How Would Technology Change The Outcome For Connie

For your first essay, discuss how technology might have changed the story and eventual outcome
for Connie in “Where Are You Going, Where Have you Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates. The story
was published in 1966, before some of the technological advancements many people have today
for communication and safety. (Example: would a Ring video doorbell have potentially deterred
Arnold Friend, or at least helped Connie’s family know what happened?)

Some potential topics to consider with technology:
• Communication (mobile phones, social media profiles, etc.)
• Surveillance and safety (camera systems, doors that can lock via apps, alarm systems

Writing Requirements
Students must meet the minimum word count listed above, and follow the formatting guidelines
below. Additionally, your essay must contain a minimum of two quotes from the text,
properly cited in MLA with a Works Cited sheet at the end of the paper. See Canvas for more
information on MLA and a template.

You don’t need to summarize the story in the essay. You do, however, need a clear
introduction and thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Formatting Requirements
• The upper left-hand corner of the page should state the following information on separate
lines (only on first page):
o Name (first and last)
o Course (English Composition II)
o Assignment title (Essay 1)
o Date (Month, day, 2020)
• Standard MLA formatting:
o Times New Roman font
o 12 pt font
o Normal margins (1 each on each side, top, and bottom)
o Double spacing throughout
o Page numbers in the bottom right-hand corner (also in Times New Roman)
• No spelling errors (please use spell check in MS Word before submitting)

Area to be Evaluated % of Grade
Meets Content and Length Goals
Engagement with prompt and meeting
minimum word count
20%
Uses Specific Examples
Uses a minimum of 2 specific examples from
the short story, cited correctly in MLA format
with a Works Cited page at the end.
40%
Follows Essay Formatting Guidelines
Essay follows formatting requirements and
has used spell check
30%
Creativity and Overall Impact
Essay is expressive and answers the prompt
creatively
10%
General Comments and Grade
Total: 100%