Unit 1 – Response Paper 1- Minimum 3 double-spaced pages
Reading: “The Social Networks”, by Neal Gabler
Writing Prompt: Write an argumentative paper in which you agree or disagree with Gabler’s claim that, “instead of bringing comfort, [television] seems only to remind us of our alienation” [para. 6 of the essay].
Hint: Remember, you must take a position on the effect of television, does it help us or hurt us in the way Neal Gabler claims? Then compose a thesis stating your position and defend it throughout the paper. Stay in 3rd person, NOT 1st person.
Writing Preparation: In order to help sharpen writing skills, do the following:
- Study a sample response paper in the ‘sample papers’ area to familiarize yourself with how a formal response paper must be formatted and written. You must include an introductory paragraph with a thesis, a strong supportive body, and a conclusion.
- See Thesis Statements at Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL). This is an online tutorial for composing and writing thesis statements. Click into ‘writing tips’ on the main menu.
- See Paraphrasing and Quoting at Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL). This is an online tutorial for paraphrasing and quoting material for research papers. Click into ‘writing tips’ and study.
MLA In-Text Citations: You must use MLA in-text citations when not using signal phrases such as: According to Brown. Go to the ‘writing tips’ area and locate the Richland College Library home page for information on creating in text citations. You may also access the Purdue OWL and search MLA in-text citations. Lastly, study a sample research essay in ‘sample papers’. There will be use of in-text citations and works cited pages.
Format Requirements:
- Title
- 3 double-spaced pages,
- 3rd person only
- 12 point font
- New Times Roman Typeface
