Section 1 (70 points):
1. Summarize the author’s article.
2. Include as many concrete examples (details) discussed by the author that help justify his
main thesis (central argument) and conclusion of the article.
3. Integrating pertinent quotations is legitimate, but don’t overuse them, and cite the
author when you do so. APA or MLA style is acceptable. Simple endnotes work too
(Trezza, 43).
Section 1 is the most valuable section (in points) for this assignment.
Each article is different in length, depth, and complexity. So, depending upon these factors and
the author’s opinion, number of examples, studies, stories, or surveys cited in the actual article,
the impact on your actual Section 1, varies. Thus, if only 2 key studies or examples are included
in an article, then you need to include and discuss both of them. If an article provides
numerous examples, then you need to identify the most important examples and explain why
they are the most important ones as you integrate them into this section.
Section 2 (30 points): Reflection / Your reaction / Your Voice
1. What was your response to the article? Was there a difference between how you felt
about the author’s words and your belief about that issue?
2. What argument moved you the most, either positively or negatively? Explain. Do you
have an alternative to the issue which the author didn’t discuss? In other words, what is
your opinion?
3. Have facts/conditions changed since the article was written? So, note the date of the
article you have chosen? This is important to consider and address in Section 2. Do
some research about the person or program or subject of your essay as it may affect
your reflection, reaction, and voice on the issue.
What is your voice? Providing your ‘voice’ to the issue, in this section, asks you to
reflect on your personal experiences and surroundings as to how you have come to
understand or feel about the particular issue raised in your chosen article. Include
specific examples in your responses to help clarify your perspective.
Do not introduce information presented by the author in this section, as that is the point
of Section 1. You can simply reference information contained in section 1.
Your reactions, opinions, and/or feelings to such examples are appropriate for this
section