Q You might be wondering why we are going to study essays so closely. Where and how could they possibly serve us in the future after our final term paper has been submitted? The type of nonfiction writing we are going to explore belongs in all of our lives at all times. Essays differ from other forms of writing, like scientific reports, newspaper articles, or short stories, in that essays "try to provide an understanding of things that are essentially matters of interpretation, where the prospect of the final word on a subject is remote" (Bryson). Shane Bryson suggests that we need to consider the purpose of these texts to understand their differences: Scientific reports try to describe something that happened (an experiment), and they are supposed to be minimally interpretive and nearly indisputable. Newspaper articles are similar in this way, presenting the facts and just the facts (at least in theory). Narratives tell stories about how events unfold for characters and usually try to make us feel a certain way. Essays tell us, most often explicitly, about the way we ought to understand something. __________ You might be familiar with the essay from other writing contexts. We've often written and read essays that we'd classify as expository, descriptive, narrative, and argumentative. • Online platforms often feature long-form expository, narrative, and argumentative essays. o The New Yorker, (Links to an external site.) Medium (Links to an external site.), The New York Times (Links to an external site.), The Atlantic (Links to an external site.), The Paris Review (Links to an external site.), The Cut, (Links to an external site.) Slate (Links to an external site.), The Pitchfork, (Links to an external site.) The Guardian, (Links to an external site.) Longreads, (Links to an external site.) Harpers, (Links to an external site.)Mental Floss (Links to an external site.) • Podcasts and YouTube are increasingly becoming popular sources of audio and video essays. • Photojournalists often find new audiences for their descriptive and argumentative photo essays online. Still confused about the difference between an essay and an article? Consider the purpose and length: • Articles tend to be short (a page or 2) so that audiences can read quickly and scan for content and information. Articles are therefore straight-to-the-point and don't usually include introductions or conclusions to introduce or conclude ideas. An article shares information, to inform readers about a subject or topic. Articles are often written in third person point-of-view. Example of an article (Links to an external site.). • Essays tend to be longer (5 or more pages) and dig deep into a topic so that audiences are both informed and moved to understand or believe. An essay is more of a thoughtful reflection; essays are subjective in that they share the writer's thoughts on a topic or as a response to a question, for example. The essay is a powerful way to voice opinions and concerns; therefore, essays feel more personal than articles. They invite readers to open their minds to explore a particular issue more profoundly than an article can. Essays are often written in first person point-of-view. Example of an essay. o When you read the two examples, do you notice the differences between an article and an essay? _________ For this assignment, then, find an essay (not an article) online that resonates with you and share it here: First, summarize the essay's main points and, then, explain its significance (in approximately 250 words). (If you need help locating an essay, check out the links above. If you're struggling to develop your discussion, you may find guidance on this page useful: Writing Toolkit: Developing Your Discussions.) You might consider the following questions in your discussion: • What is author's/authors' main point? What is he/she/they trying to get you to understand? • What is author's/authors' purpose? • Who is the author's/authors' primary audience? • What was surprising or intriguing to you about this essay? • How did this essay challenge you and your thinking? • What were some of the differences or similarities between this essay and what you already knew or what you'd read before? • How do themes and ideas from this essay relate to things you’re learning/learned in other classes? Be sure to include the link to the essay. Need a model? Here are two examples: Lesson 2: Discussion Models. Rubric Lesson 2 Art of Essay Rubric Lesson 2 Art of Essay Rubric Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDevelopment 60 pts Meets Expectations Makes a point about the reading. Interprets or explains that point. Provides an example from both the reading or a source for support. Explains the significance. 0 pts Does Not Meet Expectations Might not a point about the reading. Might not interpret or explain that point. Might not provide an example from both the reading or a source for support. Might not explain the significance. 60 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization 20 pts Meets Expectations Offers a brief introduction/thesis statement. Breaks up large chunks of texts/wall-of-words into paragraphs. Offers a brief sentence bringing to a close. 0 pts Does Not Meet Expectations Might not offer a brief introduction/thesis statement. Might not break up large chunks of texts/wall-of-words into paragraphs. Might not offer a brief sentence bringing to a close. 20 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStyle/Mechanics 20 pts Meets Expectations Offers an appropriate tone for college readers. Is grammatically and mechanically correct. 0 pts Does Not Meet Expectations Might not offer an appropriate tone for college readers. Might not be grammatically and mechanically correct. 20 pts Total Points: 100 Lesson 2: The Art of the Essay