez’s “Complexion” and McBride’s The Color of Water)

Introduction

 Be sure to mention the titles of both works and the authors

 Briefly introduce the way both men define what “a man” is

 Are they similar/different?

 How are you going to prove your thesis?

Discuss the similarities in the ways that Rodriguez and McBride view what makes a man, for example, hard working, family-oriented. Add any other details you can think of.

Discuss the differences in their views, for example, Rodriguez’s “man” talks very little, but McBride’s men talk a lot. Add any other details you can think of.

Discuss your own definition of a man. Do not say, “I think…” Instead, start with something like, “In today’s society, a “real man”……”

Conclusion

 Restate your thesis in slightly different words

 Summarize your main points

 Add a sentence or two on why you think Rodriguez and McBride have mainly similar or mainly different viewpoints

Your support paragraphs should include direct quotations from the essay and book – choose your quotations carefully to make sure they add support to your own ideas.

Attached is an essay checklist for you to use when you proofread your first draft at home; you should bring in your second draft for peer review on March 22.