Formal Essay One:

Based on our discussions of course readings thus far, I've compiled some qualities of a successful essay, which you can use to guide your writing process for formal essay one.  I'll also draw on these qualities in evaluating your essays.

• Good descriptive writing enables you to feel the author's point--to understand where he/she is coming from.
• The author is sympathetic to other perspectives than his own (i.e., Staples's sympathizing with women's instincts for self-defense).
• Successful use of observed examples, like Cottle's use of magazine articles & ads.
• Use of humor to keep reader interested while still making a serious point.
• The essay should establish a debatable topic and stay focused on that topic, throughout.
• The essay should reach a sensible conclusion: solve a problem, raise further questions, leave the reader with something to ponder.
• Organization should be effective, logical, and keep the reader's attention.
• Sentences should be well-edited and use good word choice and a variety of styles.