When does one become a New Yorker? What object or person most represents New York?

Composition I – Essay#3 – New York City

You have TWO choices for your final paper. Only pick ONE.

Choice 1: “The Colossus of New York” Paper

In his essay “The Colossus of New York”, Colson Whitehead explores the idea of what makes one a New Yorker. You must write a 2-4 page paper answering the question: When does one become a New Yorker? This paper should be at least FOUR paragraphs long in which you introduce the essay and state your thesis in the introductory paragraph, present two supporting paragraphs, and give a “so what?” on why the text matters in the concluding paragraph. It must be double-spaced, 2-4 pages, use 12 pt. Times New Roman font, and follow MLA citation formatting.

Introductory Paragraph:

You should start your paper with a hook to grab your reader’s attention. (Remember, a hook is often a rhetorical question or a thoughtful, relevant quote.) After, you must also introduce the article by stating its title and author. Lastly, state your thesis to end your introductory paragraph. Your thesis should specifically answer the assignment question listed above.

Body Paragraphs:

For the first body/supporting paragraphs, begin with a topic sentence. This paragraph must also have a specific example from “The Colossus of New York” in which Whitehead explains when he believes someone becomes a New Yorker, whether it is a direct quote or a paraphrase. Lastly, after quoting directly from the text you must explain the quote to the reader in your own words.  A body paragraph cannot end with a quote. (REMEMBER THE QUOTE SANDWICH!)

For the second supporting paragraph, state when you believe one becomes a New Yorker.  You can use ‘I’ in this paragraph.

Concluding Paragraph:

Your conclusion must begin with you restating your thesis. You may also briefly summarize the main points of your essay. Lastly, you must give a “so what?” A “so what?” is a short explanation (2-5 sentences) in which you explain to the reader why the topic of your paper is important. This is often done by relating the topic to the reader’s life, a current event, or a real world example.

Choice 2: “The Statue of Liberty’s Beguiling Green” Paper

In his essay “The Statue of Liberty’s Beguiling Green”, Ian Frazier explores the significance of the Statue of Liberty. You must write a 2-4 page paper answering the question: What object or person most represents New York? This paper should be at least FOUR paragraphs long in which you introduce the essay and state your thesis in the introductory paragraph, present two supporting paragraphs, and give a “so what?” on why the text matters in the concluding paragraph. It must be double-spaced, 2-4 pages, use 12 pt. Times New Roman font, and follow MLA citation formatting.

Introductory Paragraph:

You should start your paper with a hook to grab your reader’s attention. (Remember, a hook is often a rhetorical question or a thoughtful, relevant quote.) After, you must also introduce the article by stating its title and author. Lastly, state your thesis to end your introductory paragraph. Your thesis should specifically answer the assignment question listed above.

Body Paragraphs:

For the first body/supporting paragraphs, begin with a topic sentence. This paragraph must also have a specific example from “The Statue of Liberty’s Beguiling Green” which explains  how the Statue of Liberty represents New York, according to Frazier, whether it is a direct quote or a paraphrase. Lastly, after quoting directly from the text you must explain the quote to the reader in your own words.  A body paragraph cannot end with a quote. (REMEMBER THE QUOTE SANDWICH!)

For the second supporting paragraph, state something that you believe represents New York. You can choose anything as long as it’s physically real. (I.E. a building, a street, a monument, a park, a person, a kind of food, etc…)

You can use ‘I’ in this paragraph.

Concluding Paragraph:

Your conclusion must begin with you restating your thesis. You may also briefly summarize the main points of your essay. Lastly, you must give a “so what?” A “so what?” is a short explanation (2-5 sentences) in which you explain to the reader why the topic of your paper is important. This is often done by relating the topic to the reader’s life, a current event, or a real world example.

Outline: “The Colossus of New York” Paper