Love and Basketball

Specifications: The writing workshop (parts I and II) is due Thursday, July 30, via online submission to Blackboard by11:59 p.m. This writing lab is worth 5% of the final grade.

Part I: You will draft the first two pages of the film/TV research paper. These first two pages should include, at the very minimum, the introduction (including the thesis statement) and the first and second body paragraphs. The body paragraphs can also include the scene analyses completed in weeks 7 and 8. The estimated time for completion of this discussion response is 10 hours.

Critical to the writing workshop is demonstrating that you have revised the introduction and made necessary changes to the thesis statement. Equally important to the writing workshop is composing well-developed paragraphs. If you decide to use either scene analysis #1 or #2, do not simply copy and paste them into the writing workshop. Instead, you should revise them so that they connect and transition smoothly from either the introduction or preceding body paragraph(s). Any use of a popular or scholarly source must provide an MLA in-text citation. Finally, make sure to carefully and thoroughly proofread the writing workshop before submitting it.

As you draft the first two pages of the film/TV research paper, remember that an effective introduction: (1) hooks and orients a reader; (2) presents a question or problem that the essay will address; (3) establishes why the question or problem is interesting and warrants investigation; and (4) clearly and directly states a thesis statement. Remember also that an effective thesis cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” A thesis is not a topic; nor is it a fact; nor is it an opinion. An effective thesis should: (1) tell what you plan to argue; (2) make a definable, arguable claim; and (3) be as clear and specific as possible. Lastly, keep in mind that an effective paragraph contains: (1) a controlling idea (main idea of the paragraph); (2) an explanation of the controlling idea; (3) evidence to support the controlling idea; and (4) completion of the controlling idea (connections to the thesis statement).

Part II: Respond to at least one other student’s writing workshop. Please note the fact that you cannot view a peer’s response until you post your discussion response. Failure to follow the specifications will substantially decrease your grade.

The goal of the peer review is for you to read a classmate’s work carefully and to assess the quality of their work. Below is the rubric that will increase sensitivity to the standards of performance for the film/TV research paper. The objective is to be better at distinguishing subtle but significant differences between achievement that is accomplished and achievement that is exemplary and achievement that is emerging or nascent. Equally important is to provide you with insights as to the strengths and limitations of your film/TV research paper before its final submission on Tuesday, August 4.