Essay #2: Exemplification

Assignment:

Purpose: The purpose of this research essay is for you to research a historical
figure who had significance in your academic major or desired career field, or a
social movement or historical event of personal interest for you.

Writing Mode: You will use the exemplification mode to provide clear examples
demonstrating this person’s historical importance. This is not a linear biography.
You will provide examples proving the person’s historical impact on a particular
field or movement.

Research and Content: Deciding on your topic should take you some time. You
will need to do some broad reading about either your major or a social movement
that interests you. After you find out about individuals who were important in this
area, decide which person interests you the most. Please choose someone who
will be relatively unknown to a general audience.

Organization:
Your essay should be organized like this:

1. Introduction: Identify the historical figure and give a broad overview of his or
her life.
2. Thesis statement (last sentence of introduction): In your thesis, sum up the
reasons why this person is important to the particular field or movement he or
she was a part of.
3. Body paragraphs: Using exemplification, give at least three documented
examples that show or explain why this person is significant in this field,
historical event, or movement. You will include at least three body
paragraphs, each one discussing an example.
4. Conclusion: Remind the reader of your person’s overall historical importance,
and include several takeaways from that person’s achievements that still have
an impact today.

Point of View:
 You should be writing in third person (nouns, as well as he, she, they). Do not
use first or second person (such as I or we, or you, your, yours).

Length:
 Your essay must be 600-800 words in length. There will be point deductions for
going significantly over or under the word count.
Outside Sources:
 You will use one to two academic sources from the library databases (not
Google).
 All sources must be properly documented using in-text citations and a Works
Cited page. Both elements of MLA documentation must be included.
 You may not submit an essay that you wrote for a previous class.

Format:
 Your essay should be formatted according to MLA standards for essays,
including using Times New Roman, size 12 font, and giving the essay a
reflective, creative title.

Some Writing Tips:

 Read multiple sources before choosing what to write about. Read with curiosity
and interest; don’t assume you already know the most important contributions
your historical figure made. Be prepared to be surprised.
 Embrace the writing process (brainstorming, drafting, conferences or peer
review, revision).
 Plan to visit the Writing Center and ask for help (even if you don’t think you need
it).
 Ask questions as you go!

Grading:
 This essay will be graded according to the English department rubric.

Submission:
 Submit your final draft in .doc or .docx format to Blackboard by 11:59pm on the
deadline. Please see the course policies and the English department policies for
questions about late work.