Thesis-driven, argumentative essay,

  In a thesis-driven, argumentative essay, answer the following question: To what extent do you think today's American teens are overstressed and exhausted due to overwork? Support your ideas by referring to both Bruni and Pondiscio, as well as to your ow Support your ideas by referring to both Bruni and Pondiscio, as well as to your own experiences and observations Core Texts: “The Myth of The Overstressed Teen” by Robert Pondiscio “Today’s Exhausted Superkids” by Frank Bruni In “Today’s Exhausted Superkids,” Frank Bruni expresses “sadness for American high school students” because of the ways in which “childhood has been transformed … into an insanely programmed, status-obsessed and sometimes spirit-sapping race.” But in “The Myth of the Overstressed American Teen,” Robert Pondiscio claims that we should not “buy that today’s students are overworked and exhausted.” What do your own experiences and observations suggest? Prompt: In a thesis-driven, argumentative essay, answer the following question: To what extent do you think today’s American teens are overstressed and exhausted due to overwork? Support your ideas by referring to both Bruni and Pondiscio, as well as to your own experiences and observations. Introduction: Start with a sentence or two that introduces your audience to the basic topic. Then, summarize the main idea and most important supporting points of whichever article you plan to mainly focus on. You could try to briefly summarize both articles, but don’t get too caught up in a lengthy introduction--you’ll have plenty of space to visit both texts throughout the essay. Remember the rules for effective summaries. End your introduction with a thesis that answers the question in the prompt. Body Paragraphs: Convince your audience of your thesis by presenting logically ordered paragraphs that focus on one main idea each. Follow the TEAR structure outlined in class. Most importantly, provide detailed examples from your personal life/observations that someone who doesn't know you could understand, then connect those examples, in detail, back to a specific part of either text. Explain how they connect for you audience. Conclusion: Indicate the larger significance of your essay without merely summarizing everything you've already written. Why does your opinion matter? Or, who should care about this topic? Audience: You must decide who your audience is for this assignment. You will tell me who you decided upon when you turn in the essay, and it cannot be “anyone who reads it.” Be creative. Regardless, your audience has NOT read either Bruni or Pondiscio, so you will need to provide background and explain their viewpoints. Helpful Notes: ● Bruni’s and Pondiscio’s views will be important, but so will your own experiences and observations because, as a recent high school student, YOU are an expert on the topic. ● Be sure your Thesis Statement answers the prompt question. For this type of essay, consider using a word that compares, such as Although, Even though, However, But, Yet, or And yet. The ending words of a Thesis usually contain the point you want to emphasize most. ● You will want to address the following topics to adequately respond to both readings: Privileged vs. Non-Privileged Teens and balance between Extracurricular Activities and Academics. ● The Portfolio Committee will want to see “integration” of source material along with your own points and examples. They do NOT want to see large blocks of source summary OR large blocks of personal experiences that are not clearly related to points in the readings. Goals: ✓ A title that clues your reader into what you are arguing ✓ An introduction that sets up the issue and provides ample background information ✓ A concise thesis statement that states your specific position on the issue ✓ Body paragraphs that build upon one another and always support your thesis statement ✓ A firm yet persuasive tone appropriate for your audience ✓ A well-organized structure with logical and smooth transitions ✓ A conclusion that indicates the larger significances of your thesis ✓ Integrated source material with signal phrases indicating where quotes, paraphrases, and summaries begin ✓ Clear sentence with proper application of grammatical concepts ✓ 4 full pages, typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman ✓