Oklahoma celebrates 100 years of statehood in November 2007. Write an essay that discusses at least two qualities/attitudes of and two myths/prejudices about Oklahoma and Oklahomans. Your readers are non-Oklahomans and your purpose is to educate them about our state.

 

The essay should be a least two pages long (@600 words), and it should meet the formatting requirements of this class.

 

Task 1:   Pre-write using brainstorming for five minutes.

Task 2:   Write a working thesis and select the elements from the brainstorming that will support that thesis

Task 3:   Freewrite for 15 minutes about the thesis and supporting points.

Task 4:   Type a scratch outline of your paper, using the Essay Outline handout as a guide.

Task 5:   Write two introductions using a different technique for each.

Task 6:  Share your thesis, supporting points, and sample intros with a peer group who will help you refine and choose your best writing.

Task 7:   Write a first draft of your essay.

 

Try to find a unique way of approaching this. There are a handful of obvious, pat answers that would result in a passing essay.  However, if you want a better chance at an A or B grade, you must find something new to say or place the topic within a different context than we expect.

 

Following a strict, academic format, your essay outline may look like this:

• Introduction: Open with an attention getter, provide context for this discussion (why is it important?), and state thesis.

• Body Paragraph 1: Present first supporting evidence and follow it with specific details to illustrate your point

• Body Paragraph 2: Present second supporting evidence, etc.

• Body Paragraph 3: Present third supporting evidence, etc.

• Conclusion: Restatement of thesis, provide big picture comments – why this is an important, how can the reader benefit, etc.
   

Your discussion must incorporate your own ideas and opinions regarding this subject, but may also make use of ideas presented in assigned readings and class discussion.  Ideas taken from the readings must be incorporated according to the rules of MLA, which your QA Compact clearly addresses.

 

In addition, you will:

• Use proper voice (no 2^nd person) for a formal essay.

• Use formal, college-level (not conversational or casual) language.

• Eliminate all contractions.

• Use strong verbs and specific words to convey your meaning.

• Employ correct punctuation and grammar.

• Follow page format guidelines as described in your syllabus.

• Target an intelligent, college-level audience.

• Fill out and attach the checklist before handing your essay in.

 

This essay is worth 100 points.