Essay Activities
After reviewing the resources from this unit, review your Unit 3 essay on John Muir and demonstrate that you know how to use MLA formatting by re-formatting your paper according to MLA standards, and converting all citations and bibliographic entries to MLA style.
Note: If you completed this activity prior to February 28, 2017, you can find your response here. However, the previous version of this activity did have a mistake in its instructions and writing prompt, so it is strongly encouraged that you complete this updated activity.
- In an essay of 1000 to 1300 words, discuss the effects of "social media” on written communication in the first decade of the twenty-first century.
Consider your own experiences with media such as Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, blogs, Twitter, and email as you formulate your argument. Use the prewriting techniques you learned in Unit 1 to focus your topic and refine your thesis. Use research where necessary to bolster your argument and respond to any counterarguments. Be sure to cite and document your research in accordance with MLA style standards.
When you have finished writing your second draft, read it aloud to someone else. Then, revise and edit one more time to address your friend's suggestions and questions.
Tips and Suggestions: Reading aloud to yourself can be useful in finalizing your work when you don't have someone else to edit or grade it for you. As you read, jot notes about anything that doesn't seem to fit logically or that sounds incorrect to you. Although you may work through this course completely independently, you may find it helpful to connect with other Saylor students about this activity through the discussion forums. You may access the discussion forums here.
Note: If you completed this activity prior to February 28, 2017, you can find your response here. However, the previous version of this activity did have a mistake in its instructions and writing prompt, so it is strongly encouraged that you complete this updated activity.