Analyzing a Concept Essay
1) Choose a concept in language and/or culture that interests you enough to study further. You could either choose a topic in which you are already an expert or one that you would like to know more about. Your assignment is to write an essay (1,000-1,250 words) explaining this concept to your classmates. Consider carefully what they already might know about the topic/concept and how your essay can add to their knowledge.
2) Remember the four components of writing an explanatory essay:
a) devise a readable plan
b) use appropriate explanatory strategies
c) integrate sources smoothly
d) and engage your readers.
3) Your essay should begin by bridging the gap between your readers and the concept - relate the essay to your audience in the Introduction. Give background information on the topic and give readers a "map" for your essay by writing a clear thesis that tells them your main idea and gives them an outline of your main points. Use explanatory strategies, like examples, anecdotes, etc., to explain the concept.
4) Your "Analyzing a Concepts Essay" should contain at least one outside source, which should be correctly cited within the essay and in a Bibliography.
5) Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
6) Submit the rough draft of the assignment to the Analyzing Concepts Peer Review China's educations