Both James Baldwin (“If Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me What Is?” p131) and George Orwell (“Politics and the English Language”, p 313) are interested in understanding language as a political instrument. Write an essay in which you examine their views on the politics of language, pointing out their similarities and differences.
You will need to make a very clear argument in the opening paragraph that is sustained with evidence from TWO texts throughout the essay. This is NOT a simple compare/contrast activity. You must make a strong critical connection between the texts you choose.
That is, your paper should include an introduction. Part of your introduction is an argumentative thesis, which you will proceed to prove.
Write about a connection that interests you. The argument and connections are yours to create so be imaginative and invested! In class, we will generate a list of ideas to get you started, but you can also run possible connections by me.
Write 3 pages, plus a works cited page, (4th page).
Your works cited page should include the two articles we are comparing.
Your are not required to include additional references, however, if you do additional reading about the authors or any matter relating to this paper you must cite that reading.
Include in text and citations as well as the works cited at the end.
Assignments must be submitted through Turniting.
Please type using Times New Roman 12 pt. Double space your lines.
Only Word and PDF accepted. Links to Google docs will not be graded
From the English Department:
Detailed Instructions:
In the opening paragraph, this essay should have a strong critical argument that goes beyond surface level observations. You are ARGUING how/why you think these two texts are connected. Introduce the texts the paper will analyze.
If you include a definition you must ciote the dictionary you got the definition from. You are not a dictionary, so don’t make up definitions.
*Tip 1: Identify the texts (titles and authors) you are analyzing and explain the impact or consequences your argument will have for your readers. Be careful to avoid generalizations and stereotypes!
2) The subsequent (body) paragraphs should analyze specific passages from your chosen texts to demonstrate how you’ve arrived at your argument and interpretations.
*Tip 2: Analyze don’t summarize! This is not a book report. Make points throughout the paper that relate to your argument using keywords from your opening paragraph.
3) You will need to incorporate direct quotations from the texts you analyze. These quotes MUST follow MLA citation style. For information on citations, please visit the Purdue OWL (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/).
*Tip 3: Do not allow quotations to overwhelm your essay! For any direct quotation you include, make sure to write an ANALYSIS of the passage that is roughly double the length of the quotation itself.
4) A Works Cited page is required. Please consult the Purdue OWL or a handbook for instructions and formatting. *The Works Cited page is NOT included in your word minimum.
5) Your essay should be no less than 3 pages in length. Use 12 point Times New Roman font and one-inch margins all around. Be sure to include a title and page numbers. Proofread your essay paying attention to sentence mechanics, consistent syntax, style, and grammar.
link to other article that must be used: https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/98/03/29/specials/baldwin-english.html?_r=1
