Paper details
-This essay is an expansion of a theme discovered as part of my StoryCorps interview. Interview link to listen
to: https://archive.storycorps.org/interviews/a-love-story-5/
-The essay should be limited to one or two clearly identified (and unified) themes.
-A minimum of 8 pages long, MLA format, standard margins and spacing and font.
-Full Works Cited page.
Things to consider:
-My StoryCorps interview is the main source for this essay. (Look up how to cite a Personal Interview in MLA
form.)
-The essay should include 3-6 outside sources. These can include book, articles, newspaper stories, other
personal interviews, etc. All sources are welcome.
-Look up the use of signal phrases when introducing sources. (Google “use of signal phrases” and you’ll get
lots of information Here is the first one.)
https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/guides/signalphrases#:~:text=Signal%20phrases%20are%20short%20phrases,outside%20source%20is%20being%20use
-This essay has several organizational options:
(a)You can begin with a thematic introduction, then move to the interview, then move to the other sources.
(b)You can begin with the interview (with appropriate context, setting, introduction to the person and reason,
etc.), then move to theme, then move to other sources.
(c)You can begin with theme, move to the other sources, and end with the interview.
And so on.
NOTES FROM PROFESSOR:
“A major problem with many essays from Essay One was lack of context. People dropped in quotes without
any explanation and wrote as if the reader already knew the book and the assignment. You cannot do this for
this essay. We do not know the person you interviewed or why. We do not know what theme you are trying to
illuminate. You need to provide that information. You need to provide that context. Be detailed.
Another consistent problem with Essay One was lack of care. Spelling errors, words left out, nonsense,
padding (otherwise known as BS), showed up far too often. Please proofread at several levels.”