Multiple Modes- Values

In this assignment, your topic will be about a value or issue you hold and/or believe in and why. Please see the attachment for examples of values. If there is a value you would like to write about that is not on the attachment, please contact me to get approval (to make sure you are going in the right direction). As we have previously discussed, most writing is composed of more than one mode of writing. Your assignment is to incorporate the following modes into your essay: narrative, description, definition, and example. Your audience consists of your fellow students. You are writing to them in order to convey your point of view on a particular subject. Remember, not everyone will know what you are talking about so be sure to include at least 2 examples and provide a clear definition about the subject.
Your essay should begin with an introduction that tells your reader why you feel your value is important. The entire essay must incorporate all modes of writing listed in the first paragraph. You should orient the reader with your topic with a clear, solid description, which outlines your perspective on your subject. Your conclusion should not repeat what you have said in the introduction, but should tie up loose ends and explain why this value or issue will continue to be important to you. Your essay should also include a descriptive title that tells the reader what the essay is describing. Failure to include a title will cost you 5 points on this assignment.
Grading Criteria:

Clear organization and use of narrative, descriptive, definition and example modes of writing.
Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling and correct MLA formatting.
Strong thesis statement state your subject and why it is important to you.
Details do not assume your readers know what you mean! Describe the subject as if no one else has ever heard of it and you are explaining it for the first time.
Dont forget: NO CONTRACTIONS! (Ive, dont, couldnt, etc). They are not acceptable in research papers so it is best to practice now.

 Format:

Papers must be typed.
Use Times New Roman, font size 12pt.
Papers must be double-spaced.
Use one inch margins all the way around (cheating on margins will be noticed and the paper grade will be affected).
Heading:  Put your name, my name, course, and the date in the left hand corner of the first page. 
Header:  Your name and the page number should appear on every page in the upper right hand corner of the paper. 

Suggestions for Handling Quotes:

Choose the quotes that support your argument.
Decide where the discussion of the quotes should be placed in your paper.  You want to try to integrate the quotes with your discussion.  In other words, you dont want to provide your argument and then offer your evidence.  You want them to have cohesion and unity.     
A good way to handle your quotes:Introduce the quote/set it up for the reader.  For example, where in the text does it occur?  Who is speaking?  What should the reader be looking for in the quote?b. Provide the quote.  (Make sure you type it exactly as it appears in the text.)c. Write what you think the quote actually says.  In other words, pretend it is in a different language and you have to translate it for me.  Tell me how you understand, or read, that quote, using different words from those in the quote.d. Explain the quotes relationship to your overall idea/argument/main point about the text.  Bring the reader back to your argument.  Why did you select this quote to support your argument?  How does it support your argument?
Prepare a work cited list that follows your essay.

Checklist for Essay:

Do you focus on one value? 
Does your paper have a central point that flows through the paper?
Have you considered the essays that you have read and modeled any rhetorical strategies or techniques?
Have you proofread for errors:  grammar, typos, and punctuation? 
Do your sentences follow one another in a logical/readable way? 
Do your paragraphs make sense together and are they in a logical/readable order?
Is your position prevalent in the paper, using any quotes as support only?  Be careful to do more than merely summarize the idea of the source you are discussing.
Is your position debatable?  Could someone else argue with your position?
Is your paper at least 750 words long?  Does it fully cover the topic you have chosen?
Have you completed a work cited list?