- FOCUS: A Clear Thesis: What argument are you making? Do you have a thesis statement and does it answer the question asked?
- EVIDENCE: For each of your main points, you should be able to use several specific examples. Do you back up your argument adequately with specific information from the reading? Keep in mind Personal opinions are not significant academic arguments. ( i.e. – “ I think”, ‘my opinion’, etc…. It is already your point of view…..) Be sure to cite all quotations (i.e. – (Foner, pp235)
- Coherence: Be sure to demonstrate your comprehension of the reading. Is your argument consistent and understandable throughout the essay?
- Scope: Does your essay deal with the question in an exhaustive complete manner?
Answer the Following:
How did Baldwin characterize and identify White Supremacy in his Nephew’s letter? Later, Baldwin tells his nephew, “We can make America what America must become.” What does Baldwin mean by this? Based on the entirety of the letter and other readings, What do you think Baldwin wanted to communicate MOST to his nephew? Was it his love for him? Was it his desire to keep him safe? Was Baldwin’s letter a lamentation? Considering Dr. King’s “Letter”, how does his use of biblical references inform his position and his argument? Is King writing about justice? Transformation? Reconciliation? All of these? What comparisons can you draw regarding his words and the words of Baldwin? Finally, are both of these messages written in 1963 still relevant and applicable to our lives in America today? Why or why not? (Hints: Obviously, use Baldwin’s and MLK’s text to answer your questions, but also consider the primary sources and media sources, as well as American Yawp to help you answer this question even more completely. [Examples: events of the Civil Rights Movement, Student Protests, etc.]