Unit 3 Essay
Write an essay (750 to 1,000 words) that analyzes "Hetch Hetchy Valley, The Yosemite" by John Muir.
You might include your responses to the following in your essay:
- Why do you think Muir wrote this book?
- For what audience did he intend his work?
- What is Muir's tone?
- How does that tone affect your interpretation of his work?
- Are his points relevant to both written and spoken English?
- How do you think the social mores of Muir's era affected the way he chose to make his point?
- Do you think this viewpoint is relevant today?
Feel free to search the Internet to learn more about John Muir's life and work, and some of the social conventions he discusses, to respond more thoroughly to these questions. Use the editorial process we discussed regarding prewriting and academic writing as you write your essay. Remember to incorporate focus, cohesion, and style to make your writing more effective to your audience.
After you have completed your first draft, use the Toulmin method to evaluate your argument (claim, grounds, warrant, qualifier, and rebuttal). Revise your essay as needed. After you have completed your second draft, read your essay aloud to someone else. Revise and edit your work to address any relevant suggestions and questions. As always, remember to properly cite the authors or copyright holders of any material you reference or paraphrase. It can be especially useful to read your work aloud, to yourself or to a friend.
Grading method: Highest grade