Controlling Idea Essay #2 "Dual Consciousness"

Read both passages "Puerto Rico USA" by Rosario Ferre and "The Myth of the Latin Woman" by Judith Ortiz Cofer. Write a controlling idea essay on the idea of "dual consciousness."

definition of dual consciousness: deals with the feeling that one must live in two different worlds at once; he/she must simultaneously embrace two different cultural identities--never feeling as if he/she fits in to either one completely.

Here is the introduction we wrote in class. You can use it for your essay if you like. (The thesis statement is in italics): America has often been seen as the world's "melting pot," where those of different cultures and origins can come together and live as one. However, for those who experience dual consciousness, it is impossible to escape their culture or fully become part of a new one. In both passages, "The Myth of the Latin Woman," and "Puerto Rico, USA," the authors write about the conflict that occurs when those of Latina heritage, attempt to enter and live in mainstream America.

Controlling Idea Essay--Voting

Controlling Idea worksheet

Above is the link to the worksheet we filled out in class to prepare to write the controlling idea essay on Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?" and "Untie His Hands" by Frederick Douglass.

Remember the procedure/purpose of the controlling idea essay is:
*To read both passages and develop a thesis on the given topic
*Give relevant textual examples and citations with sources (NOT PLOT SUMMARY)
*Explain how each piece relates to the thesis
*Discuss literary elements or techniques and how they help they add to meaning

Setting up a Google Account

1.First, go to the Google Homepage (google.com)
2.Next, sign up for an account, fill in your email address (if you do not have one see me). Write down your username and password (make the password memorable).
3.Next, it will ask you to verify the account, which you cannot do from school. This will involves going into your email acct. and opening up the message from google. You will have to do it when you get home tonight (if you have no internet access by fri. see me)
4.Then, go to GoogleDocs and begin typing your essay. It will save it for now.
6.Open up the blog in a separate window (caccamisemhs.blogspot.com)
5. For homework, please make sure you verify your acct., and bring your novel

How to Draft an Essay in 5 Steps

Major Essay Pitfalls to Avoid--Please Take Note!!

1. Do not rewrite the question!
2. Do not use "I" or "In my opinion"
3. Do not take both sides of an argument
4. CLEARLY STATE YOUR THESIS and support it with appropriate examples
5. Explain the examples (why are they significant)
6. Parapharase and use quotation marks if using exact words. (cite correctly)
7. Use transitions (see worksheet---however, since, etc.)
8. Do not give plot summaries of articles/stories
9. READ DIRECTIONS!!!! Use them as a self-editing checklist for yourself