In a 3-4 page essay, argue for what qualities you believe embody an exemplary life and support/illustrate your argument with examples from our readings, presentations, films, and/or convocations.  In the introduction, define in general terms what it means to have an exemplary life and then formulate a clear thesis in which you list the qualities that make an exemplary life.  Then, in the body define each quality, explain why it is central to an exemplary life, and use the examples/quotations of different people's lives to help us understand your reasoning.  Conclude the essay pointing to a person who you think embodies all or most of your qualities.  Here are a few other tips:

  • As you construct your argument, keep in mind that perfection is not a requirement for exemplarity.

  • Include a correctly formatted works cited page at the end of your essay. 

  • Use a variety of people to illustrate your points (try to use a couple of people for each quality; you may reuse some of them, but aim for variety).

Guidelines:  I WON'T ACCEPT PORTFOLIOS THAT DON'T INCLUDE PRE-WRITING, AT LEAST TWO ROUGH DRAFTS, AND ONE SET OF PEER REVIEWS.

  • Review the books and think about it in terms of your topic .  Make notes on the text so you’ll have quotes that can help you develop your essay.

  • Take time to think about the questions and do some pre-writing (brainstorming, note-taking, outlining, listing, clustering, etc.) before you begin a draft.  DO NOT OMIT THIS STEP.

  • Begin the essay with an introduction that gradually leads in to your thesis.  Don't forget to define any necessary terms in your introduction.

  • Develop the essay with paragraphs that include topic sentences that support your thesis, and evidence (quotations from works) and explanation that supports your topic sentences.  Strive to make connections between main points clear with transitions and explanation.

  • Finish with a conclusion that goes beyond merely re-stating your main points, but reinforces the significance of your topic in terms of the work and the real world.

  • Write 1 or 2 rough drafts and revise them carefully.  Don’t just change grammar/mechanics but improve the content as you revise so you can make a better case.

  • Proofread your final copy before submitting it.

  • Submit your essay and all of your pre-writing work and drafts in a two-pocket folder.  Put your pre-writing and drafts on the left side, and your final essay on the right side.  I will not grade the essay if you do not have pre-writing and at least two rough drafts.

  • Pay special attention to the MLA guidelines for documentation as outlined in The Bedford Handbook.  Make sure to include a works cited and document your sources parenthetically.

DO NOT USE OR CONSULT OUTSIDE SOURCES TO DEVELOP THIS ESSAY WITHOUT MYWRITTEN PERMISSION.  DOING SO CONSTITUTES ACADEMIC DISHONESTY.

Portfolio Items

Left Side

Right Side

1. Pre-writing/invention (bottom) 

1. Final draft (bottom)

2. Labeled drafts with earlier drafts nearer the bottom.

2. Self-evaluation (click)

3 Labeled Peer Review sheet stapled to drafts that were reviewed.

 

click here for format guidelines