Letter Writing Assignment

ENG114 Letter Writing Assignment
Due: for The Giver Wed. 2/6; for Pedagogy of the Oppressed Mon.2/25; for Lives on the Boundary Mon. 4/14
**letter should be sent to me via e-mail**
**choose two out of three**
1-2 pages single spaced

Write me a letter responding to the chosen text. The idea driving the letter should be the type of response you have after walking out of a movie viewing experience that you’ve just shared with someone else (or a group of people), and you begin a discussion of the movie by saying (something to the effect of), “Remember that part where such-and-such happened? Well, I found that interesting, disturbing, significant, intriguing, ambiguous, revealing (insert word choice of your own) because…”; therefore, you’ll want to

• Use direct quotes and/or specific details from the text in order to illustrate and support your response, but you can avoid lengthy summarizing because we’ve both read the text.
• Ask difficult and important questions. A letter often invites a response, so you’re opening up dialogue here. But also, attempt to use your writing (and the thinking it allows and entails) to help you come to your own answers.
• Identify moments that the text challenged your way of thinking either about writing in general; that particular genre; the world; your own life, values, belief system, etc.. Tell me about the points you dis/agree with.
• Leave me with a reflection on your own thinking/reading process. Describe your reading experience to me.
• Explain your connections with and to the text.
• Reference any previous conversations (in-class) that we’ve had about the text that are relevant to your current line of thinking.

Any of the in-class responses that you’ve written might be helpful in writing this letter (reminding yourself of specific details and your thoughts/reflections about them).

I suggest that you start by referencing a direct quote or specific passage and work from that point in order to keep a singular focus for your response. (Write more about less; don’t try to cover EVERYTHING).

Begin the letter addressed to me: “Dear Jennifer.” This is to be a casual letter, not a formal/business letter.

Don’t forget to be specific about which text you’re writing about (use author’s last name and page numbers when quoting or paraphrasing).

(√+) A Reading Response letter that demonstrates close and careful reading, has a clear focus, an incisive line of inquiry, works closely with important quotes, and offers readers a thoughtful and engaging reflection on the assigned material. A response that connects to and significantly extends course reading and discussion. The writing is clear, crafted, and has been carefully edited. (A)

(√) A Reading Response letter that demonstrates close and careful reading, has a clear focus, raises important questions and ideas, and offers readers a thoughtful reflection on the assigned material. A response that connects to and extends course reading and discussion. The writing is clear and has been carefully edited. (B)

(√-) A Reading Response letter that fails to demonstrate close reading, lacks focus, or relies too heavily on summary. The writing is unclear, presentation of work is careless, or overall response is superficial or cursory. (C)

(Assignment ideas borrowed and adapted from Prof. Megan Fulwiler)