English Essay

Instructions:

1. Use Descriptive Language – Bring your writing to life by engaging the readers senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, and emotional tone. This is your chance to reflect and describe yourself in a meaningful way.
2. Use First Person (I, me, my) – This is the only essay in the course where writing in the first person is encouraged.
3. Follow MLA Format Requirements

• Typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font
• One-inch margins
• Four-line heading (Name, Instructor, Course, Date)
• Last name and page number in the top right header
• Paragraphs are indented one tab
• Include a descriptive title (not just Essay 1)

1. Structure Your Essay Like This (yours won’t be exactly like this but this is a good example) :

• I. Introduction Paragraph
• A. Hook: Start with a compelling quote, question, or anecdote about reading, writing, or
• language. This is to get your reader engaged with the story you are about to tell.
• B. Context: Briefly define what literacy means to you.
• C. Thesis statement: Present the main theme or message of your narrative.
• II. Body Paragraph: Early Experiences with Literacy
• A. First encounters with reading, writing, language, etc.
• 1. Share feelings or memories associated with it.
• 2. Influence of teachers or family members.
• III. Body Paragraph: Challenges Faced
• A. Struggles you encountered with reading, writing, language, etc.
• 1. Discuss any difficulties (e.g., learning disabilities, lack of resources).
• 2. How these challenges impacted your confidence or interest.
• B. Moments of frustration or doubt.
• 1. Specific instances that stand out.
• 2. Support received from others during tough times.
• IV. Body Paragraph: Turning Points
• A. Describe a moment of realization or breakthrough that changed your perspective on
• literacy.
• 1. People or experiences that inspired growth.
• 2. New interests in relation to literacy
• V. Body Paragraph: Current Relationship with Literacy
• A. How literacy plays a role in your life today
• 1. Have your experiences shaped your personal taste, learning styles, or engagement
• with literacy skills?
• 2. Importance of literacy in personal or professional contexts (e.g., as a college
• student).
• B. Ongoing goals and aspirations
• 1. Future literacy ambitions.
• 2. How you plan to continue growing as a literate individual.
• VI. Conclusion
• A. Reflection on the journey
• a. Summarize the growth and changes experienced.
• b. Emphasize the importance of literacy in shaping identity.
• B. Closing thoughts
• a. Inspire the reader with a final thought or call to action related to literacy and/or
• why literacy is an important skill of life and personal growth.

1. Editing Expectations – Each paragraph must be at least 8 sentences long. Vary your sentence structure (simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex). Use transitions between paragraphs and ideas. Be sure your final draft shows clear evidence of editing and proofreading.

Grading: See Rubric Below

Rubric

Essay 1

Essay 1

CriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Grammar, Sentence Structure, Punctuation

Correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure will be followed.

75 to >56.25 pts

Exceeds

Excellent display of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Few if any issues.

56.25 to >37.5 pts

Mastery

Shows a good command of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. May have several consistent errors throughout.

37.5 to >18.75 pts

Near

Shows an attempt but with obvious issues.