English 102
Fall 2020
Essay 1 Summary – 13th
The Essay Assignment Write an essay of about 1500 words that summarizes Ava DuVernay’s documentary film 13th.
Use quotation, but don’t overuse it – no more than about 15% (about 225) of your essay’s words
Assume that your reader has not seen the film.
Do not use, cite or refer to any source other than the film itself.
Distinguish between facts the film presents and the argument it makes about the origins, causes, characteristics, consequences and future of mass incarceration in the U.S.
How to cite the film and format your essay When you quote a speaker from the film, include the speaker’s name and the approximate time in parentheses. Use MLA style for in-text citation and your Works Cited list. All drafts should be formatted double-spaced, in 12-point type with 1-inch page margins. Include a word count on the last page.
Submitting your work
All assignments should be shared with me on Google Docs when complete. Share your document with access
to comment. Give your document a file name that identifies the assignment and includes your surname (for
example “Mendoza-Essay 1 outline”).
Resources and handouts you will need:
For help finding details within the film see the Chronology of Topics and Themes in 13 th
.
For help identifying speakers in the film see the Guide to Faces and Names in 13 th
.
For help on citation, see How to – Creating a Works Cited for an Online Film
On summary essays, see How to Write a Summary Essay
On outlines, see the handouts What is an outline? and How to create an outline
This assignment document, in downloadable PDF format
Due Dates
Fri Oct. 9 by midnight Formal outline due (5% of essay grade)
To receive full credit, your outline must
include an appropriate thesis statement
use declarative sentences for each heading and subordinate idea in the outline
follow a logical pattern of organization
Thu Oct. 15 by midnight Full draft (5% of essay grade)
To receive full credit, your draft should
be a complete draft – with introductory paragraph and ion
be written in complete sentences and paragraphs
use quotation as needed
an MLA-style Works Cited and in-text citation that names the speaker of words quoted.
Tue Oct. 20 by midnight Final draft (don’t forget in-text citation and the revised Works Cited!)